Which package deal is best...

[edwardpic]

We are building a 5x10 plasma table. I came across this website and they seem to have great package deal prices. Just not sure which would work, they have servo and stepper packages.
Heres the link: http://www.lowcostcncretrofits.com/index.html

Any help guys would be great. On the customer picture page the table we want to mirror is halfway down and is the 4x10 yellow machine.

Thanks in advance

Ed

mrtrevor124@aol.com

[mlaws1172]

ed
I would contact CandCNC, they have a really nice plasma setup. They can help you put togethor a package setup including THC.

The support from these people can't be beat and they use all the common parts.

mike laws

[edwardpic]

thanks Mike,
I looked at their site and the handheld controller looks kind of thrown together. Figured we are going with Bob Cambells THC. Nothing againt CandCNC but I was looking for a set-up that had the correct motors, controller etc. We have a quote of $2,300 for: power supply, controller, wiring, motors and software, all in very clean looking plastic enclosures. I have the table already laid out in Cad, trying to figure out a linear rail for the gantry.

Ed

[mlaws1172]

Ed
I went with round linear rails with supports but if I had it to over I would go with the twin vee rails (not sure of the name). They are a lot cheaper and run very smooth.
mike laws

ps: CandCnc makes Campbells boards

[Torchhead]

Bob Campbell's THC300 is my original analog design. It works fine (better than some of the products costing 5 times as much). It lacks some of the advanced features like the ability to preset tip volts and to control the votlage while cutting from the front panel or from MACH3 but the price is right. I do the support for both models. I have to admit the MPG-01 is not much of a pendant. I am trying to phase it out but people keep ordering it. As long as you select a system that uses MACH3 you will have a much more impressive option for a pendant/handwheel from us in the Fall.

Tom Caudle
www.CandCNC.com

[Torchhead]

BTW if you are going to buy the Logitrol package we have an adapter card that lets our MP1000-THC plug directly into the Logitrol box (DB25) to use the buffered Step & direction signals from our controller and to use the THC and opto isolated inputs in our box. We have several other users using their power supply and control box. All connections to the MP1000-THC are via standard DB25 or DB9 shielded cables.

[edwardpic]

thank you all for the information so far. I have found a dual X and X, Y, and Z conroller, power supply and with all the motors plug and play wiring and the Mach III software for $2,300.
Probably can get it cheaper by buying seperate parts, but looks like I will definately go with the MP1000 THC, and if its pulg and play with the Mach III even better.
5X10 table. I have pics of the table I want to build, but dont know how to post here for opinions on that table. I did email the guy that built it and hopefully he can get me better pictures and a parts list. I have milling machine, 80 ton press brake and a 8ft shear here so making the table and brackets is a breeze.

Ok let me know if the pictures worked, figured out while typing

Ed

[edwardpic]

ok heres the last 2


Ed

[mlaws1172]

Nice looking table and should straight forward to build. One thing not shown is some way to get rid of the smoke. If you go with a down draft plenum figure about 50 cfm per sq. ft. of table top surface. Then remember to have a way to get the air back in the shop.
mike

[edwardpic]

Yea, we figured that as well. We have a 24" Axial paint booth fan just laying the in the corner we will use. We went through this when we wanted a powdercoat oven and they wanted 10K for a 4x4x6, so we built one for 1300. If anyone wants pics,part numbers, wiring for that no problem, email me and Ill provide.
So I figure instead of spending 18K to 35K on a table Ill build one. The table is a breeze, learning the software, and the gantry especially is what has me asking lots of questions. Dont want to build a "creeker" table (Florida slang for aba dabba) I use AutoCad 2005 now, but have never dealt with G code or CNC software. I forsee many weekends of trial and error as well as computer screen staring ahead.
Great forum, and thanks to all for the help so far. Going to price the steel today for the table, wish me luck with steel pricing going up 200% since 2003

Ed

[edwardpic]

Ok need some info so i can price the gear rack. What pitch and TPI do you guys recomend from experience. From what I gather so far, the dual X motors will be direct driven to the gear rack. The X axis will be a 3:1 reduction. Heres the questions:
1-what size spur gear for the X axis motors.
2-wher do I find the belts and reduction gears for the Y axis motor.
3-do I need reduction on the Z axis
I found a linear slide for the Z axis on ebay, has 8 inshes of travel and the motor bolts right on with a coupler to connect the ballscrew to the motor.

Let me know if I am going in the right direction and can help with the few questions I have posted.

Ed