My PlasmaBot

[tulsaturbo]

I've been on this board a while so decided to share some pictures of my small cnc plasma cutting machine. I don't have much room in my shop so this little machine has been a blessing as it has fulfilled my current needs. It was originally a portable unit but I have recently upgraded to adding legs and enclosing the table frame. The plasma cutting slat supports were added to the inside portion of the table frame assembly. This will allow to "bow" the support rails when placing them inside to keep them rigid. I should be able to now switch easily between a router for wood work and plasma for steel cutting just by adding/removing a tabletop. This machine has a cutting area of 29" x 29". Rack & pinion on all 3 axis utilizing dual motors on the gantry. Six inches of Z axis travel with built in "float" for "touch and go" cutting. Electronics is the G540 controlled by Mach3, Hypertherm PowerMax 45 Plasma Cutter.

Recently purchased the LCTHC from CandCNC. Hoping to get it installed soon when I get some free time... In the process of making the water tray for this machine as well. I'll have more pics soon...

[Boogiemanz1]

Tulsa Turbo, where are you located? Are you a muffler shop? I saw the bender. I live south of Bixby. Im gathering parts for my table now I have the 4 axis blade runner package from CandCNC, and some of my gantry parts............john brown Boogiemanz1@Yahoo.com

[tulsaturbo]

Hi John. Nah, I don't own a muffler shop just my own garage/hobby shop. I enjoy passing the time, when I have time that is, working on old toyotas and mazda rotaries.

I'm located in Broken Arrow. If you want to meetup sometime and discuss cnc stuff, just shoot me a pm.

[tulsaturbo]

Finally got around to installing a water tray. This will definitely cut down on the dust and mess this winter...

[Boogiemanz1]

Table is looking good, I'd like to come look at it some evening.........jb

[tulsaturbo]

Originally Posted by Boogiemanz1 Table is looking good, I'd like to come look at it some evening.........jb

I'm on vacation this week if you want to drop by. Just give me a ring or drop a private message here as I get terrible cell phone reception when I'm in the shop. I would like to check out your new build as well...

I did get to put in the treated water mix into the tray. It took 17 gallons. Afterwards I had to cut out a couple of parts from 1/4" steel which worked out perfect to test out the tray. All I can say is "Why did I wait so long to make the water tray"...

No more having to roll the machine outside to cut! I'm currently putting together the "Low Cost Torch Height Control System". Hopefully I can it all wired up while I'm on vacation. The last couple of days was chalked up as a loss "not able to play in the shop" recovering from a major computer crash but all is good now.

[tulsaturbo]

I decided I wanted another controller which will be used strictly for the plasma machine so I gave myself a christmas present (a new G540 and power supply) I had been sharing my original G540 controller between three cnc machines. It only made sense for me to go that route with the addition of a torch height control system that I'm currently wiring up.

So with that said, I decided that a new control box was in order. I wanted something cheap, simple and portable. This is what I came up with so far ($20 harbor freight metal tool box). I took the tool tray and cut off the handle portion and set it upside down in the box. Worked out better than I expected.

I should have the basic wiring finished up by tomorrow so I can test it. I'm still waiting on the emergency stop switch to arrive in the mail...

[Boogiemanz1]

I'm going to be out of town tuesday, but I will PM you as soon as I can. I had the idea to build a smaller lighter weight machine first, then go with a larger one if I needed to. The overgroovin' instinct kicked in and I'm still buying parts instead of cutting metal. I am very intrested in your machine.........jb

[tulsaturbo]

I've been wanting a plate marker so I decided to finally fab one up. To do it the way I wanted required changing the Z axis plate a little by adding mounts for the plate marker attachment. The plate marker will consist of mainly a sliding support plate (for adjustments) onto which a small linear rail and air actuator will mount on. I still have to fabricate the plate for the marker that will mount onto the linear rail block. I will post more picture as I progress further on this little project.

Here is what I have so far:

[Boogiemanz1]

Hi John. let me know when you get that going. I'd like to see it in action. as soon as the rest of the parts get here I'm ready to start on my table...........jb

[winegar]

shot you a pm!.... Would you be so kind as to show how your X-axis bearing rides, and how your motors mount?.... Those brackets, are they steel or aluminum?... Thanks a bunch!

[tulsaturbo]

Originally Posted by winegar shot you a pm!.... Would you be so kind as to show how your X-axis bearing rides, and how your motors mount?....

The plasmabot is a early prototype. I have since upgraded the drive rack from 1/4" to 1/2" as shown in the image. You can see the upgraded version which I use with a router here:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/862803-post1.html



The v-grooved wheels ride on a precision machined aluminum anodized rail with hardened embedded steel races as shown in the image.

Those brackets, are they steel or aluminum?... Thanks a bunch!

All brackets and support rails are steel.