Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Plasma Torch

I'm not quite to the point of sending in pics of mine. I'm using rack and
pinion on both axes, 150 oz-in motors, seems to work plenty fast. I'm hoping I
can get away with a fixed torch distance, if not I'll have to cobble up a z
axis.

Steve Smith

Darrell Daniels wrote:

> Hi William, I think it depends on the size of metal you are cutting, on
> the one I am designing I ruled out the Z axis because my max size will
> be 3' by 3' with most pieces smaller than that, if you are cutting 4' by
> 8' sheets then I would think a Z axis would be necessary as most large
> sheets aren't perfectly flat. We have been using the drag shields
> manually with great results (miller) they do work. Another consideration
> is work holding, if the torch tip is going to contact the metal could it
> shift the work piece on thin/light items? I would also think it would
> add drag which may or may not matter depending on motor size. On ours I
> want to make the Z axis manually adjustable and lockable to compensate
> for different thickness metal, my idea was to place the torch tip very
> close but not contacting the metal. I only know of one other person on
> the list that is building one, I would be interested in sharing ideas
> with you on or off the list. How many people are on the list that have
> plasma gantry experience?
> Darrell
>
> William Scalione wrote:
> >
> > I am considering building a CNC plasma cutter, and while
> > looking around I see refrences to drag shields, which allow
> > you to place the tip of the shield directly onto the workpiece
> > when you cut. These will keep the tip at the proper distance
> > from the work. Could these be used in a CNC setup? The Z
> > axis could be spring loaded down, similar to a floating engraving
> > spindle. Any idea if this would work, anyone done that, or do
> > I need a torch height control system like rutex sells?
> >
> > http://www.rutex.com/953004.pdf
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Bill
> >
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