Plasma - Should I Build?

[Geordiepom]

About 8 months ago I bought a nice CNC router which was built by a guy not far from where I live. Since then I have slowly built up my aluminium milling business to the extent where I'm thinking of expanding in the next few months.

Through business contacts I've had several people asking me to do jobs better suited to a plasma setup.

I don't want to use my existing machine as it is set up for my little "niche market". Plus I've been advised that steppers are better than servos for plasma (less sensitive).

Sooo, my question is: Do I build or do I buy? If I build I can do it as time and funds allow. BUT my fear is learning things like feed speeds, torch heights and lots of other variables in relation to materials and thicknesses. I mangled a fair bit of aluminium whilst learning to use my current machine and the thought of going through that on a larger scale is daunting.

[Big John T]

You sound too scared to try and build a machine. You should buy one have someone install it and hire someone to run it.

John

[sanjiv]

how old you are ?

[Big John T]

Are you asking me?

John

[DSL PWR]

Well feeds, torch distance, and amp settings are all well documented for most torches. They are all good starting points, and in my experiance it is easier to plasma cut than it is to mill. As long as you are going on the slow side the worst that will happen is you have a little extra slag to deal with and your consumable life will be lower. These days the it is quite easy to do the electronics, as several companies supply a complete kit. As long as you feel comfortable building the frame and gantry I say go for it! On my table I used the plasma package from http://www.candcnc.com/ . The support over there is second to none.

[cam1]

Try Fastcut CNC they manufacture a really nice gantry style system,and you can just purchase the gantry and servos, you make the table.(a model specifically designed for export)

cheers

[millman52]

If you go the, build it yourself route, There is plenty of information here to guide you with a build project. If you are running a router table already you have the largest learning curve over with. Learning the software. You can build a fine table using all new components for less than 1/2 the price of most plasma table kits. let alone a complete pre built table. If you choose the right electronics suppliers. You'll have equal to pre built table support on those products.

You didn't mention what machine controller you are using on your router. If it's Mach3 even better.

A plasma machine doesn't need to be nearly as rigid as a router because there are no cutting forces to have to counteract.

In my opinion there is no need at all to use anything but steppers. Enough speed for plasma, simple to set up , cheap to buy.

[Geordiepom]

Thanks for all your replies you are all very helpful apart from Little Johnny Thornton (every forum has its trolls I suppose).

I am running Mach 3 on my current table and can now find my way around it pretty well. The electronics and servos were built and supplied by http://www.lowcostcncretrofits.com and I would certainly recommend them to anyone.

Millman - good point on the cutting forces with regard to table rigidity, should keep costs down. Cam1 - I like the idea of being able to buy a seperate gantry and motors and I will look into it. DSL PWR your opinion about plasma being easier than milling is VERY encouraging. Sanjiv - I understand you having to ask John how old he is, his wasn't really the kind of reply one would expect on here.
And finally Little John T - I hope your next sh!t is a porcupine.

[Big John T]

Originally Posted by Geordiepom Thanks for all your replies you are all very helpful apart from Little Johnny Thornton (every forum has its trolls I suppose). I am running Mach 3 on my current table and can now find my way around it pretty well. The electronics and servos were built and supplied by http://www.lowcostcncretrofits.com and I would certainly recommend them to anyone. Millman - good point on the cutting forces with regard to table rigidity, should keep costs down. Cam1 - I like the idea of being able to buy a seperate gantry and motors and I will look into it. DSL PWR your opinion about plasma being easier than milling is VERY encouraging. Sanjiv - I understand you having to ask John how old he is, his wasn't really the kind of reply one would expect on here. And finally Little John T - I hope your next sh!t is a porcupine.

Now your just being ugly... I just restated what you said... You were scared of everything so how could you possibly build a CNC machine... and how do you expect anyone to answer the question for you as should I build or not. How are we to know your skill level and equipment that you have available. The only person that can answer that question it yourself. My reply was just shy of being as silly as your question.

So what was the point of calling me by name? Did you get a thrill from it?

Go take a hike!
John