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[MBG]

Okay.. after my first table I scratched that idea.

Now, I am back to the drawing board.


Anybody have any cnc plasma blueprints?

[tmbg]

I'll be drawing some after I finish my mini-router... Maybe we could do a group design

[MBG]

Originally Posted by tmbg I'll be drawing some after I finish my mini-router... Maybe we could do a group design

Okay!.

I am looking for a 4x4 table

What are you planning on what size?

[tmbg]

4x4 is what I had in mind as well.

What do you have in mind for linear bearings and drive systems?

[MBG]

Originally Posted by tmbg 4x4 is what I had in mind as well. What do you have in mind for linear bearings and drive systems?

THK bearings?

From what I remember I was going to go "slides" I am not sure it is a while ago.

I wanted servo motors though. I know they are a lot more money then steppers.

I might be building this machine for overkill. I am not sure.



What about you?

[MBG]

But to be honest with you.

I might be happy with just running steppers making an el cheapo one for the first machine to learn.

Do you know the plasmaCNC machines? Those have steppers and seem to run just fine.

[tmbg]

Servos vs steppers almost doesn't matter. It's so easy to switch between the two once it's running. I'll probably start with steppers because I'm familiar and comfortable with them, and they're cheap.

As for linear bearings, THK rails are great, but they're VERY expensive unless you just work around whatever you can get on ebay. Plus, THK bearings are incredibly strong, but there are no cutting forces on a plasma table, so that might again be overkill.

I was thinking about maybe experimenting with skate bearing trucks on flat bar for that machine. Probably drive it from one side with either a screw or a belt, and use a cable arrangement to keep the gantry square.

[arizonavideo]

For the Z you can always find a short LR on ebay for less than $30. You only need one cart and rail.

For the Y you might look at this place.

http://www.automation-overstock.com/...ts.asp?cat=101

I have used them and they are fine. A single 15mm 1200mm rail and cart is about $100.

For the X perhaps some V grove wheels would work OK.

http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/v-groovewheel2.aspx

[MBG]

Originally Posted by tmbg Servos vs steppers almost doesn't matter. It's so easy to switch between the two once it's running. I'll probably start with steppers because I'm familiar and comfortable with them, and they're cheap. As for linear bearings, THK rails are great, but they're VERY expensive unless you just work around whatever you can get on ebay. Plus, THK bearings are incredibly strong, but there are no cutting forces on a plasma table, so that might again be overkill. I was thinking about maybe experimenting with skate bearing trucks on flat bar for that machine. Probably drive it from one side with either a screw or a belt, and use a cable arrangement to keep the gantry square.

For my last build I was thinking of using skate bearings also.

I agree with no forces and the THK being overkil.


I will be in atlanta next week. We should meet up.