CNC plasma cutter up and running...

[windstuffnow]

   It took a week to put it all together and another to get it dialed in ( as well as learning how to run it).   It's up and running! I still have a couple more tweaks but it does a great job!  

  I can start finishing some long awaited projects without waiting for parts.  The brackets on the lower right are for a tower pivot assembly that I bought the poles for 3 years back but didn't want to spend the money to have the brackets lazer cut.   They charge a fortune for "one offs".  

   I can cut up to 1/2" plate but I can't handle loading that in big sheets.  Most of what I'll do is in 1/4" and less with an ocasional 3/8" small plate when I can find them.  

   I picked up a magnetic lifter to load a 4ft x 4ft 1/4" plate on the machine using my cherry picker and it works great.   Loading a 170 lb plate is a bit much for me to man-handle.  

   I'm still learning the machine and software but so far I haven't found anything I couldn't make and cut.

   If you have a program that will save the drawing to a dxf format I can import it into the program and cut it.   I use Inventor 5 for big projects from drawings to assembly but for basic 2d stuff -( quick parts )- I use Quickcad which is a low grade spin off of autocad lite.   Let me know if you need anything, I can do one offs at a reasonable price.  

   The only thing I've noticed is it cuts holes at a slight taper, the smaller the hole the more taper.   As well, the thicker the metal the more apparant the taper will be.  Just a matter of running a drill through it to size it up which is fine.  

Lots of fun!

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[nothing to lose]

You shouldn't ask,

Now I will be sending you all my money.

I have several things I want made I been looking to have laser cut for me. Your plasma should do them great. Are you interested in small production runs?

 I would rather get a decent deal and keep the money in the family so to say

Family of RE friends with common interests, and those that will be wanting more toys, huh tools to further their RE interests.

How big an inverter you using to power that monster?  

I'll work up a DXF to send for an estimate if you want.

Is quickcad a free program? I need something 2D better than I have!

[windstuffnow]

  My shop is run by the grid, for now... that may change in the near future.  

  Keep in mind, although the parts come out very nice, thier not as perfect as the lazer or water jet cutters.   In my case I don't need absolute perfection, they just need to fit together to be welded or bolted.   The cuts are just as good as the lazer parts I've had done and actually better than some I've recieved.   They were having problems at the time though.  

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[vawtman]

Ed nice to see your having fun with the new toy.May need help with stuff down the road.

 How many bucks for the machine if i may ask?

 Would rather pay you than a local shop because you have been a great help to me.

[willib]

Ed you have been busy .

how much current does the plasma cutter take?

i too may need a part or two in the future.

[nothing to lose]

 I'll e-mail you soon,

I think my parts would come out rather nicely on Plasma.

[gizmo]

Hi Ed

Welcome to the world of CNC, you wont look back. I used my cnc router to makes some foam blade ribs to NACA2410 on the weekend http://www.thebackshed.com/Windmill/FORUM1/forum_posts.asp?TID=510&PN=1

The hole taper you have noticed is normal for plasma, not a lot you can do about it unless you get a 5 axis head. But you can design around the problem. Also the cut edge is hardened ( same thing happens with laser cutting ), so if the hole is to be tapped with a thread, better to use the plasma to cut a pilot hole, or etch, and then drill before tapping.

You will also notice a flaky metal finish on the cut, make sure you take this off with a wire brush before painting.

Good fun.

Glenn

[drdongle]

I picked up a used plasma cutter recently and am looking for a FAQ or use guidelines. I have a copy of the owners and service manuals, but there are no instructions on how to start using it.

thanks

[windstuffnow]

  Your right about not looking back Glenn!  It's definately opened up a new world for me.  I was tired of designing something and waiting weeks to get the part(s) and paying a fortune for one offs.   Then when there is some small detail you didn't account for in the design you find its needed in the assembly, or a slight change then your back to having to wait for the changed part.  I have several unfinished projects because of that and ideas that were put off because it's difficult cut nice brackets with nothing but a cut off saw.   I wish I had this thing when I was building street rods!   As a recovering perfectionist I could easily spend 3 weeks building a simple steering gear mounting bracket.   Some of the cars I built took years to finish.   Back then it was a hack saw or a torch and lots of grinding.

  I have to admit, looking at some of your creations I was a bit envious of your access to the lazer and the beautiful bracketry in your designs.  After having to clean the keyboard of drool again and again I suppose your partly to blame for my decision to purchase this machine... Thank you!

.

[tecker]

l am envious I looked at several I know it would pay for itself but I can only dream .

[windstuffnow]

  Don't give up your dream Tecker you'll get what you want.   Do what you enjoy doing and the rest will fall in place.  

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[richhagen]

I have a Miller 625, but it is a manual machine, not CNC.  I use CNC for small blades and such, but would love to get a table mounted cnc plasma cutter.  Drool, Drool.  Rich

[tecker]

I used to work on X Y ploters . I 've got a few crude small units I'll start with some dremmel cutters . It wont be long .