Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: plasma cutting table

aspaguy wrote: (snip)

> I wouldn't drive a unit the size of yours from one side only as if the lower end
> of your "T square" lags behind you will get square cuts that are
> paralellograms.

If something is "lagging" in this regard on a non-contact machine, Something was NOT built right !!!

> I like Chris's suggestion of turning the rack
> vertical to allow the swarf to fall away, but it won't allow joining
> the opposite pinion gears together with a shaft to feep them
> syncronized unless you add a right angle gear box on each side of the
> shaft. Perhaps a better thought would be to mount the rack with the
> teeth horizontal, but pointing down, with the pinion gears under them
> so the swarf can still fall away, but you can join the pinions easily.

You could do your method of rack mounting very easily, but maybe instead of the cross shaft, you'd be better off running two motors, one on each side. This way you could drive your pinions with
toothed belt and mount your motors up higher on each side. Running a cross shaft will require you to put the rack high enough so the shaft can cross along with the gantry. Keeping enough space for
material under the gantry then almost makes the "sides" of the machine stand up pretty high. Then you have to drop steel down into this "hole" over the top of your sides with the rack, or put your
steel in from the ends. Kind of like the old digital tool CNC Routers.

I don't know about others, but my stuff generally gets welded to something else, so the accuracy is nothing critical compared to stuff you'd do on a router or mill. Straight non welded edges just have
to be straight... thats about it !

I feel pretty strongly about designing right away with toothed belt for any hobbiest "piecing" such a machine together. It is the only way you can adjust the machine to run the most effectively with
any kiddywumpas mix of components you end up with.

Chris L