Tmate
Member
- Messages
- 62
- Location
- U.S. Maryland
I put together this 2' x 2' (61 x 61 cm) CNC plasma table using aluminum extrusions and Origa linear rails and roller cassettes. I set it up just outside my basement door under my deck, with the compressor, plasma cutter, and computer just inside. It takes about 5 minutes to connect the cables and start cutting.
There are a number of advantages to a small system such as this. A CNC plasma table is a lot like a pool table, in that it takes up a lot of space. It not only uses its own space, but requires access all around to load material, pick up cut-outs, and provide adjustments and maintenance. A small table does not require a forklift to load material, as it can be easily handled manually.
Since outdoor space is much less limited than shop space, it gives you more room for other equipment. You don't need an automatic torch height control with a small table, as small plates are pretty flat and easily leveled. Perhaps most importantly, the problem of plasma dust and debris goes away, so a water table is totally unnecessary. Mine has been sitting outside with the stepper motors still on it for three summers and winters, and still runs flawlessly. A fire pit cover keeps it from being rained on, (mostly). If a little surface rust shows up, I hit it with a Scotch-brite pad.
You can do a lot more with a small table than one might think. Below are some pictures of my small machine, and a few examples of the pieces I've cut with it.
There are a number of advantages to a small system such as this. A CNC plasma table is a lot like a pool table, in that it takes up a lot of space. It not only uses its own space, but requires access all around to load material, pick up cut-outs, and provide adjustments and maintenance. A small table does not require a forklift to load material, as it can be easily handled manually.
Since outdoor space is much less limited than shop space, it gives you more room for other equipment. You don't need an automatic torch height control with a small table, as small plates are pretty flat and easily leveled. Perhaps most importantly, the problem of plasma dust and debris goes away, so a water table is totally unnecessary. Mine has been sitting outside with the stepper motors still on it for three summers and winters, and still runs flawlessly. A fire pit cover keeps it from being rained on, (mostly). If a little surface rust shows up, I hit it with a Scotch-brite pad.
You can do a lot more with a small table than one might think. Below are some pictures of my small machine, and a few examples of the pieces I've cut with it.