My Torchmate 1 build log

[blackhollowmfg]

Thought I would go ahead and start my own build log. I am building a Torchmate 1 kit. Plasma cutter will be a Cutmaster 101. I will make the material support slates part of the frame, then later will build a shallow water table that can be wheeled out from one side. I think I am going to run the slats length-wise with an extra support or two in the middle underneath and across the table. I think running the slats length-wise will help me when loading material on to them so that it does not catch every 3".

I built the basic table/rails over the weekend, and got the kit from Torchmate yesterday (Wednesday). Last night I got the gantry basiclly completed, I still need to make the Y-axis carriage and get the gear rack mounted to the beam.

One thing I plan on adding will be a series of small air lines to constantly blow a gentle stream of air onto the gear racks on either side of the gears to keep them clean of dust and crap while the machine is running.

Here is what I have so far. Enjoy!

Bob

[blackhollowmfg]

A few more.

[massajamesb]

Looks great! Very impressive so far. Keep up the good work!

[blackhollowmfg]

Thank you! It's been fun so far! The computer cabinet came today, just don't have the computer to put in it yet

It's identical to this one, and I got the shelves too.

[blackhollowmfg]

I got the carriage done last night. I still need to do some adjustments to the heigth, as it is now it will not clear one of the Y-axis frame brackets so it won't move fully to the right (as viewed from the front of the plate, first picture where I am pointing with the scribe). But, this is all just mock up for the most part. Once all the electronics are tested, I will pull it apart for paint then put it back together.

[PlasmaGuy]

B,

I have the same system less it is 7 years old now.

When are you going to fit the rack to the .75" x 2.00" CRS ? Plan on having to correct for some stress deflection.

I would recommend too that you install some more follower bearings on the y axis carriage assymbly. This is the weak link in their design. I would install at least 2 more cam follower bearings that run against the vertical face. I added four more.

PM me if you have additional questions

Good luck

TP

[blackhollowmfg]

I actually installed the rack this morning. Everything turned out good there. I too was thinking about adding two more brackets to be able to add a total of four more cam followers. I noticed last night when I was marking where to place the rack that it had a slight upper corner to opposing lower corner rock to it. VERY minimal, but it is there.

I also got one of the x-axis gear racks tacked on to the 1/2' X 1-1/2" CRB and the holes drilled in the tubing, I just need to bolt it on. I still need to tack on up the other side, but I'm going snowmobiling tomorrow. This will just have to wait!

[blackhollowmfg]

Finally starting to look like something! It's been a while since I was able to get anything done on it, but found some time this wekend.

It's getting closer!!!

[blackhollowmfg]

A few more.

[millman52]

Looks like you are moving along a bit with you table. Nice work. Looks like you are restoring somewhere between a 1969-1972 Chevrolet PU truck also.

I kept a 1968 Che. 4 X 4 going for years. I Replaced the Front axle with later mod stuff for the power disc brakes. I liked the older transfer cases in the 4 wheel drives they were all gear & no silent chain to were & begin to slip.

If it's not to much to ask, Please post a pic of your belt reduction detail on your gantry.

[CNCadmin]

Originally Posted by blackhollowmfg Thank you! It's been fun so far! The computer cabinet came today, just don't have the computer to put in it yet It's identical to this one, and I got the shelves too.

Where did you get it and how much did it cost?

[blackhollowmfg]

Originally Posted by CNCadmin Where did you get it and how much did it cost?

I got it from Global Industrial :

http://www.globalindustrial.com/gcs/...5GY#resultBody

The cabinet cost $229.00 after a $60 rebate (I got the rebate check Friday). I also got the shelves which was another $39.95 for both sides. Total before the rebate, including shipping was $481.59 ($412.59 total after the rebate).

The one I got is for a flat panel monitor. They also have one for a CRT monitor that is cheaper, $269 ($209 after the rebate):

http://www.globalindustrial.com/gcs/...gridProdAnchor