MPCNC plasma cutter

[Hood]

the G4 command

Are you adding that manually to the code or are you getting estlecam to add that?

What are you using to switch the plasma on and off?

As i have got to the stage where i can design something in Fusion 360 export it as a DXF and then draw it using a pen

So next is either a cheapo router or get the plasma to work

Normally a G4 will use the P word for the time, so G4P.7 but it may be the S word on that control.
For switching the plasma on it would normally be M3 and to switch off M5 but again the control being used may have weird commands being used.


Edit
Some controls may require leading 0's such as G04P0.7, some may also work in ms so G4P700 would be the same 0.7 seconds

 

[chrisg3103]

the G4 command

Are you adding that manually to the code or are you getting estlecam to add that?

What are you using to switch the plasma on and off?

As i have got to the stage where i can design something in Fusion 360 export it as a DXF and then draw it using a pen

So next is either a cheapo router or get the plasma to work

Plasma on off is described in the first page, along with the picture of where to put the M106 code in estl cam, pretty sure the delay goes in the same box but below the M106.
Unless you change the parameters in the boxes it will automatically add the command to every program.
Can always test the trigger with a light wired to D9

 

[thinfourth]

Plasma on off is described in the first page, along with the picture of where to put the M106 code in estl cam, pretty sure the delay goes in the same box but below the M106.
Unless you change the parameters in the boxes it will automatically add the command to every program.
Can always test the trigger with a light wired to D9

I have a light which flashes on and off when i want it to

What tool settings are you using in estlecam?

 

[thinfourth]

Well some progress

I added a G4 2.0 command to the laser/plasma window in estlecam as well as sticking a solid state relay on the D9 terminal and i got a flashy light

i also arsed about with the lead in feature which means i can make it start the plasma/pen in an area to get it going before it comes into the actual cut path

i have also ordered a router so i am going to have a play with that before i press it into plasma duties as if i am going to fry its brain i'd rather know what i am doing first before i induce brain death

 

[Hood]

It is good when you start seeing things working for the first time, I remember that well on every retrofit or machine build I have done.

 

[thinfourth]

It is good when you start seeing things working for the first time, I remember that well on every retrofit or machine build I have done.

While this machine is never going to be hugely capable

its a brilliant learning experience

 

[chrisg3103]

I have a light which flashes on and off when i want it to

What tool settings are you using in estlecam?

my current settings for the plasma are 1mm tool, 1500 mm/min feed, when doing a cut just set the depth of cut to 0.01 all over, torch basically just stays at the home height and takes a single pass. Lead in is a very handy feature, can be a bit time consuming if there are a lot of holes though.

Engraving using a 0.5mm bit feed goes down to 200 mm/min.

I didnt expect big things from this machine, but its been handy at times. Good to get the basics on cnc and demystify some of the process before moving onto bigger things...

 

[chrisg3103]

Little update on this, it has pretty much sat idle in the corner suffering from horizontal surface syndrome. Needed some parts cut and thought I'd give it another go, only modification I made was to sheath the plasma hose in steel kopex. Hoping that will help with any stray interference, also made a high tech bent bit of rod cable tied and taped to the machine to support it.

Had already cut two parts before I though I should maybe film this, so its not exactly high end production!

Cutting 3mm steel at 1200mm/min, first one was set to 1400 and was far too quick, lots of sparks and surface just gouged.
But fairly neat cut and the dross came away very easy, bit of a chamfer but this isn't a high end torch or machine by any means. More importantly no electrical failures maybe luck? Maybe the kopex helped I'll take it anyway, now a bit more confident to try some other parts

 

[Cosantoir]

I've a MPCNC low rider that I built during the first lockdown it's cool but with a mill just doesn't really cut metal the way of like.

What plasma cutter do you use?

 

[chrisg3103]

Its just a standard cut 50 with hf pilot arc. Electricaly very dirty, if you can get hold of a blow back start I think they are a lot better. But expensive

 

[Dev]

I put off finishing mine for so long there’s a whole new version so I’ve reprinted it all

 

[chrisg3103]

Whats the improvements over the old one? Need to remember and have a look-see.

Still no failures and proving quite useful at the moment

 

[Dev]

Progress. I’m using dual ends tops this time too so that simplifies the wiring - I was never happy with the serial motor loom I did.

 

[daedalusminos]

What are you guys using for the linear rails?

 

[chrisg3103]

View attachment 287303

Progress. I’m using dual ends tops this time too so that simplifies the wiring - I was never happy with the serial motor loom I did.

Looks good, seems lower profile with the motors that way around. Did you build the other version you printed before printing this one? Find it any better?

What are you guys using for the linear rails?

It just uses skate board bearings running on the tubes, cheap and cheerful. Never going to get micron accuracy but works well enough

 

[Dev]

I did, and I prefer the v2 - it uses 10mm gt2 gear instead of 6mm and there’s a better system for tensioning the belts. Overall it’s just beefier. The 4040 foot plates are a remix but it should mean I’m able to drop a board in for routing or leave it open for the plasma.

 

[ukracer]

I put off finishing mine for so long there’s a whole new version so I’ve reprinted it all

is it on thingiverse?

 

[chrisg3103]

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[Dev]

Progress - got it going with a router and done a few tests. Figuring out the torch mounting next…

 

[Seadog]

Take orders, and a hefty non-refundable deposit. At least you might cover the casting costs that way. Good luck Clive