DIY CNC Plasma table build turns into plans

After building quite a few CNC plasma tables over the last few years I saw a need for a different kind of table. Something above a pure DIY project, but still really economical to simple to build. Something that a lot of the members here and on a few other forums like the HAMB and Grassroots Motorsports would be possibly interested in.

In addition being affordable it needed to meet the following criteria:

A proven design that had all of the key engineering details sorted out - parts dimensions, cut lengths, drive systems, water pan, etc
A table that was compact enough to fit in just about any garage - 2'x4'
A table that could be built with primarily off the shelf parts - everything is available locally or through ebay
And most importantly, simple enough for the average hot rod guy to be able to build - proven easily "buildable" design

The machine I designed to meet these criteria is finished and up and running! Cut results rival most machines in the $10k range.

The table was fully developed in a 3d modelling environment first and then built in my garage with average tools to prove the design and assembly was feasible. A plan set was generated from the 3d model and is now available including the key engineered parts laser cut. This table can work with many different plasma cutters such as Hypertherm, Miller, Lincoln, Thermal Dynamics, Everlast, Longevity and many others with the correct specs.

If you are thinking about building a cnc plasma table, but not really sure which way to go, check out my new website and see if this direction could be what you are looking for.

www.hotrodfab.com

Pierre

That is very cool! When i'm ready for one, you'll get my business.

LORDDiESEL said:

That is very cool! When i'm ready for one, you'll get my business.

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Thanks - I'm pretty close to you actually as well (in Vancouver).

falcongarage said:

Thanks - I'm pretty close to you actually as well (in Vancouver).

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haha! That's great! I love support close by

A few pics of some cut parts in 14g - pipe block off and roll cage knuckle duster gusset.

Looks like a great product and I for one might be interested. But, you really need to fill in a lot of the blanks if you want people to buy the product. I looked though your website and there's not a lot of information about everything else that is needed to build the complete package. Your providing the plans and some of the special brackets in your kit, but I have no idea what else is needed or how much it will cost. I see a lot of specific components on your display machine like the large extrusion, rollers, cable trays, etc. Where do I get all those parts? Do you include a list of part numbers and vendor contacts to get them? What about the hardware and software? Just telling me all that is easily available isn't helping. It's easy for you because you've done all the research and put in tons of hours to develop this, but not for someone who isn't familiar with DIY plasma cutter systems. Maybe it would be worth developing a level II package that has all the sources for the parts too (not just a bill of materials)

Maybe it would be helpful to step back and flip though your website and pretend you know nothing and see if the whole package makes sense. Yes, you identify all the features, but a lot of those features are tied to hardware and software and not necessarily provided by your product.

Honestly not knocking you or what you have accomplished, just hopefully giving you some useful feedback (not that you asked).

arrowhead said:

Looks like a great product and I for one might be interested. But, you really need to fill in a lot of the blanks if you want people to buy the product. I looked though your website and there's not a lot of information about everything else that is needed to build the complete package. Your providing the plans and some of the special brackets in your kit, but I have no idea what else is needed or how much it will cost. I see a lot of specific components on your display machine like the large extrusion, rollers, cable trays, etc. Where do I get all those parts? Do you include a list of part numbers and vendor contacts to get them? What about the hardware and software? Just telling me all that is easily available isn't helping. It's easy for you because you've done all the research and put in tons of hours to develop this, but not for someone who isn't familiar with DIY plasma cutter systems. Maybe it would be worth developing a level II package that has all the sources for the parts too (not just a bill of materials)

Maybe it would be helpful to step back and flip though your website and pretend you know nothing and see if the whole package makes sense. Yes, you identify all the features, but a lot of those features are tied to hardware and software and not necessarily provided by your product.

Honestly not knocking you or what you have accomplished, just hopefully giving you some useful feedback (not that you asked).

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Fantastic feedback - Thanks for taking the time to respond.

These plan sets do include a full bill of materials that does document each piece, type of material, cut length, spec etc. as well as at least one source for each. Although the plans are for building the mechanical components of the table itself, I do offer some specific advice about the software and electronics required to get someone up and running pretty quickly.

The customer this product best satisfies is someone who wants to build a CNC plasma table (and has reasonable metal cutting/welding skills) but does not feel totally comfortable determining all of the critical details and relationships between static and moving parts. There are many ways to build a CNC table and speaking from my own experience it is a little daunting first time out. This package allows someone to take mostly off the shelf easily available parts and build a very capable and accurate machine for much less than purchasing something like a Torchmate table outright. The design allows for use of a hand torch - you can get the exact same cut performance from a hand torch or machine torch. Typically a machine torch is easier to mount but adds about $600-$700 to the build price.

Depending on where you are as steel prices vary quite a bit - the basic table and gantry will probably cost anywhere from $900 - $1300. I am in Canada and so including shipping for some items I came in right around $1200 usd.

Electronics packages can be had from as low as around $700 without torch height control and up to about $2000 for full high speed digital torch height control.

Plasma cutters vary quite a bit in price and capability. I think the best choice for this table is either a Hypertherm 45 or 65. Why? There is TONS of support for them, tons of CNC table builds on many forums and Hypertherm has done a great job supplying accurate cut speed/tip offset data for people to fine tune from. On top of that they are made in the USA and cut fantastically. If you want to use something else it is important that the machine you choose is suitable for use with a cnc. Many of the cheap import plasma cutters in the $400ish range cannot be adapted easily to a cnc table. Good idea to do your homework before purchasing a machine if you intend on using it with a table.

Pierre

Some deck post to joist brackets cut out of 14ga.





Top of cut



Bottom of cut

Nice quality! What do you think a pm 30 would do?

Will this work with the Chinese Cut 50 plasma cutters we are getting in a group buy?

LORDDiESEL said:

Nice quality! What do you think a pm 30 would do?

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As far as the cut quality goes it is a great machine for thinner material...but it does not have any connectivity provision for use on a CNC. I suspect some people have devised work-arounds but even Jim Colt from Hypertherm does not recommend it. Same goes for the TD Cutmaster 42..

In order for a plasma cutter to "connect" to a cnc table it needs to be able to do the following:

1. Allow for remote torch on/off signals so the control system can turn on the torch as required for the cuts.

2. Send an "Arc OK" signal - basically telling the control system the torch is on and cutting past the pilot arc.

3. Have a voltage divider - used by the control system to monitor the cut volts at the tip and use that info for adjusting the cut height as the plate warps.

The Powermax 45 (and larger) from Hypertherm have a cnc connection port right on the back of the machine ready to go from the factory. It is an option that can be added to the TD Cutmaster series starting with the 52 and up.

Some other import plasmas from companies like Everlast and Longevity have similar ports as well.

If you are wanting to use a plasma cutter on a cnc table is highly advisable you select one with the CNC connections ready to go like the Powermax 45.

bczygan said:

Will this work with the Chinese Cut 50 plasma cutters we are getting in a group buy?

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I'll try to look up it's specs but at first glance I would say no...at least not without some opening and editing of the machine. From what I can tell it has a pilot arc type of of torch firing method which is good but I think it is probably best used as a hand cutting tool only.

One other thing, that model looks to only have "CE" certification. FYI - CE certification means nothing in Canada and if the device caused a fire there is a very real possibility you would be denied any insurance coverage. Not 100% sure but I believe it is the same in the USA as well. Electrical goods sold in Canada and the US typically need a recognized certification mark like CSA, cUL, UL, ETL FM approved etc. CE is a "self declaration" mark that is supposed to indicate the company "says the products conform to general European standards" and is not typically audited by a 3rd party agency...the inside joke is that it really only stands for China Export

Looks great. I started to build a CNC a while ago, but lost interest shortly after finishing the gantry.. I just had one lead screw and stepper still to mount.

If you dont mind me asking, what are you using for a THC, and what system are you driving the stepper motors with? I originally was going to do the stepper driving and control with an Arduino. Looks like Gecko controllers have gotten a lot more reasonable since I last looked as well..


I'm in Van as well.

Link to someones build
http://forum.longevity-inc.com/showthread.php?5946-CNC-plasma-table-build

I've been working on getting a system down for indexing and cutting square/rectangular tubing up to 4" tall on the table. So far 2" x 2" cuts not problem...and hopefully will be trying some 4" x 4" tonight.

Will be great for making illuminated steel gate posts with custom reliefs.