8"x18" table

[R.DesJardin]

I want to make a very small cnc control for a plasma torch. 8"-12" x 18"-24". I just want to be able to cut put small parts and hold only theout side of the material while cutting, another question-can't I just run 2 axis control since I am using such small material size. I use Mach 3 now on my mill so if I can use it to control my plasma that would be helpful.
So:
Is there a reason I can't run 2axis cnc on a small table like I've described?

Where do I go to find the parts I need?

Thanks,

[Dustin407]

I noticed nobody replied to you yet.. Ummmm... It would probably be feasable to build a 2'x3'or 3'x4' table, because it would only be a few dollars more. Most of your machine cost is in the motors, control box, rails etc... building the table itself is not very expensive compared to these parts. Yes a 2 axis system would work just depends what your objective is... Artwork, thin gauge material, yes....mechanical parts that require close tolerances and good edge quality ,thicker material probably, no. As for parts, that depends on your design, are you going with skate wheels, v-groove wheels, guide rails...etc They have many different part links directly from the cnc zone website.. Just a question but what is your budget$$$, this will help indicate what parts to use and usually your budget determines your design/build... I hope I helped....

[R.DesJardin]

I don't have a budget, I want to know what it takes to do this, I don't want to waste money to do these simple parts, but I want it to be right, I want to have a Mach 3 control system since I am familiar with it. Also I am just needing 1/8" to 1/4" max thk to cut gussets from flat bar and don't want a huge amount of floor space taken up by a larger table setup.

[Dustin407]

Do you have a plasma cutter already?

With just a 2 axis setup without thc, you can find steppers and control box for around $700 to $1600. To build a small table with rails, rack and pinion, paint, steel, etc... probably around $400 to $600 12" x 24". The least you can do this project for is about $1100.... That is if you have your own plasma..

[WP1]

CANDCNC.com has a Bladerunner Dragoncut complete package that includes all the electronics, steppers, and THC for a very reasonable price.

[Dustin407]

WP1 CANDCNC.com has a Bladerunner Dragoncut complete package that includes all the electronics, steppers, and THC for a very reasonable price.

WP1 I checked out that bladerunner dragoncut package last night after I saw your post... That is an awesome deal for the money. I heard tom has some really good stuff. The package is made to cut a 2' x 2' area, I think this is just what you are looking for R.DesJardin...

[R.DesJardin]

Yes,
That looks like what I'm looking for. I just needed to get pointed in the right direction. Like I said I want a small footprint setup.
Thanks,

[WP1]

The table I've been building is a nominal 2' x 3' cut area in a 3' x 4' x 6' high footprint, fully enclosed with a water table. The idea is to not eat up too much of my very limited shop space and also to not make a gigantic mess in the shop from plasma dust and smoke.

[rchacich]

I am also working on a small footprint table with a nominal cut area of 24" x 36". I have a bladerunner with dragoncut THC on order from candcnc.com and hope to see it show up on my doorstep any day now. I am happy to see others interested in small tables, since I am a small manufacturer of cnc plasma tables for the hobbyist and DIYers. My goal is to provide complete unpainted mechanical tables to people who don't have the time to design, source, and build all aspects of a cnc plasma table. I look forward to seeing your projects completed and will be happy to share my opinions with you. My frame is welded. I just need to paint it and wait for a few more parts to arrive. I hope to have my project finished in a couple of weeks.
Best Regards,
Ron Chacich

[R.DesJardin]

Yes, Torchmate is building the perfect size home plasma table. 2x2 way to go Torchmate at least someone was listening. I'll be getting one of these.