CNC Waterjet

[foamcutter]

This may not be the appropriate forum for this, sorry. I am looking at the possibility of trying to build a Homebrew Waterjet system. Has anyone come across any DIY waterjet sites or any good sites to research to build a homebrew waterjet cutting and engraving system? Anyone have any good practical experience on a waterjet system? Any help is appreciated Thanks Ron

[vacpress]

foamcutter - like any diy project - find out as much as you can about commercial waterjets.

i dont know anything specific, but if i wanted to... i would..

1-read a bunch from pages of manufacturerers. try and figure out the main components.. i would guess its a compressor, pressure lines, solenoid valves, a super strong nozzle, etc. make a list.

i would think such a tool has to be made of metal, and probably for an 8x4' would be from 3000+ depending on what you do..

[ger21]

I believe I've heard that there is a yahoo waterjet group that may give you some good info.

[teilhardo]

I saw one at westec in LA a few weeks ago. It would be no small task building one. They use huge pistons so that you can get the water up to 60k psi. Plus the whole "table" is more like a pool that cushions the water blast

[marvinstov]

Check out http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/grou...uid=139939330.

or http://www.waterjets.org/


Marv

[TyRex]

hmmmm, now I have something else to add to my rapidly growing "wanted list" of machines

[foamcutter]

Thanks for the replies guys. I found the yahoo group and joined so we will see what comes from there. I also checked out the waterjets.org site looks like a lot of good info there.

teilhardo, the "table" is easy to build, it is the same as a plasma or pattern torch table. The are like two big pans, one up-side-down inside the other. Fill about half full with water then have a air inlet on the up-side-down pan and pump air into it to make the water rise to the level you want. I have worked with one of them before. When you first encounter one they seem complex but are amaizingly simple.

My main questions are about the nozzle and feeding the abrasive into the water jet streem. How to regulate the pressure. How much pressure is needed etc. I just want to build a small one to see if it will do what I want, then will work on final design.

We have a company here in the area that has a big one, thought I would try to get a tour of how it works and etc. Anyway keep the thoughts comming and I will keep you all posted. There are some really amazing things that can be done with waterjet, or abrasive waterjet. Ron

[vacpress]

i just checked the harbor freight catalog - no 60,000psi compressors.


i have a design for a waterjet in my head now. it involves a smallish AC motor driving a hydralic pump, driving the BIGGEST, most unholly used pneumatic\hydralic piston you can find\support in your facility. this can be driving water in a high-pressure steel vessel that feeds into a small nozzle. i dunno.

i have never seen a waterjet cutter in action. you plan on using this thing to cut thick steel or something like that?

[chuckknigh]

What about just using a pressure washer? I know mine'll cut into the wood on my deck, even at a pretty good feed rate. Surely it'd cut through foam and softer woods like Balsa, with relative ease.

-- Chuck Knight

[whiteriver]

I get steel cut all the time on a waterjet. 60,000 psi with the ability to cut 10" steel in one pass is a nice option to have in ones shop. But not practical. They are huge and noisy and messy. A home pressure washer with 2000 to 3500 psi won't even scratch steel.

Donny

[foamcutter]

vacpress, actually I am wanting to cut and engrave on stone, anything from soapstone to granite. Check out the waterjets.org site, there are lots of photos and info. Looks like they will work, depending on what your cutting, from about 20K to 60K as a max. I guess at above 60K most of the parts start to fatigue very quickly.

Chuck I have considered a pressure washer, am needing to check out their pressure and volume. It's a good idea but not sure they will have enough volume and pressure.

From what I have found so far the biggest challenge will be the pressure pump and the "Jewel" that's the really small ruby orifice the water goes thru and the focus tube. There are companies that produce all three, it's just a matter of finding the right ones within a reasonable cost. Also finding the correct size to work for what I want. Then putting it all together and make it work. Lots more research and hunting. Ron

[teilhardo]

I think Vac is on the right track. There is a hydraulic pump that drives a HUGE piston and cylinder into that small orifice. Its a pretty neat way of cutting things...