Messages

21

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 11, 2015, 01:24:28 PM »

Sorry, I forgot to add at the end of the last post, asking if anyone has any other suggestions. I should have been asking this from the start. But, it will still be easier to address changes now, rather then wait until the end.

22

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 11, 2015, 11:53:59 AM »

Ok, with the advice of BR549 and Chaoticone I fiund some areas that need addressed. First, is the noise. I have added some further protwction against that and will be implementing that when I get to that point in the build. I have to admit, I knew it was an issue, but chaoticone made it clear that its a bigger issue then I originally thought. He also stressed and restressed the importance of proper planning and research. I have been designing and researching for about two years before I started actually building. I am far from being a knowledgable source on the topic, but I think in that two years Ive learned enough to get my feet wet, and continue my learning experience hands on. BR549 opened my eyes to the weight of the gantry, which made me rethink the design on that. So far, I have taken( in design) the weight from about 200 lbs down to 120ish lbs. I am in the process of alternate gantry plates from thinner material. Those 3/8" plates weigh about 28lbs each. So that is definately another area I could shed some weight. As soon as I get time that is my next step in the build. Also pointed out was gear reduction, and have researched and calculated a 3:1 reduction would suit my needs. I have already started looking around for the 3" DP 20 Pa 20 pitch gears I will need. Does anyone know of a good source for these gears? All I can seem to find are very expensive prices for a simple little spur gear. And the THC, was also mentioned as a problem area. I am hoping it will suit my needs, I will be cutting thicker plate most of the time. According to Hypertherms tables the fastest I will ever need to cut at is 150ipm. Im hoping that proma can keep up. If not, then I will cross that bridge when I get there.

23

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 08, 2015, 05:40:00 PM »

Hey, thanks for the input. And, those were exactly my worries as well. I know that gantry is heavy, and I am planning on redesigning it. I was thinking of maybe taking the back square tubes off and putting in a brace or two somehow. I also am toying with designs to cut out of the gantry side plates for weight reduction.i was also thinking about just cutting the square tubing in half and using that instead of the C channel. The tubing wall is only about 1/16" thick. The channel is much heavier.  Actually I think thats what ill do, those couple things should make a huge difference. As for gear reduction, I have been worrying about that, but I hope with some redesigning I can shed enough weight to get away without it. That would be a pita. The proma thc is my mistake. I did research before I bought it. But, after buying it, thats when I started coming across all the people warning about it. There are success stories so Im hoping I can get it to work. If not then I have been looking at some options at a company called CANDCNC. Have you or anyone have any experience with them?

I guess it might be helpful if I let all of you know that i dont plan on cutting thin materials often. And when I do the thinnest I will ever need to cut will be 14 guage.

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Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 07, 2015, 09:21:30 PM »

I am also look for criticism on the design. I would like other viewpoints on things people would change, etc. This is my first machine, but there will be more. I knew coming into this project that it would be a learning experience, and I plan to use the experience, and knowlege in future machines. If anyone of you were building this machine what would have have done differently, and why?

I probably should have mentioned some info you cant get from the pics before now oops:

Mach 3
Sheetcam
1232oz/in nema 34 motors (x axis is slaved there will be 2 motors moving that gantry)
proma THC
Hypertherm powermax 65 plasma

25

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 07, 2015, 11:48:16 AM »

Once again, thanks for the info. I have already decided to build my own enclosure. I already had the sheet metal ordered at work, and I think it will probably be delivered early this week. However, after reading the articles you suggested, looked at the products youve recommended, and considered your advice, I am going to rethink the design. Since I am the manufacturer, middleman, and customer I can build an enclosure that suits me while using better materials. Since I am the customer I am not worried about keeping costs down and will be using 14 gauge sheet metal. If youve seen the pictures you can probably tell I am not worried about keeping weight down, except when it comes to the gantry. What about putting that wire mesh sleeving over the plasma torch lead? You mentioned that stuff would work like an antennea? Think it would help to keep some noise from escaping the lead?

26

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 06, 2015, 10:54:48 AM »

Thanks for the info. I tried looking into the opto 22 converters but dont really know what Im lookjng for, think you ciuld give me a nudge in the right direction? Also, have you or anyone wlse ever used a wire mesh shielding sleeve with any success?  According to wikipedia, this stuff should act just like a Faraday cage. From what I read in your links, grounding these sleeves should help even more. I have shielded wire i am going to use, but if that stuff is worth it ill use that as well, and maybe one of these optically isolated converters. Think that will be enough to eliminate noise?

27

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 05, 2015, 12:26:16 PM »

Yes your right, I have done all of this. But, I wish I would have found all this info in one place before I started this project. This is good info that should be stickied. I am worried about the noise though. Any recommendations?

28

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 05, 2015, 07:25:25 AM »

This is only my first machine, and although the first one isnt done yet I am open to any suggestions, improvements, crticism, etc. As soon as this one is up and running Im starting my next one. This being my first machine I knew going in that I would find improvements and different ways of doing things. Its already much different then the solidworks model I designed.  Also, I will not be building any of my next machines from a pile of scrap. The owner of the place I work wanted to scrap it all. I was just showing him the value and use in it, and that it could be put to good use. So i offered to cut and clean it all up in my time for some of it. Thanks again for any suggestion and criticism ahead of time.

29

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 02, 2015, 03:00:18 PM »

If you try to view the link on your phone, after clicking the link hit your settings button and request the desktop site. Sorry I just now noticed it did that.

30

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / My first CNC (plasma) machine

« on: March 01, 2015, 11:44:47 PM »

Hello, just thought Id show the community what brought me to this forum. Im currently working on my first CNC machine. Im building a CNC plasma table that I hope will also be able to mill aluminum and maybe even take some light cuts in steel. Instead of making twenty posts to show my build log, I will just post a link to my Facebook album that contains all of the pics.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.524830614326022.1073741829.100003972633149&type=3