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

[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]

Double sided tape with rivet at each end should do the job,,,the next phase of aligning it all so it doesn't bind and has the proper gear mesh will need a dial guage for that,,,been there done that,,,lots of fun making it all run smooth...looking good Shaun..

[SeanMurphy265]

Well... I thought I was finished spending money on this project....
I ordered a refurb XP desktop from Walmart.com for $136.96
I had to order one 5' gear rack (I mis-figured), 2 rolls of 3m double sided tape, socket head cap screws( for my floating X axis to bolt to my x carriage), some spacers 1/2", and a 10-32 self taping drill bit @ $122.08

Previous total $2,998.95
New Total.......$3,257.99

I probably will end up getting a monitor for $100.00, my hope is that everything else will be paid for by the table.

[Scotty1]

Hi Sean,
Any chance of Getting a Copy of your Plans?
Thanks in advance

[SeanMurphy265]

Hi Sean,
Any chance of Getting a Copy of your Plans?
Thanks in advance

The table I built on my own. I had originally planned to follow the plans from the kit I ordered. I purchased the carriages from No Sleep Studio. He gives you a list of materials you will need (gear rack, bearings, hardware, etc) after you purchase the carriages. He has a print for a table on his forum. No Sleep sells parts and you build your own table with their plans and build of materials list. The B.O.M. gives you links and part numbers for all the parts you will need. I went with Probotix 4 axis monster kit for my electronics. A lot of people go with CandCNC.com pre-wired RTR kits. I know there is a popular Australian company that sells the motor kits as well.

http://www.needfulthings.net/host/no...udio/index.php

Shop Droids Forum
http://www.needfulthings.net/shopdroids/forum/index.php

[Scotty1]

The table I built on my own. I had originally planned to follow the plans from the kit I ordered. I purchased the carriages from No Sleep Studio. He gives you a list of materials you will need (gear rack, bearings, hardware, etc) after you purchase the carriages. He has a print for a table on his forum. No Sleep sells parts and you build your own table with their plans and build of materials list. The B.O.M. gives you links and part numbers for all the parts you will need. I went with Probotix 4 axis monster kit for my electronics. A lot of people go with CandCNC.com pre-wired RTR kits. I know there is a popular Australian company that sells the motor kits as well.

http://www.needfulthings.net/host/no...udio/index.php

Shop Droids Forum
http://www.needfulthings.net/shopdroids/forum/index.php

Thanks For those Links SEAN,I will follow them up
Cheers and Beers

[acourtjester]

cannot help you there

[acourtjester]

hI Sean
I forgot you must run the driver test located in Mach 3 folder before anythnig will work. It is just IDing your printer port with Mach 3. Takes about 2 minutes to run, I just sitst the for a whilethen says its ok and exits.

[EmptyNester]

Sean,

I've been monkeying with the CNC connector that came with my PP50 for a while and just can't figure out how to remove the blue collar on the pin end. I'm afraid to try to hard in case I break something.

How did you do it?

Thanks,
Rege

[SeanMurphy265]

Unscrew the 12 pin part of the connector and the collar will slide off.

[EmptyNester]

Unscrew the 12 pin part of the connector and the collar will slide off.

I'm not sure I follow. Do you mean that you grab the pins and try to unscrew the center part of the connector?