My Precision Plasma 4 x 8 Build

[MatthewBasaraba]

Found the site from a search and am in high spirits after reading some posts.

First question I have though is if there is a setting to show oldest post FIRST in a thread? I have had to go to the bottom of the last page to start reading a thread. Seems odd this would be a default since it is terribly inefficient especially seeing as how CNC is the for most topic which is effiency related...

So i picked up the DIY version of the 4 x 8 gantry plasma from Ron. Hats off to him for putting up with me and my many questions. I program CMMs for an Aerospace manufacturer and I guess that has made me a bit anal when it comes to wanting to know EVERYTHING before I start a project. Fedex tracking shows it will be delivered tomorrow last I checked.

I got all my steel for the table except the Cold Roll. I designed and built some full body recling patio swings and stocked up the past summer. I had a bit of a bump in the road when 1. They said can't get the recommended size of 5/16 and 2. It was a lot more expensive that previously anticipated. I plan to order 1/4 which Ron says will work fine. No big rush since the electronics are 3 weeks out from candcnc.

So my big hurtle right now is software. I bought the artisan package from candcnc since I wasn't sure which CAD software I will be using. To be honest I don't have any experience in AutoCAD except use of Origin Checkmate CMM programming software that runs on the 2010 version or Solid works. I can install solid works for free here at work but not sure how I will learn it as of yet.

I have been building all of my models and creating 2D drawings for my personnel projects with Google Sketch Up. This is amazing software but have found that when it outputs to an IGES or STP the model is rendered hortibly. The surfaces are all faceted and impossible for AutoCAD or Catia to make heads or tails of. I exported a DXF from it and going to wait for everything to be put together and see if it will work or not.

Anyone else used Sketch Up with any success?

[MatthewBasaraba]

I recièvd my packages from Precion yesterday via FedEx. I was lucky, he was just about to leave since it was signiture required and no one was home. I hauled the 2 packages to the shop but have not opened yet, still having a hard time finding the CRS in my area.

I installed and made a few models with SolidWorks 2010. I have output the DXF and will give them a go once I get the machine together.

[valy]

I recièvd my packages from Precion yesterday via FedEx. I was lucky, he was just about to leave since it was signiture required and no one was home. I hauled the 2 packages to the shop but have not opened yet, still having a hard time finding the CRS in my area.

I installed and made a few models with SolidWorks 2010. I have output the DXF and will give them a go once I get the machine together.

Congratulations. I wanted to buy a kit from Ron, but not delivered in Europe. Do you have files in DXF to this kitt?

[MatthewBasaraba]

Congratulations. I wanted to buy a kit from Ron, but not delivered in Europe. Do you have files in DXF to this kitt?

I am using Solid Works currently. I have a DXF I output from Google Sketch Up I am going to try also. Sketch Up is so much faster and easier to use I hope it works also. I am still waiting on my electronics.

[MatthewBasaraba]

Got my table built this past weekend.

I built a water table and figured the volume to be around 55 gallons. Going to build a 26 inch squared tank for holding the water and attach an airline for filling and draining the table.

I still need to put the slat supports along the sides by as luck would have it I ran out of 75/25 for my mig and had to put that off till I can swap my tank out.

My HT 45 came in last Friday and I have it sitting all nice and new waiting to be used. I still havent decided on an air compressor, been trying to get opinions on which to buy. I had a comment from another member stating that the dryer I got might not be good enough since it is a Harbor Freight, which is usually typical. I looked up reviews on the Kobolt compressors from Lowes and lots of bad reviews on moisture which should be a clear indication I do not want this for a Plasma project.

Still waiting on electronics. I believe they said 3 weeks to get them in, its been 2 so about a week to go.