help in starting

[chopper14]

hi all
I am wanting help in starting a plamsa / gas (flame as usa calls it)cnc table.I been reading a lot of stuff in here.
What i come up with is 3 axis system package 425 oz-in stepper ,KL5042 driver,kl150-24/24v 6.3a,c10 bidirectional breakout board,mach 3
what you think.
I dont no much about pc stuff but have a bit to do with john deere computers and controlers on tractors
What i would llike is help software and hardware etc i dont realy need help on making the table.
table size would be 1200mm x 2400mm
I have computer,plasma,gas,and all the workshop stuff to bluid the table
I been thinking of belt or chain drive and is the package stuff the way to go are the 425 stepper to big?

[massajamesb]

I drove my X (heavier) axis with one of those motors you mentioned, both with chain drive, and later with gear rack and spur gear. Those motors will work fine for what you are doing. As far as software goes for plasma/flame cutting goes, you have to have a way to generate or design a part. Any CAD program that will output a dxf file will work, for inexpensive or cheap CAD programs, try www.a9cad.com or www.deltacad.com
For the CAM side of it (duplicate parts, add preheat or pierce delay, do kerf offset, etc.) try www.sheetcam.com, that is (in my opinion) the best low cost plasma/flame cutting software out there, plus you can download the demo for free to try it out. The owner is always improving and updating it, and adding more features. The best part is that it is extremely easy to use.

For a controller software, many use Mach3, www.artofcnc.com, but I personally use Quickstep4,http://cpwojcik.home.att.net/Qstep/Quickstep_CNCx.html
which is very inexpensive and easy to use as well.

Feel free to look around the Zone here, and look at others build logs, completed machines, and final products. There are a multitude of DIY plasma guys here.

[millman52]

I am currently under construction on a dual purpose Oxy,Fuel/Plasma table. the following link will take you to the beginning of my build log. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31133 I am not suggesting that you copy what I am building. Only there may be some ideas there for you. There are many great looking home built tables on here. I suggest you take time to look through all plasma table build logs, as well as router builds. Router tables sometimes are built a bit more rigid because of forces necessary to keep a router stable while cutting forces (Side loads) are at work. You should find plenty of information to choose your own direction.

Although you already have a good start on your electronics you might want to take a look at what www.CandCNC.com has to offer. You will also find many advertisements poping up on the Zone. Many of them with pricing. www.mcmastercarr.com carries lots of items useful also. I don't know what your situation is with import tarrifs etc. Keep that in mind when weighing price of mail order versus what you may be able to pick up locally.

[chopper14]

So am i correct here in saying that i need q cad program (eg Deltacad) then that program design the parts.
Then you use cam (eg sheetcam) to plain part on the steel.
Then use mach3 or Quickstep4 to tell the breakout board to move the stepper motor were to go and cut your part out.
If so what i need is Deltacad,sheetcam,quickstep4,keling 3 axis system package that listed above in thead #1 and i all set to get started?
Most out the stuff i be doing are brackets (profile cuts)
If i use all the stuff as adove how accurate is it going to be if i have the best table out there?
Any input would be a big help

[millman52]

What you have stated above is pretty much correct as far as the electronics go. (simplified but correct)

If your table is accurate (no backlash, racking etc) you should be able to produce parts within 1/16"-1/32"

[massajamesb]

Yes. That will work.
Some people prefer Mach3 www.artofcnc.com to run their machine instead of Quickstep, but I like the price and how easy it is to use.
Mach does do more and has more features than Quickstep, but costs more.
That one is up to you.

If you are buying a really nice, well built table, you can expect to have nice cuts and good parts.
If you build your own table, it will only cut as nice as you build it.
Spend a decent amount of money on it, and have great cuts. Spend nothing on it, and you will definately get what you pay for.

Accuracy is dependant on the machine you buy or build.

[chopper14]

Hi again
Can i control the touch heigh in mach3 and the stuff that i am thinking of using.
or do i have to and get the thc1000 In other word what is thc
what is crb when you talking steel?

[chopper14]

Another problem i have is the power supply here is 240vac not 110vac
any help in this area if i get a package from the usa

[massajamesb]

Originally Posted by chopper14 Hi again Can i control the touch heigh in mach3 and the stuff that i am thinking of using. or do i have to and get the thc1000 In other word what is thc what is crb when you talking steel?

You can control anything in Mach. It is all processable in that program

You don't have to use a THC (torch height control) to control your torch, but if you cut a lot of thinner metals, then I suggest it. You can control your torch up/down with a normal Z axis.

The Candcnc Mp1000 you speak of is just the best unit you can buy. There are others available, such as the Campbell Designs unit, Torchmate, etc.
Tom (Torchhead) can tell you more about his product than I can

CRB= cold roll bar.

[massajamesb]

Originally Posted by chopper14 Another problem i have is the power supply here is 240vac not 110vac any help in this area if i get a package from the usa

If you look into Candcnc products, I think he has a 240 volt option.

Normal driver boards, motors, etc. Are Dc voltage powered, so you would just have to get the right AC to DC power supply.

[Weldtutor]

Originally Posted by chopper14 what is crb when you talking steel?

In another thread here at CNCzone a member referred to (CRB) Cold Rolled Bar being used for a guide rail on a plasma table.

A more common term is CRS for Cold Rolled Steel that is accurately sized, stiffer, & has a cleaner finish than HRS hot rolled steel.

Oops, you beat me Massa.

[massajamesb]

Originally Posted by Weldtutor Oops, you beat me Massa.

I didn't know we were in a race?