Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: plasma cutting table

aspaguy wrote:

(Snip)

> Maybe torchmate does it because they are sometimes adding a router for
> light work. Supertech uses a dual drive with dual moters as you
> suggest, but it seems to me that this just complicates the
> electronics, trying to syncronise two moters on the x axis.

Torchmate didn't always have two racks for driving the gantry, and I am pretty sure you are on target with the thought that they did it when they started thinking "Router Head". The "Dual Motor" Drive
is not difficult at all if you want to drive both sides. Start a new thread with that question. Many in this group have messed with that.

> Im still working it out in my head, but,
> I think if I run the sides of the gantry down beside the table, like
> many commercial routers do, I can mount the rack low on the bottom of
> my framework rail and have the shaft that goes between the pinion
> gears run under the water tray.

One thing to think of, is just how low you plan on making that cross-shaft If you are going to put it under a Water Tray. How deep is your water tray going to be ?
How far away from the cutting head will the water be ?

One must think a little bit about the fact that you are "Blowing" 75+ psi thru the new slot in the metal. Distance away from the water may need to be considered to keep too much from sloshing all over
the place.
I know a member of the group mentioned that he saw a technique where the water was almost tight up to the material. I wondered how they kept water from running all over. I have had to keep the water
at least 3" away, and then have a deep enough pan that it acted a bit self containing. Put 1/4" in the bottom of a bucket and blast it with your air gun, then put 4" of water in and do the same. I
found the air seems to go under the water more and just bubble up instead of splatter. I never really studied a commercial unit so I do not know what they do. So, nothing makes me an Expert by any
means !

> Another objection My inexperienced mind has to the "T square" design
> is that it adds to the "footprint" of the machine without adding
> additional capacity. The longer your T top is, the more your linear
> rail loses in travel. With dual racks, You can have a pretty thin
> gantry, and more travel in less shop space.(and less linear rail cost)
> If I'm thinking out in left field, I always appreciate you guys
> bringing me back to center.

Well, Don't find yourself ruling out the "T" square machine. For an Off Topic.... er sorry, I meant Off "Contact" machine like a Plasma cutter, you will save a whole lot of design time and still end
up with every bit of rigidity you need, Even more if you want to compare any "pretty thin" dual drive gantry to a "rigid" T Structure. To save space, you might want to think of letting the "sticking
Out End of the Linear rail "Drop Down" using nothing but a very rigid hinge technique. Then when not in use, Jog the gantry to the middle and just fold down that wing of rail sticking out. Thinking
back to how wide you wanted to span (I forgot) I wouldn't feel queasy driving from one side even if it was an 8' wide axis.... Properly built of course.

Boy, I can see that big honkin' IKO down one side right now............. :-)

Your not off track. Proof of that is it seems you are willing to work this stuff out before you spend foolishly.
Be sure to give us picture links when you are done.

Chris L