Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] plasma cutting table

My advice would be to move the torch, not the table. It's much more
efficient on smaller machines. I'd worry about cutting into the table.
Also, if moving the table, you need machine clearance of twice the sheet
size to cut anywhere on the sheet. But, free advice is only worth what it
costs ya.

I ran a W.A.Whitney 647C Plasma/Punch for a few years, and it moved the
(ball-transfer) table in the +/- Y direction, and slid the stock (across
the balls) in the +/- X direction. The torch was stationary, but dropped
down on the stock for cutting, and back up in-between cuts. The torch ass'y
itself rolled over the stock, via mini-transfer balls. Rated at 1/2" x 4ft
x 8ft hot rolled steel, but we cut up to 183" of 3/16" x 60" with it. It
was a BIG machine, 350 Amp supply (at 80% duty cycle), water-cooled torch &
slag funnel.

How big is your torch, ampere-wise? How big are the sheets you want to use?

RayHex

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> From: dave_ace_me <davemucha@...>
>
> My current desire is to make a plasma cutting table.
>
> I know that these are similar in design to router tables and I assume
> that there are a few in this group that have made these tables.
>
> If you have any pointers, I would greatly appreciate your input.
>
> My intention is to cut 1/8 and 0.08 aluminum sheets
>
> Some of the concerns I have are:
> how fast to I need to move the table,
> how messy the process is, does it create splatter like torch cutting.
> does it reak havoc on the slides ?
> How large of steppers should I plan on using ?
> and how you move the table, single center lead screw ? twin screws on
> the outside linked by a timing belt ?
>
> Also, if you do have one, do you make parts for people ?
>
> Dave