3x2m plasma table project/log

[bekx]

Hi huys, great forum extremly helpful for DIY projects.

First i was thinking of buyng a torchmate2 kit, then i realised i could only afford a TM1 and after i realised i could do it myself and make great savings.

So i'm on a budget about 2000$ (without the steel)

I ordered the steel yesterday.

Now comes the hard part, i'm thinking to use linear motion guides for both X and Y (igus drylin T tk01-20 or THK SSR) i'm waiting on the THK quote so i could decide, i'm leaning on the THK right now.

I will use rack&pinion wich my engineer is disigning right now (i hope )

As for the drives&steppers i really have no ideea what to choose

gekcodrive
granite VSD-A
cncdriver.com controler

for motors i GUESS 5nm - 600ozin steppers will do

the thing i have no ideea of is the power source

any kinf of help/oppinion will help.

[massajamesb]

look at www.kelinginc.net or www.candcnc.com
and have a look at their power supplies. I don't know what your main voltage is ( I am guessing 220), you need to tell either supplier what it is.
You can build one yourself as well.

[bekx]

things got a litle clear

i ordered the electronics/steppers from dubble (including the power suply)

the THK rails are way off my budget, they quote almost 4k USD wit taxes. so i'll order the igus T tomorow.

the sad part is i got shiping dates for 15 days and i can finish the steel work in 2 days.

[massajamesb]

Look at BishopWisecarver rails and vee bearings, or even skate bearings, which can be found cheaply here www.vxb.com

[bekx]

the vee rails for my aplication seem a lot more expensive than the igus T, my table will be 7.2X11 feet , the rails from vxb.com are not that long so i guess i'll go igus for the short axis and maybe something like in the picture for the long one.

[bekx]

just finished the sides of the table, i'll post some pictures monday (forgot my camera home today )

it cost me 9 tubes 60x40x2.5 thats 220$, it should be 8 tubes but my engineer friend cut the last one in the wrong spot , good thing the steel suplier is right in front of my shop

i think i'll wait and weld it together after i install the rack, it will make drilling a litlle easyer.

[gdb]

Hey Gallop,

Rick at Superior Bearing is great to deal with for V-Bearings and Rail.

www.superiorbearing.com

gdb

[bekx]

the sides, side no 2 warped a litlle (overweld it) , i hanged it and put some weight on and heat it a litle bit .. if its not straight tomorow i will make another one.

[Dale Heart]

You need a solid bench with some good clamps to jig the piece up before you weld. That will stop most welding distortion. Or, use an oxy-fuel flame to pull the frame to level.

[bekx]

Originally Posted by Dale Heart You need a solid bench with some good clamps to jig the piece up before you weld. That will stop most welding distortion. Or, use an oxy-fuel flame to pull the frame to level.

tx for the post, i don't have oxy

i'll just make another side.

update , igus rails coming on monday and motors& controlers next week thanks to dubble

found a shop capable of making 3 meter long rack, i'm going to visit them monday morning.

[bekx]

i got the motors moving with mach3 tx to dubble.

now i got only 3 weeks to wait for the rails .

[Richard Honey]

Bekx,

Just had a look at your build pix. How come your shed / workshop is so tidy and uncluttered?

You're a disgrace to the home tinkering profession. By rights your shed should be chocablock full of equipment, materials, useful junk and sundry items.

Hang your head in shame!