My dirt cheap torch table

[massajamesb]

I finally got some pics together of my cheapo cnc oxyfuel table. Be forwarned, there is nothing special about my table. It is of the simplest design I could come up with, I have a total of 550 bucks in it. I am going to build another Y axis piece, so I will have Zaxis eventually. I use this to build chassis and suspension pieces, so I was in a bit of a hurry to get it together. She aint gonna win any beauty pageants, but I get consistent parts, rapids upwards of 300 IPM ( useful when a plasma is attached), and NO MORE HAND TORCHING. I will probably use this machine to build the parts for my next table, but it works for now. I am running
Software:
Deltacad for drawing freebie
Quickstep3 for controller software 55 bucks

Breakout board
Hubbardcnc off Ebay, has built in relays for torch 55 bucks

Motors and drives
Gecko 201 (had Hobbycnc, saving them for something else, though they did work)on X and Y 105 ea x2
Keling Inc 425 ozin parallel bipolar motor dual driving X 45 bucks
Powermax II 200 ozin parallel bipolar driving Y 25 bucks

Linear motion is provided by
www.vxb.com bearings, bought 32 cheapies for about 10 bucks
www.surpluscenter.com all the roller chain, sprockets, idler sprockets, etc. 100 bucks

Ebay power supply. 15 bucks

Ebay machine torch 50 bucks.

all the metal was courtesy of my shop neighbor, who is a metal recycler.
The only other thing that put me over 550 bucks was my flea market computer, 15 bucks.
Again, I know she aint much to look at, but I stay too busy to put too much time into building it exactly how I wanted it. I am trying to get everything running perfect in Quickstep3, so I can post up some parts.

I am really just posting this up to show everyone that you don't have to have a huge budget to build a working machine. Paint will probably never touch it, I don't even have a great slat support system. But, again, it cuts the same part everytime, exactly like I drew it. Slag is minimal, as I am getting heat, tip size, and travel speed learned little by little. Hope some one enjoys it as much as I do.
It must be noted that the arc'd cut shown was the result of the preheat and flame pics shown, the kerf is about .07. Only problem was, I ran out of oxygen while cutting. You can see that in the piercing pic.

[motomitch1]

Thats a really nice low budget torch table.

[massajamesb]

Thank you. It doesn't take my breath away when I look at it, but, hey, I can't complain!

[Weldtutor]

Originally Posted by massajamesb I finally got some pics together of my cheapo cnc oxyfuel table. It is of the simplest design I could come up with,

Great project Massajamesb.
Congratulations, all of your study has paid off for you.
Thanks for sharing the photos & build details!

[Beetman05]

Nice job Massajamesb and thanks for sharing pictures.

Beetman05

[massajamesb]

Thank you Beetman. Your table is was the deciding factor in going with roller chain, and I will say that the end result was quite satisfactory. Although, I will have to say, I hope to build one as nice looking as yours next. I may still "pretty" mine up as I go along, but right now my time is slim, so a chance to build a plasma table as nice as yours is off in the distance . I am happy to say that my table has been running 4-5 hours a day with no problems, other than I still need to build a better slat support system. I appreciate all the help other Zone members have given, as it has all been instrumental in the planning and assembly of my project.

[massajamesb]

Here is an update on the machine. I can't leave well enough alone, so I took all the chain off and went with timing belt and pulley, and then gear rack and spur gear. I have also built a Z axis, but it is not on the machine yet. Here are a couple videos of the machine running a part file.
No, it is not pretty yet. Although, the one I am building at the moment is.....




now I just gotta put that new Thermal Dynamics torch on!

[Weldtutor]

Originally Posted by massajamesb Here is an update on the machine. Here are a couple videos of the machine running a part file.

You are "moving" right along with the machine modifications.
In the video doing the tracing, is the pen floating, or spring loaded, or in a fixed Z position?

Congrats on the new moderator position.

Is there a source for that great new avatar? It looks great!

[massajamesb]

Originally Posted by Weldtutor You are "moving" right along with the machine modifications. In the video doing the tracing, is the pen floating, or spring loaded, or in a fixed Z position? Congrats on the new moderator position. Is there a source for that great new avatar? It looks great!

Thanks Weldtutor. I have you to thank, along with several others for the knowledge I have gained.
I am building a Z and should have it on quickly.

Now if I could just figure out what I am supposed to moderate.....
If you want, just right click on the avatar, save to computer. Freebie.

[accuratemike]

I bumped into the pics when I saw your thread at the top of the page. You didn't tell me they were up! Since 9-06! Welcome to the dirt cheap oxy/fuel torch table club (I think we are in a small one). I use mine as much as I can. (sometimes I just think of things to do with it) .
For those who don't remember mine:
Homemade CNC Torch
Enjoy dirt cheap oxy/fuel torch table-ing
MIKE

[massajamesb]

yeah, I have some chassis tabs I cut in my profile.
Thanks for your help along the way, I still envy your machine!
The dirt cheap club is small, but as this hobby grows, so will the club.
Thanks again, Mike.
Happy holidays!

[Dale Heart]

I look at this in (rude comments removed) unlimited admiration for your ability to get that thing to cut. Oh man I'm laughing. Good job.