Small Homemade CNC Plasma Tables 2' x 2'

[c7z06]

The first one shown was built around 2002. I rolled it outside the garage to use it, which solved the plasma dust and smoke problem.

I built the second one a few years ago. It sits just outside my basement door. The compressor, plasma cutter, and computer are just inside the door, so the cables can reach the table. Takes about 5 minutes to set up. Table sits under a fire pit cover year-round. I take the motors off for a couple of months each winter.

Both of these were built from scratch using over-the counter parts from MSC, McMaster-Carr, 8020, etc. Electronics and software are from FlaschcutCNC.

 

[landlord30]

Nice! What was the cost of the most recent one, roughly.

 

[c7z06]

Maybe $600 for the table itself. The software and electronics cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand, depending on how turn-key it is and how many bells and whistles you want. Also, you need a Windows based laptop, a plasma cutter preferably with a machine torch, and a reasonable size compressor.

 

[dogdog]

any good guides ? have been looking for a good DIY for a plastma table for a while...

DIY

 

[fordkid88]

I like it! I've got one that Ive working on but work and other projects got in the way of it.

 

[vpd66]

I think it would hard to put one together for less then what a Crossfire cnc table costs ($1495.00). For someone like me that doesn't have much cnc building and programing experience (other then just running cnc machines) I think it would be a logical way to go. I would bet if you have the compressor, plasma cutter, and laptop then all it would take would be an afternoon worth of time and you''d be up and running.
http://www.langmuirsystems.com/img/crossfire-main.png

 

[f150skidoo]

I think it would hard to put one together foe less then what a Crossfire cnc table costs ($1495.00). For someone like me that doesn't have much cnc building and programing experience (other then just running cnc machines) I think it would be a logical way to go. I would bet if you have the compressor, plasma cutter, and laptop then all it would take would be an afternoon worth of time and you''d be up and running.
http://www.langmuirsystems.com/img/crossfire-main.png

I was thinking the exact same thing. I had a crossfire and I think it took me 3 hours to assemble. It was a great little machine to get your feet wet in the world of CNC. But I quickly grew out of it and after 3-4 months of ownership I ordered a 4x4 table.


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[c7z06]

VPD66:

You make a good point!

I used to own the Torchmate company, so throwing another small one together myself was almost as much fun as using it. I used Origa linear slides and cassettes, which are far more precise and accurate than anything that uses tubing and rollers (also more expensive and harder to find). I also used Flashcut software and electronics, which we used on Torchmates until we were acquired by Lincoln Electric.

The tables themselves are pretty much a no brainer. It's the software and electronics that can add up. Basic generic stuff and freeware can be used, as is the case with many low cost systems. You have to know how to make it work together, which the economy manufacturers do for you. You have to buy their table in the deal, however.

I made a few comparable, low cost CNC tables in the early days which may be of interest. See photos.

 

[vpd66]

VPD66:

You make a good point!

I used to own the Torchmate company, so throwing another small one together myself was almost as much fun as using it. I used Origa linear slides and cassettes, which are far more precise and accurate than anything that uses tubing and rollers (also more expensive and harder to find). I also used Flashcut software and electronics, which we used on Torchmates until we were acquired by Lincoln Electric.

The tables themselves are pretty much a no brainer. It's the software and electronics that can add up. Basic generic stuff and freeware can be used, as is the case with many low cost systems. You have to know how to make it work together, which the economy manufacturers do for you. You have to buy their table in the deal, however.

I made a few comparable, low cost CNC tables in the early days which may be of interest. See photos.

I really envy your knowledge of cnc. During late winter/spring lockdown I ordered a small 3d printer and got my feet wet on setting up a cnc machine. Before that I only had experience operating cnc machines and no experience setting them up or getting them run. It took me some fiddling but I was able to get it up and running but it was kind of a 3d printer kit with all the parts and software included just needed to be assembled and calibrated. After that experience I decided that if I wanted a cnc plasma I'd just order one! LOL

 

[c7z06]

Think of the low cost CNC plasma tables (not to mention any brands) as being the Harbor Freight equivalent. Harbor Freight sells a lot of equipment, and many people are happy with it.

I used to tell people, particularly those in business, that they would be better off buying a finished machine and using it make money than to try to save money by building one on the cheap. I still believe that.

 

[steel 35]

I drug my feet wasn't sure, Glad I didn't buy a complete for personal use, updates hardware and support can be obsolete very quickly, some won't quote or reply.

 

[slodat]

... But I quickly grew out of it and after 3-4 months of ownership I ordered a 4x4 table.

What 4x4 did you buy? Which plasma cutter?

I am looking hard at the Crossfire Pro with a Powermax 65.

 

[f150skidoo]

What 4x4 did you buy? Which plasma cutter?

I am looking hard at the Crossfire Pro with a Powermax 65.

I ordered a first gen Wright CNC table that has been okay table. But as I learn more of the process, I would've saved up some more money and bought a more industrial table with a welded frame, precision linear rails and a belt or gear reduction. I'm running a Hypertherm 45xp which has been a awesome machine, One day when I upgrade to a 4x8 or 5x10 table I will also upgrade to a Powermax 85 or maybe 105.

If Langmuir released the Crossfire Pro a couple months earlier last year I would've ordered it instead of the Wright.

 

[slodat]

Thanks for the info. I have heard Wright has taken a turn for the worse. I had been looking at them. There's a huge price jump from Crossfire Pro and the STV Sparx 4x4 I'm looking at. I know the Sparx would last me a long time - linear rails, I would get the gear reduction option, and a Powermax 65.

Are you reliably cutting 1/2 mild steel with the 45xp?

 

[f150skidoo]

I was lucky to by my Wright table before all there customer service issues, the STV look like a decent table for the price. The 45xp does a awesome job on 1/2” plate but a little slow at 18 ipm. Here’s a image of of the cut quality on 5/8” plate.


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[slodat]

Is it piercing that 5/8? Or is it started from the edge? It looks great. Maybe I don’t need the 65..

 

[f150skidoo]

Is it piercing that 5/8? Or is it started from the edge? It looks great. Maybe I don’t need the 65..

Edge start, 45xp can pierce up to 1/2”


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[koditten]

I've gone down this rabbit hole. I decided to make a a 4' x 5'. I'm way past $4K into my build.

I went back and fourth on weather I wanted to buy turn key or build my own.

My deciding factor was I wanted to learn how the the things work, so I'd be better off building myself. If something broke, I wanted to have a better idea how to fix it.

I don't regret it. Educations cost money and I think learning will pay dividends over the years.

I'm having a hell of a good time building this thing.

 

[californiamilleghia]

What are you using for a control box ?
and what software ?

I have a 24 inch square old bench top CNC machine with NEMA 23 motors that I would like to get going one of these days

Thanks

 

[koditten]

I'm using a Gecko540 with a Proma torch height controller.

 

[koditten]

I was a bit excited. I accidently dropped an "F" bomb.

I've made quite a bit more headway, but you get the idea.

 

[koditten]

My build on the controller. I forgot I had this vid.

 

[LutzTD]

I have always thought these type were a pretty good compromise for a home shop, but never pulled the trigger on one

LINK

I always thought this wouldn't be too hard to DIY with an I-Beam and some 8020

wouldn't be hard to go from 4X4 to 4x8 or 4xX

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Subbed for future discussion. Boy to I ever miss having my Arclight 4x4 !

 

[Bodj Built]

I have a GoTorch 2x2 table controlled by a plasmacam unit and a HF plasma torch. Overall it works great! The HF torch is finicky with certain consumables, but once you figure out which ones it likes, it's pretty easy. I do wish it was either a 4x4 or even a 2x4. 2x4 would be much more functional for me, but I'm able to get by with the 2x2 for most things. Cuts through 1/8" incredibly well, 3/16" pretty dang good, and 1/4" pretty good.

 

[vpd66]

I have always thought these type were a pretty good compromise for a home shop, but never pulled the trigger on one

LINK

I always thought this wouldn't be too hard to DIY with an I-Beam and some 8020

wouldn't be hard to go from 4X4 to 4x8 or 4xX

I've seen them too and thought they would be a good compromise for someone doing cutting every once in a while that didn't want or have the room for a full plasma table. Even though they are made in China the price is still too high! LOL

 

[Ricoch3T]

I thought about building one myself but have access to an older MG plasma thats barely used. Everything seems to work but I haven't researched it far enough to figure out if I can put manual programs in. I've gotten as far as finding out it was an older burny controller but hadn't had time to figure out much more.
Last time i looked i was hoping it had a floopy setup I could put programs on but its some kind of modem (short range?) instead.

hopefully I'll figure it out before the guy retires and needs to get rid of it. Its a pretty good size 4'x8'.

 

[LutzTD]

I've seen them too and thought they would be a good compromise for someone doing cutting every once in a while that didn't want or have the room for a full plasma table. Even though they are made in China the price is still too high! LOL

I haven't searched for a while, but I recall finding one for around $800. the one I linked was for a x,y of 1500x3000 or about 59"x118" the biggest problem is the extrusion for the travel and shipping long parts. Just for grins I will see if I can find that $800 again, although the tariffs are still at 30% I think for machine goods or parts from PRC

yep, here is one for $900

link

and even $728

link

 

[JJohns3WG]

I built a 3' x 3' a few years back, like others mentioned wanting to educate myself as much as anything else. It's a great asset to my shop, the main drawback is the size I rarely cut any parts larger than 3' however the sheet come in 4' widths so I have to cut them down to fit in the table. Next one will be 5' x 3' and a larger plasma as well also will do away with the water tray as just makes a mess and causes rust & corrosion.

 

[koditten]

That "made in China" is hardly a deal breaker. Just about all CNC plasma table parts are made in china.

The only thing on my table made domestically is the the G540 controller and that I'm skeptical.

 

[C91x]

I haven't searched for a while, but I recall finding one for around $800. the one I linked was for a x,y of 1500x3000 or about 59"x118" the biggest problem is the extrusion for the travel and shipping long parts. Just for grins I will see if I can find that $800 again, although the tariffs are still at 30% I think for machine goods or parts from PRC

yep, here is one for $900

link

and even $728

link

With something that size, do you still need to pay the customs duty fees? I've ordered some larger things off of Alibaba and didn't pay but the last thing I ordered was rather large and I had to hire a customs broker.

 

[LutzTD]

With something that size, do you still need to pay the customs duty fees? I've ordered some larger things off of Alibaba and didn't pay but the last thing I ordered was rather large and I had to hire a customs broker.

not sure about the tariffs. The last big thing I considered was a large format laser cutter. I had a very nice machine spec'ed out and had beat them down to around 8K, in the end the port fees and all of the stuff on our end, every hand out, was nearly as much as the machine, they have you over a barrel, specially a nobody like me. That machine had a 25% tariff I believe, but the seller kept himhawing about and would give me the exact code to find out for sure. It would be nice if the lower long track was sectioned, then it wouldn't need a container shipment like the laser did. then its a whole different ball game. Maybe you could get them to saw it in 6 foot sections and have it re-assembled accurately here, seems like it would still be cheaper. If anyone seriously considers one please share the whole experience. I don't recall paying tariff on small items from PRC, if this can be shipped regular mail it may escape it.

 

[c7z06]

You need a laser of at least 1,500 watts to cut steel. Such lasers must be water cooled, and the plumbing becomes difficult for a small table. Also, the cost of such lasers is over the top.

I mounted a 65 watt air cooled laser on a 4' x 6' table a number of years ago. The accuracy was amazing, but I had to go very slow (5 or 6 IPM) to keep vibration from showing up in the cuts.

 

[Bodj Built]

Since this got bumped, like I mentioned before, I have the GoTorch 2x2 table. It uses all of the same parts as the 4x4 plasmacam stuff, just as a 2x2 table. It's been working great for me, but the opportunity came up to purchase the parts to upgrade my table to a 4x4. So I'll be keeping all the electronics, but will be selling the rolling table with swing out monitor mount, water table, and GoTorch rails here pretty soon. If anyone is interested, shoot me a PM. Like I said, I'm keeping the electronics (computer, plasma cutter, motors, etc.), but this is a great starting point for someone to set up their own 2x2 table

 

[cruzer75]

I just got a Torchmate 2x4 Growth series from ~2011. One of the servo motors was bad (replaced with amazon comparibale and its working again); we stopped using it at work a few years ago (never really used it much before that anyway). Cleaning up so away it went. No Plasma with it but I have a cheapie from amazon that will work so should be fun to mess with it. I have a few things i want to cut. Kind of cool to stumble across on the the former owners on here.