CNC Plasma Table Plans

[600SL]

I would like to build a CNC Plasma table. Any one with some good plan recommendations.

I would really like to make one that folds up. Has that been done by anyone.

I saw this one on Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-PLASMA-...162?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a30e89092

 

[kkroger]

I bought my Gantry from Precision Plasma LLC you can go to Ron's website.
Look at the Light duty LD gantry and download the plans for the table for free.
The Standard Duty Gantry works on the same table. I built a 5x5 but the same plans work for 4x4-5x10...

I bought the Standard Duty Gantry from PPLLC, Don't regret it at all.
I also bought my electronics from CandCNC, Tom will happily guide you through what you need to do. I used the Bladerunner Ether Cut 620-4...
Took me roughly a Day to build the actual table frame, the Gantry arrived one day later, the electronics arrived 4 weeks later. Installed on the table/Gantry.
everything setup square and was cutting steel same day.

Follow the setup steps in the Bladerunner Manual (you can download that for free from the CandCNC sight you can also join the CandCNC support website and ask plenty of questions as well, further head over the plasmaspider.com and sign up there (you don't have to pay unless you want to be able to download the free .DXF files there that you can cut) Enjoy!

This is not really something that you can make "Fold Up" it is a precision CNC machine...
Folding up really kinda negates any precision, sort of like having a fold up MILL or Metal Lathe...

 

[kazlx]

You won't be able to build one that folds up. If you are tight on space, built it smaller. I did the same thing kkroger did.

 

[steel 35]

Portable Viper may fit your bill they come in 2x2 and 4x4 here is a link.

http://www.precisionplasmallc.com/default.htm

I am planing as well, I have the frame plans but altering for a bladder is a little challenging ; learning to use easy edge at the same time
good luck.

 

[kkroger]

I think there may well be a way to do a "Folding" type table... but it would need to go against a wall, Burntables has a Table that sits on edge actually leaning about 15 degrees back against the wall.

Has a "Fence" on the bottom side You could do something similar, with ANY setup...
On the other hand the small 2x2 shown above or the Plasmacam "Go Torch" version could be hung on a wall when not in use then set on the metal and sawhorses... OR one could hinge it to the wall with folding front legs, so you lift it fold the legs under to friction locks then lower it down against the wall... then to set it up you lift it up, release the legs they drop into place and lock with a pin or a bolt... but it would not be practical at all with a larger table...

 

[600SL]

Thanks for the replies.

That precision company looks to be exactly what I looking for.

I have a 10' wall that I could fold up against. It appears that any of these plans could be modified into a fold up given a proper design.

The precision company seems to have a lot of different models all around the same price. Is there anything in particular to look for?

 

[kazlx]

Speaking from experience you want fume control...either a water tray or downdraft...otherwise you will hate life.

 

[mike13u]

I will second Kazlx experience. I would never, ever, consider running a table in my shop again without a water table (or downdraft, but my experience is water table)

 

[600SL]

water table adds a hole new challenge to fold up.

 

[kkroger]

My 5x5 Made from 11 Ga 2x3 Box weighs about 300# or so... Doubt you will do much Folding on it.
You COULD do the same thing with 8020 Extrusion or Aluminum tube if you are handy at welding. you just need to make sure that it is level when you fold it down, adjustable feet on the legs. as for Venting, seems to me that you won't be using it enough to care.
Open the Garage Door and put in a fan.
Sweep the leavings off the floor after you fold it up.
Just make sure your slat bed is flat and level and true to the gantry...

 

[mike13u]

water table adds a hole new challenge to fold up.

True. But substantially less challenge than keeping your shop and your lungs clean without one. I could take it only about two weeks before I said "F*ck This!" and added one to my set-up. Its pretty nasty stuff.

 

[kazlx]

I cut enough with my hand torch that I knew I wanted something when I built my table. Without some sort of control, it goes everywhere. I even bought a large fan to run while my table is running even with the water table. You still get smoke.

 

[Deadhead]

the last one I run had a water catch and a massive overhead vent-a-hood pulling out the bad stuff. You can stand there all day and run it without issue. If you dont have proper removal you will be coughing up the blackest **** in the world out of your lungs and picking/blowing nasty boogers out of your nose.

 

[CGT80]

8020 extrusion adds up quick in weight. My dad and I are building a 4'x9' table from cncrouterparts equipment. The frame is 40mmx80mm extrusion and the gantry extrusion is 3"x6"x60.5". The cold rolled steel and racks add more weight.

We went back and forth on size, but had that material for a big table, so we went big rather than having to expand later. We just cut and installed the gantry beam the other day. We still have to finish out the gantry and z axis and build the water table supports and have a tray bent for the water. I am thinking of going with at least two water trays, as we will probably do small parts most often. We still have to decide on software and figure out a torch height control.

Ours will be setup with our 3.25hp router as well, to do wood or aluminum cutting. CNCrouterparts is geared towards router tables right now, but they said they will have more plans and options for plasma use in the next year.