Tube coping for cnc plasma

[massajamesb]

http://metalgeek.com/static/cope.pcgi

This is something I have almost forgotten about, it is a simple program that aids in coping and notching tubing. You enter the tube size that is to be cut, the angle of cope, and the size of tube to be fitted to, and it then draws the cope out as a line that can be printed out, wrapped around the tubing, and then cut.

The really great part, and the reason I put this in the cnc plasma section is that there is a built-in Gcode converter.

I know, I know. It isn't a cnc plasma machine. But, for those that use one, it is a great time saver.
Hope that some of you can use it.

[accuratemike]

I think I have seen a CNC tube coper. Turned the tube and moved the torch to make the copes. If you came up with a stepper tube turner, and could calculate steps/inch of circumference it wouldn't be that hard. At least untill you put the first bend in the tube. MIKE

[massajamesb]

Well, for radius arms, ladder bars, panhard bars, fence pipe, etc. it would be great. When the piece needs bending, well, that is a whole 'nother story.

I would think it would be easy to setup. Get an old lathe chuck or something to clamp the tube in, spin it with a stepper with some gear reduction, and plug it in as your "Y" axis.

[Mike@Torchmate]

Originally Posted by accuratemike I think I have seen a CNC tube coper. Turned the tube and moved the torch to make the copes. If you came up with a stepper tube turner, and could calculate steps/inch of circumference it wouldn't be that hard. At least untill you put the first bend in the tube. MIKE

Yes, we offer a tube cutting attachment to any of our Torchmate machines that you can take this g-code directly to our machine and cut it (with some minor g-code changes that you will have to put in yourself) or save the HPGL file as a .plt file and take it into our Torchmate CAD software to edit it.

Pictures can be found here: http://torchmate.com/tm_accessories.htm

[blackhollowmfg]

Originally Posted by massajamesb http://metalgeek.com/static/cope.pcgi

Do you know of any other programs like this one that would calculate for larger diameter pipe, like 15" or 16" O.D.?

[massajamesb]

Originally Posted by blackhollowmfg Do you know of any other programs like this one that would calculate for larger diameter pipe, like 15" or 16" O.D.?

I don't think calculating it would be the problem, I think turning it would be!
On something like that, I see people use larger torch bevelers that mount to the pipe. I forget the real, technical name for them.

[blackhollowmfg]

Not so much for turning them, but to be able to print the cope outline on the plotter to wrap the pipe with. We make some funky pipe tee's and diverter valves once in a while, usually on pipe anywhere from 12" up to a 36" piece we did recently. Tying to figure out the cope on some of those big ones can lead to alot of smoke exiting the ears!

[Mike@Torchmate]

It seems that the DOS program calculates for larger then 10" dimensions, have you tried that?

[blackhollowmfg]

Hmmm, I missed that way down there. Thanks for pointing that out!

[massajamesb]

Originally Posted by Mike@Torchmate It seems that the DOS program calculates for larger then 10" dimensions, have you tried that?

That's better than my advice. I was just going to tell him to go to Home Depot and get a 14" hole saw

[blackhollowmfg]

LOL!! Here's usually what happens when I go to my local Home Depot = Knowing that place, they would probably say something like "We only sell whole saws, not partial ones."

[massajamesb]

Originally Posted by blackhollowmfg LOL!! Here's usually what happens when I go to my local Home Depot =

Just for fun you should go ask. Mass hilarities will ensue.
Then go into the electrical department and ask for a 440 volt double phase breaker. Tell them it has to be slow blow.
I love going there when I am having a bad day, I can always entertain myself.