c7z06
Well-known member
While most shop owners would like to have a CNC plasma cutting system, many do not have either the funds or the necessary space for one. A pantograph machine is an affordable alternative than can produce brackets and other relatively simple shapes with the same cut quality.
Pictured below is a pantograph machine that uses a Grainger gear motor and a model railroad transformer in conjunction with a home-made frame assembly. A powerful easy-to-make magnetic tracing head holds the variable speed tracing rotor firmly against the edge of steel templates.
Steel templates are easily made by first making a wooden template, and manually holding the sharp toothed tracing rotor against it. For one-off pieces, steel templates are unnecessary. Small holes can be drilled after the part is cut out.
Full plans for building this pantograph machine are available free of charge here: Pantograph Shape Cutting Machine Plans
Pictured below is a pantograph machine that uses a Grainger gear motor and a model railroad transformer in conjunction with a home-made frame assembly. A powerful easy-to-make magnetic tracing head holds the variable speed tracing rotor firmly against the edge of steel templates.
Steel templates are easily made by first making a wooden template, and manually holding the sharp toothed tracing rotor against it. For one-off pieces, steel templates are unnecessary. Small holes can be drilled after the part is cut out.
Full plans for building this pantograph machine are available free of charge here: Pantograph Shape Cutting Machine Plans
