Axis R ready to rock!

[Steve Crum]

The bain of my existance for some time now, easy diametrical cutting on a plasma table Solution? build a rolling axis. I have this made up primarily out of scrap I've accumulated. I can chuck upto 6" diameter and upto 8' of length depending on what length Kindorf rails I use. I made a "sidearm" for the Z axis so it is not directly over the cutting, this sidearm carries the torch.
The axis is operated from the X axis programming and is geared to operate on the same programming thus to mimic the X axis only in rotation. The Y axis is still fully operational for longitude cuts. As far as the X axis, it stays stationary and when the R axis is ordered to move, the work piece rotates under the stationary torch. When I'm done and want to return to normal table operation I can un-plug the R axis and plug the X axis back in and hang the entire 55 pound R axis on the wall beside the table.

[harryn]

Hi, neat setup.

If I understand your setup, now you can for instance take a piece of stock 6 inches in diameter and cut it down to 5 inches dia ?

Can it also make more complex shapes, like sort of a thread like shape ?

Thanks

Harry

[Steve Crum]

Originally Posted by harryn Hi, neat setup. If I understand your setup, now you can for instance take a piece of stock 6 inches in diameter and cut it down to 5 inches dia ? Can it also make more complex shapes, like sort of a thread like shape ? Thanks Harry

Hi Harry, I'm pretty sure this could be used almost like a lathe if one were so inclined. However that's not the intent. I build custom exhaust systems so I wanted something I could plasma cut heat shields and other tubular components on. I should be very able to make and infinent variety of artistic cuts in tubular pieces depending on how I program. I'm using BobCadcam V-21 and the BobArt Pro-X art programming. I just wanted to be able to cut in a tube the same as I can cut on a flat sheet..