Budget CNC table....anyone use this one?

Gearheadcnc.com
http://shop.gearheadcnc.com/HobbyPla...T-00000017.htm

Not sure what you get with these kits, looks like I would need to build a base or more?

I'm thinking of buying a cnc plasma table later this year.
I don't need the best high end table you can buy, just looking for something that works well but is reasonable in the price and comes in a complete package of everything I need besides the plasma cutter. I don't know the first thing about them so I don't feel comfortable building my own.

I like the prices on Gearheads site and would like to stay in the $3000 range. Any other kits or tables out there in this price area?

I looked at a lot of different kits and components. The biggest thing to consider is how comfortable you would be with:
- building your own table
- putting you own drive electronics together

I thing my biggest savings came from buying motors, controllers and power supplies on eBay. Second was building my own table. (I already had an old PC to run the software on.)

The folks at buildyourcnc.com did some great videos on wiring your own motors and electronics.

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Originally Posted by EmptyNester

I looked at a lot of different kits and components. The biggest thing to consider is how comfortable you would be with:
- building your own table
- putting you own drive electronics together

I thing my biggest savings came from buying motors, controllers and power supplies on eBay. Second was building my own table. (I already had an old PC to run the software on.)

The folks at buildyourcnc.com did some great videos on wiring your own motors and electronics.

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Wow, thats a great site!! Thanks

Eagle Plasma has some economical kits. It all depends on how fast you want to get up and running. Spend a little more and get a complete kit and your up and running. Save money but spend more of your time building your own. It's a trade off that you need to think about. Before you build your own sit down and add everything up and compare. Some of the people who have budget builds have have the ability to mill their own parts. I saved some money, but I'm not sure I saved enough to justify building my own. If I did it over again I would not start until I have all the parts and pieces to finish the table. I would block off one week and do nothing but work on my table.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRECISION-PL...item232765ebc4
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRECISION-PL...item2327777f77

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRECISION-PL...item2327655cf4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x4-CNC-PLAS...item3ccebdaa4e

I definitely don't want to build my own.... "some assembly required" is ok, but I don't know enough about the electronics to search out the parts and build it.
I also have no clue how to run a CNC program so that is another hurdle..

I'm looking for a complete kit with computer and software so it's just plug n go....Or, assembly, plug, adjust, try, adjust some more, close enough, GO! :)

Hi CGCINC

If you are going to buy a table latter you need to get familiar with the software that is needed.
To draw up the parts you want to cut a CAD program is needed unless you have someone draw them up for you. Or cutting can be done from images using other software to convert to a line drawing. These produce a file output to be used by other programs
Next is a CAM program which is used to interpret the drawing and develop instructions to add for cutting speed, and how the torch moves while cutting. This program develops a file called G-code to be used by the table control software.
And a program that uses the g-code to control the motors on the table to move the tool around in a precise manner to make cuts. This tool could be a plasma torch, router, or a blade cutting the shape you drew in the first program.
There are many free programs that you can find on the web for each of these functions. Some of the drawing program have time limit for you to use them free sketch-up can be used too.
For the CAM software Sheet CAM will let you use a version of their program for free and is limited as to the size of the drawing you convert.
And Mach 3 has the same deal for a program to run the table. Both sheet Cam and Mach 3 have a simulation so you can see what the table would be doing at the finish of that step.

No matter where you get a table you will need to know how to use these types of software.
Like you many of us started completely void of knowledge as what to do to use a CNC table.
Money and time are the two things about getting a table. It is like many things if you have the desirer you can do it too. Just ask questions
I am building my second table using the first to cut parts needed for the second.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdG9_ZQSxCg
http://www.longevity-inc.com/forum/c...cnc-table.html
have fun
Tom

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Originally Posted by acourtjester

Hi CGCINC
have fun
Tom

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I took some CAD classes in college but just a few so that won't help.
I'm sure I can figure it out enough to get it working but that's not the point of spending all this money. I will need training I'm thinking, so I can use the table and software to it's potential.

So are you basically doing CAD work and then sending it to the CAM to covert and cut?
My local college has a CAD program but damn, I really didn't want to go to school to run a plasma table.

What I can tell you is I knew nothing about any of the software I talked about but I can now draw a part run it through these programs and cut it out. I had the hardest time getting started with the CAD program but as I have told many once you start to see how they are thinking you learn how to use it. And as you use it you grow and understand more. You need to learn what name they give a function and that helps you learn. You need to understand the coordinate system start with X and Y as that is what you use in a line drawing. I use Turbo Cad Deluxe 16. It’s cheap (EBay or Amazon)
Example to draw a line you click on that function and enter in the X and Y start location hit enter and enter in how long and what degree and enter again line drawn. Circles are similar enter X and Y location of center press enter then what diameter (can be radius to) circle drawn. I hate reading manuals so I poke around and find things. Some of these programs have videos of people showing how to use them.

There are also integrated software packages that will let you do the drawing then go straight to cutting and even run the table. Not cheap, but very easy to use and if you value your time... It also depends on if you plan to do other CNC things or enjoy learning things like that.

I recommend the G540 Gecko drive. Works very well and not bad on the price... A CNC is not as hard to build as it seems.... building one with a very high tolerance is another story.

I've heard good things from these guys http://shop.gearheadcnc.com/. Seems like an affordable option even for home shop use.

How big are the home built tables you guys are designing? Like a few others on here, I don't like the idea of learning new software or trying to design and assemble all the electronics, motors, and such (myself). Way over my head! I don't think my fair amount of knowledge using AutoCAD, CAD Duct, or CAM duct programs are enough to assume that I could easily teach myself to use a new program either. Using the CNC table at work for 5 years was sure nice though (122"x65" bed size and 1/4" cutting capability). It was a sheet metal HVAC shop, so 1/4" was thick for the things we fabricated.

Between the CAM and CAD programs, there's quite a bit of information to learn in regards to setup, changing and adjusting (sometimes wacky) default settings within the program(s), and then making sure that you have everything mechanically setup correctly. I applaud those that have actually followed through and built their own CNC tables on a budget though! Sometimes I wish I had access to one for some of the heavy or intricate parts I incorporate into my projects.

I didnt know squat about CNC, autocad, cam,... and decided I wanted one. After a lot of reading (autocad for dummies) I am ok to good. Cam was easy... but I dont do curved surfaces. I still have a lot to learn but it is not as hard as it first seemed.

The programs I had to learn were all geared towards burning HVAC fittings (elbows, square-to-rounds, conical tapers, etc) so there was quite a bit of learning involved. I really wish I had received formal training from the company that sold the software, but I didn't really need to be fully trained on that to perform my normal tasks at work during that time. I could see straight cuts and maybe some diagonal cuts being easy to setup and execute on a homemade CNC table...If you don't plan on utilizing your CNC table to do more complex cuts. That sort of takes the fun out of it for me though!

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Originally Posted by youngnstudly

...If you don't plan on utilizing your CNC table to do more complex cuts. That sort of takes the fun out of it for me though!

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Exactly! I want to learn how to use it properly and use it for crazy things I haven't even thought of yet. No sense in buying one if all I can do is cut a few simple patterns.
And I hate buying tools when your not sure what Exactly you need..... I have no clue what I will need and what will grow with me in the future.

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Originally Posted by CGCINC

Exactly! I want to learn how to use it properly and use it for crazy things I haven't even thought of yet. No sense in buying one if all I can do is cut a few simple patterns.
And I hate buying tools when your not sure what Exactly you need..... I have no clue what I will need and what will grow with me in the future.

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I hate buying a tool that you've wanted for a long time, and then finding out that it's too small or you'll easily outgrow it in the future! It's a waste of time to under design something that you are building from scratch anyways. Retrofitting to a homemade piece of tooling or equipment isn't always possible since you didn't design that ability into it the first time. Then it's back to the drawing board to start from ground zero!

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Originally Posted by youngnstudly

I could see straight cuts and maybe some diagonal cuts being easy to setup and execute on a homemade CNC table...If you don't plan on utilizing your CNC table to do more complex cuts. That sort of takes the fun out of it for me though!

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The thing about CNC is that the actual mechanics are ultra simple, all the complexity is driven by the software. So even the most basic homemade table is capable of doing as complex a cut as your imagination can dream up. Quite often the CAM software will even do away with letting the CNC compute the arcs, and just send them as a series of straight line moves. The program will get crazy long, but sometimes it will execute faster and or smoother that way, as all the calculations are done ahead of time and do not have to be computed on the fly.

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Originally Posted by Rambozo

The thing about CNC is that the actual mechanics are ultra simple, all the complexity is driven by the software. So even the most basic homemade table is capable of doing as complex a cut as your imagination can dream up. Quite often the CAM software will even do away with letting the CNC compute the arcs, and just send them as a series of straight line moves. The program will get crazy long, but sometimes it will execute faster and or smoother that way, as all the calculations are done ahead of time and do not have to be computed on the fly.

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Before I started researching this I thought you could basically draw something in a program, like Microsoft draw, and then say "Cut!" and it would be like majic!
My problem is I have a Big imagination but I have no clue how to do X,Y coordinates and tell a computer to follow line a while intersecting line b and take a left at c!?!?!?!
I'm pretty sure I could get the basics and just practice to figure out more but I just can't justify the price for a decent machine if I don't know how to take full advantage of it. I plan on making money with it so I need to know more than the basics. I'm stuck..

Then you might want to take a look at something like a PlasmaCAM system. It has that all in one software where you can pretty much draw a picture then say cut it.

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Originally Posted by Rambozo

Then you might want to take a look at something like a PlasmaCAM system. It has that all in one software where you can pretty much draw a picture then say cut it.

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I did get info on the Plasmacam. So what makes that one a draw and cut system!?!? School me please? I thought a cutting program is a cutting program...

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Originally Posted by CGCINC

I did get info on the Plasmacam. So what makes that one a draw and cut system!?!? School me please? I thought a cutting program is a cutting program...

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What they have done, and there are probably others as well, is write one piece of software to do everything. This makes it easier to learn but maybe a little less flexible than the usual 3 step methods. Usually you use one software package to draw your designs (CAD), then another one to turn the drawings into G-code (CAM), and lastly a third program to actually run your machine (CNC). For example you might do your CAD in AutoCAD, do CAM with MasterCAM and then send it to a Haas CNC for the high end route. Or CAD in Inkscape, CAM with a Python script, and EMC2 for the CNC, for the total open source route. While the line between CAD and CAM is pretty blurry these days, with many programs doing both, you still have to usually send it to Mach 3 or some other program to actually run the machine. If you want to get up to speed quickly and make money, then time becomes very important. Not only time to learn the different software, but the time to process from idea to metal. The all in one approach can be very fast from concept to cut. A lot has to do with what you plan on making. For example if you are doing production runs, then good nesting software can save you metal. If you're doing one offs, that won't really matter. Also your work might dictate the kind of software you need to run. If you get customer supplied drawings in some obscure file format, you will need software that can deal with it. Another factor is if you plan on using your CNC for things besides plasma. Adding a router lets you do other things, but if you have a plasma only package, it might not have the tools to deal with routing. Or maybe adding another type of CNC, and having it run on the same type of control software, so you can jump right in, with a short learning curve.

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Originally Posted by Rambozo

What they have done ......

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Thank you! Plasmacam sounds like the way to go for me maybe. How would I know if any other companies use a software package like that? Is it called anything special?

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Originally Posted by CGCINC

Thank you! Plasmacam sounds like the way to go for me maybe. How would I know if any other companies use a software package like that? Is it called anything special?

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Google is your friend? I'm not really sure, so you should look around a little and see what's out there. Then haunt YouTube for some examples of how they work for real people, not just company demos.

Torchmate's software is similar as well. Your probably going to pay big bucks for that type of software. CAD is not as hard to learn as you might think. Your building the part on the computer screen, and I find it helpful to draw something out before I build it. CAD can help you figure dimensions and give angles; it's very helpful if you do any fabricating.

If you aren't into the whole learning experience, you may fair better just to find someone else to do the plasma table work when you need it. you can get quite a bit of cutting done for the cost of a table, and there is likely a business close to you that has a plasma cutting capability. Not to discourage you, but you may be better off just getting the work done elsewhere. Maybe even some of the guys on here will cut for you and ship. Probably not too expensive if it isn't too heavy, but local may be the way to go. You will still need to get teh shape down in some sort of electronic format to keep it reasonably priced.

Have you tried to see if there are some local guys you could work with to have a better idea of what is needed?
Put an ad in the paper or shopper for a hobbyist or DIY guy that you can talk to.
Also if you want to make money you will need to know what will sell and how much you can make for your work.
This stuff is not Black Magic you may be spooking yourself.
If you want one go for it, If not run from it, Sportbike is right if you don't have a lot to do.