i've been looking into investing in a CNC Plasma Table, which typically comes with everything except for the plasma torch and compressor. how would i know if a particular plasma cutter is compatable with the table to know when to turn on and off with the program?
plasma table
- Thread starter that-guy
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kazlx
Well-known member
Most of them are compatible, ease of use though might be different. I use a Hypertherm on my table (had an older 1000, now have a PM85), which is super simple, as there is already a plug on the back to tie in. Most plasma units can be used though, however it can require opening the unit and tying into the trigger wires.
Even units like the PM30 that aren't 'meant' to be run on tables are able to be set up for a table. If you haven't bought anything yet, do yourself a favor and get a good compressor and a good plasma. Keep in mind, the capacity is greatly reduced on a table because the torch has to pierce the material directly in. The units for table use are generally limited to material thickness because of piercing ability, not cutting ability.
Even units like the PM30 that aren't 'meant' to be run on tables are able to be set up for a table. If you haven't bought anything yet, do yourself a favor and get a good compressor and a good plasma. Keep in mind, the capacity is greatly reduced on a table because the torch has to pierce the material directly in. The units for table use are generally limited to material thickness because of piercing ability, not cutting ability.
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i already have a 60gal compressor and an Eastwood Plasma, so i was really trying to see what i need to look for on a machine to know if it will work on a table. guess i'll crack open the case and see how easily i can tap into it trigger wires, while also still being about detach it to use handheld again
kazlx
Well-known member
The answer is yes it will work. The other answer is there are way better plasmas built for CNC tables that will hook up and cut far better. Pick your poison.
well i figure since i already have this plasma, why not try it??? worst case it doesnt cut clean, so i sell it and buy another, but just knowing that it can be done is the answer i am looking for
any pictures of your setup?
kazlx
Well-known member
I have the build thread in my sig. Moved houses a little bit ago and still haven't set everytging up again.
found it seconds after i wrote that last post
yours looks awesome...i wouldn't mind actually building the table and such and just install the "off the shelf" electronics like you did...what was your total investment and time lapse if you don't mind me asking? you can answer in PM if you want to
kazlx
Well-known member
The steel was roughly $1k, I paid to have the water tray made because I wanted it one piece and that was $300. Everytging else you can get prices from Precision Plasma and CandCNC. All said and done I was around $8k. Then I bought a brand new $3500 Powermax 85.
Could this be worked around by drilling holes in areas for the torch to start at?
Here is some good reading for you
http://www.bulltear.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?130-CNC-Plasma-Discussion
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http://www.bulltear.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?130-CNC-Plasma-Discussion
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I just built my CNC Plasma table and there is a thread in the first couple pages about it.
I am currently using a Hypertherm PM30 I adapted using the CandCNC Multi Adapter kit.
Works fine, BUT remember piercing will be LESS than the Edge Start, Starting on an EDGE is not usually workable because the machine will not START until an "Arc Ok" is given from the DCP or the Cutter itself. If you try to edge start you would have to start right ON the edge and the machine will not be able to do a touch off to get the height. Which is required for automated cutting.
If you can't afford a Hypertherm Plasma take a look at the Thermal Dynamics (Victor) units. the Cutmaster True Cut are pretty good machines. Though consumables don't last as long and are generally higher priced.
the 42 or 52 should work for you. Depending on the thickness you wish to cut.
Tom and CandCNC should have an interface setup to work with TD as well as Hyt..
If you have any questions drop Tom a note at the e-mail on his website.
Also Ron at Precision Plasma LLC Both of these guys fully support their products.
All in all my 5x5 has about the same into it as Kazlx has in his 4x8.
My machine runs great!
First "production" cuts this is about a week after final assembly.
I cut a few Circles and a Square to check the accuracy and alignment
Engraving
The More accurate you build your table the more accurate your machine will be.
This one works pretty good for me.
I also picked up a "Supereyes B005" Camera from Amazon ($28) and the software from Sheetcam called "Scanything" WORKS GREAT! This is just a test but will be ultra handy when someone drags in a part they want duplicated or a pile of cardboard templates...
I am currently using a Hypertherm PM30 I adapted using the CandCNC Multi Adapter kit.
Works fine, BUT remember piercing will be LESS than the Edge Start, Starting on an EDGE is not usually workable because the machine will not START until an "Arc Ok" is given from the DCP or the Cutter itself. If you try to edge start you would have to start right ON the edge and the machine will not be able to do a touch off to get the height. Which is required for automated cutting.
If you can't afford a Hypertherm Plasma take a look at the Thermal Dynamics (Victor) units. the Cutmaster True Cut are pretty good machines. Though consumables don't last as long and are generally higher priced.
the 42 or 52 should work for you. Depending on the thickness you wish to cut.
Tom and CandCNC should have an interface setup to work with TD as well as Hyt..
If you have any questions drop Tom a note at the e-mail on his website.
Also Ron at Precision Plasma LLC Both of these guys fully support their products.
All in all my 5x5 has about the same into it as Kazlx has in his 4x8.
My machine runs great!
First "production" cuts this is about a week after final assembly.
I cut a few Circles and a Square to check the accuracy and alignment
The More accurate you build your table the more accurate your machine will be.
This one works pretty good for me.
I also picked up a "Supereyes B005" Camera from Amazon ($28) and the software from Sheetcam called "Scanything" WORKS GREAT! This is just a test but will be ultra handy when someone drags in a part they want duplicated or a pile of cardboard templates...
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The Eastwood plasma is a high frequency start plasma....this means it uses a 15,000 volt high frequency discharge to ionize the air everytime it has to fire the plasma cutting arc. This high frequency discharge is a show stopper for any cnc machine that uses a laptop or PC as the cnc control. It also can affect the drive electronics in ways that can cause disruptions in motion and actual damage to PC boards.
The low cost CNC machines today that are designed for plasma are recommended for use with "Blowback" start plasma....which uses a spring loaded electrode in the torch to create a short circuit spark that ionizes the gas...no high voltage or high frequency to disrupt sensitive computer and electronics. blowback start was developed and patented by Hypertherm in the 1980's.....the patents have expired and most "up to date" torch manufacturers have copied the technology to eliminate the high frequency start. Best bet is to go with the guys that know what they are designing, Hypertherm. Otherwise, any blowback style torch will work....stay away from high frequency start for a cnc plasma cutter.
Jim colt
The low cost CNC machines today that are designed for plasma are recommended for use with "Blowback" start plasma....which uses a spring loaded electrode in the torch to create a short circuit spark that ionizes the gas...no high voltage or high frequency to disrupt sensitive computer and electronics. blowback start was developed and patented by Hypertherm in the 1980's.....the patents have expired and most "up to date" torch manufacturers have copied the technology to eliminate the high frequency start. Best bet is to go with the guys that know what they are designing, Hypertherm. Otherwise, any blowback style torch will work....stay away from high frequency start for a cnc plasma cutter.
Jim colt