Portable 3(8) x 4 Plasma Table

[Big John T]

I built a portable 3(8) x 4 Plasma Table. By portable I mean one person can knock it down and move it and set it back up and nothing is heavier than the plasma cutter...

Oh, and what I mean by 3(8) x 4 is I can load a 4 x 8 sheet into the machine but my cutting area is only 36" x 50". After cutting as needed I slide the sheet out...

Control = EMC2
Transformer = Antek
Drives = Gecko 203v's
Steppers = Automation Direct
BOB = CNC4PC
Fire = Hypertherm 1250

This first picture is of the inside of the Y Drive showing the limit/home switch.
The second picture is of the Y Drive assembly on the Frame World rail. Limit/home switch not yet installed in second picture.

John

[Big John T]

Not sure if this is interesting to anyone but here is a couple more pictures showing the electrical cabinet.

John

[Wolfesmetalfab]

interested to see more progess, im R&Ding for my future small plasma table.

[Big John T]

ok, here is a couple more. Holler if you want more.

John

[plain ol Bill]

John keep us posted on how those linear slides work out for you. They look like the 80/20 type in the pictures. I thought seriously about using those but the folks at 80/20 didn't seem to think they would work well in a plasma application because of possible racking. It will be interesting to see how they work out for you.

[Big John T]

They work fine, the machine is finished and with the dual belt drive and a jackshaft between the two sides of the Y axis no racking is possible. You do have to wipe them clean from time to time and I spray some teflon spray on them so they slide smooth. I started out with 80/20 but switched to Frameworld. The Frameworld slides are built up so you can adjust the play easier and take them apart easier.

John

[Wolfesmetalfab]

Big john, your machine looks VERY NICE! Mine wont be so pretty, but I hope it works good. Thanks for your help in my project and decisions as well, I really appreciate it as these projects can be very overwhelming for a newbie cnc builder like me.