Plasma Table Build - Plasma Bot 4.0

[SeanMurphy265]

I'm starting this thread a little early, but I have decided to build my own cnc plasma table. I would like to out right by one, but I can't justify the expense. I've been doing some reading and I somewhat confident that I can wire my table. The wiring and electronics are my biggest concern.

So far I'm waiting on my plates for the gantry. I ordered this kit from No Sleep Studio.

I'm ordering my tubing tomorrow.

Electronics will be next week. I'm still trying to figure out what to order. I'm torn between two kits.
Keling INC has a Gecko Kit that is reasonably priced, but you have to wire it yourself. I will add the torch height control from CandCNC.

CandCNC has a complete plug and run kit that has excellent reviews, but It's not cheap! I'm trying to count my pennies.

From what I've read and from what I have figured... depending on which electronic/motor package I go with.. This build will cost between $2500.00 and $3,000.00 for a 4x8 table. My goal is $2,000.00 no more than $2,500.00!

[geezer]

Hi Sean, I think you better up your budget by at least a factor of 2, these things add up, especially considering you are shooting for a 4 x 8 foot table. If you can get an 8 foot table up and running for under 5 grand you are doing well. It's a good project though,,,I like what CandCNC has to offer,,,I went the torchmate route on a 2X2 back when they first came out at 2 grand, they are now more like 3000,,,,have it sitting in the basement,,,just no time to play with it,,there is also a steep learning curve that has to be climbed on one of these things,,,,got no time for that either,,,,,DON'T GET OLD,,,It's not good for you..slows you down.

[SeanMurphy265]

It seems these builds take quite some time, most of the threads I've read last 3-5 months.

[geezer]

It seems these builds take quite some time, most of the threads I've read last 3-5 months.

It's all a question of time and money, if you decide to take on the project it would be good to have access to a mill\drill and a lathe or better still a buddy who wants to build one too. They look like a weekend project but they have many issues for a guy to think about, like,, a 4 x 8 table isn't 4 x 8 it's more like 6 x 10 to allow for 4 x 8 sheets on it and have room for the things like a platemarker or other devices besides the plasma torch and the gantry height has to be figured out for clearance etc...the motors move with the gantry so you will need things like cable quides etc...lots of little issues that the kit sellers don't spend much time or detail on...

I would be interested on how you make out should you decide to build one.

[SeanMurphy265]

It's all a question of time and money, if you decide to take on the project it would be good to have access to a mill\drill and a lathe or better still a buddy who wants to build one too. They look like a weekend project but they have many issues for a guy to think about, like,, a 4 x 8 table isn't 4 x 8 it's more like 6 x 10 to allow for 4 x 8 sheets on it and have room for the things like a platemarker or other devices besides the plasma torch and the gantry height has to be figured out for clearance etc...the motors move with the gantry so you will need things like cable quides etc...lots of little issues that the kit sellers don't spend much time or detail on...

I would be interested on how you make out should you decide to build one.

I ordered the kit for the gantry. The kit I'm using runs on 2x2 square tubing and gear rack. Gear rack is not cheap, but it's cheaper than aluminum v rail.

[CGCINC]

I'm very interested in this thread!!
I want a CNC plasma table and would like to build one but I have no clue when it come to electronics.

Thanks for the links as well!

[acourtjester]

HI Sean
I bought my stuff from Hubberd CNC talk to brent 916-368-2815.
2--425 motor and drivers for them
1---570 motror and driver
power supply
BOB board and power adaper.
printer cable and software
to my door $562.
have fun
Tom

[SeanMurphy265]

How did you wire your plasma cutter? Can you wire the torch without opening up the plasma cutter? Hubbard has some very good prices, and seems to have good reviews.

I've also been looking at Probotix which has prices close to Hubbard.

My Plates have shipped for the gantry. I will post pictures when they arrive.

[geezer]

How did you wire your plasma cutter? Can you wire the torch without opening up the plasma cutter? Hubbard has some very good prices, and seems to have good reviews.

I've also been looking at Probotix which has prices close to Hubbard.

My Plates have shipped for the gantry. I will post pictures when they arrive.

I looked at both probotix and hubbard and did not see anything that looked powerful enough to fire up a 4 x 8 table and all the weight associated with that size table and it's gantry, nor did I see much in the way of Z axis control for a THC set up,,,I did find that candcnc starts off with 600 oz steppers and does seem to be geared more to plasma builds , the plazpak1A kit at candcnc would seem the route to go seeing as how you need a 2 motor drive for one axis, one motor for the gantry and another for the Z axis for the THC....I did a bunch of looking a while back on building a larger system than my 2 x 2 and the bottom line is: the drive components and motors and powersupplies etc. always seem to run in the 2 grand and up to get it done right....table construction costs are extra...

I was not kidding when I said you need to up your budget by a factor of 2,,,this stuff costs and costs,,,priced out a THC upgrade for my little 2x2,,,2400+ bucks from torchmate,,can get a stand alone import job but that still runs 1600 beans,,,,once you factor in the costs it's helps explain why these builds take months to complete,,,,1 day of building and 30 days of fund raising for the next days building..

[acourtjester]

You might look at this http://www.ebay.com/itm/170774361589...84.m1423.l2649

[geezer]

You might look at this http://www.ebay.com/itm/170774361589...84.m1423.l2649

That's interesting and the price looks right,,,still have to come with motor & drive harware etc, but it looks duable from a cost stand point,,thanks for the info

[SeanMurphy265]

This is what I would really like!
I still think I can be under $3,000.00. Even If I go with CandCNC's kit I can get by with $1300.00 for all the electronics. I'm going to call Probotix in the morning to see if they can help me with THC and wiring up the plasma cutter.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-NC-...#ht_5383wt_952

[welderdude]

Now this is COOL! Building a Plasma table is on my dream list of things to do. I'm going to really pay attention to this.

[acourtjester]

Wiring the torch is simple if you use the one that came on your PC with a button on the torch.
If it is an outside button just replace it with a small relay powered by the CNC electronics.
If it’s inside just open the torch and find the 2 wires going to its switch and run them outside to a relay. Power on the plasma cutter machine when you ready to work, hook air to it and let the CNC computer run the torch when cutting. Check youtube and you will see many that did it that way. Many guys use the original torch and hook it that way.
Have fun
Tom

[SeanMurphy265]

Wiring the torch is simple if you use the one that came on your PC with a button on the torch.
If it is an outside button just replace it with a small relay powered by the CNC electronics.
If it’s inside just open the torch and find the 2 wires going to its switch and run them outside to a relay. Power on the plasma cutter machine when you ready to work, hook air to it and let the CNC computer run the torch when cutting. Check youtube and you will see many that did it that way. Many guys use the original torch and hook it that way.
Have fun
Tom

Thanks! I've been wondering why people have been opening up their machines to wire them up. Until I get a plasma cutter with a cnc port this is what I am going to do.

[SeanMurphy265]

Here is a running total of how much I spent so far!
Plasmabot 4.0 kit with nut plates including shipping - $191.94

Probotix 4axis Monster CNC stepper motor kit including relay, 20' motor cables, factory wired, power supply, fan, and large enclosure with shipping $765.48

Total
$957.42

I'm expecting $250.00 for 2x2 square tubing
200-250 for gear rack

Going by the price list from plasma bot (Have not purchased this yet)
Bearings $29.95
Bushings $18.36
Bushings $21.18
Motor pinion gears $46.05
Bolts and other supplies $60.00 ish.

Other cost
If I had torch height control $300
Z Axis Driver for floating torch/touch and go $250.00

[geezer]

Here is a running total of how much I spent so far!
Plasmabot 4.0 kit with nut plates including shipping - $191.94

Probotix 4axis Monster CNC stepper motor kit including relay, 20' motor cables, factory wired, power supply, fan, and large enclosure with shipping $765.48

Total
$957.42

I'm expecting $250.00 for 2x2 square tubing
200-250 for gear rack

Going by the price list from plasma bot (Have not purchased this yet)
Bearings $29.95
Bushings $18.36
Bushings $21.18
Motor pinion gears $46.05
Bolts and other supplies $60.00 ish.

Other cost
If I had torch height control $300
Z Axis Driver for floating torch/touch and go $250.00

Well I have to admit it looks like you are going to be on your budget target,,,didn't think it was possible,,,one thing though,,,you will need THC on an 8 foot table that is a must for large tables,,,I'm still looking around for one myself,,,just don't want to pay Torchmates prices,,,they want your entire budget for theirs.

looking forward to seeing the build progress,,,

[SeanMurphy265]

THC is quite expensive! I just want to see if I can get this thing to run! The software will also cost me some$$$ I have old laptop with a serial port that I am going to attempt to use!

[SeanMurphy265]

My plama gantry kit arrived today. Here are some pics.

[zoama]

THC is quite expensive! I just want to see if I can get this thing to run! The software will also cost me some$$$ I have old laptop with a serial port that I am going to attempt to use!

USB can be configured as a serial port. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...d&Pagesize=100