Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Max feedrate of ball screws?

Alex,
The Plasma Cutter is a Hypertherm. It plugs into a 30amp 208v outlet.
The computer/Controller and power supply box are on a typical 15a 110v
outlet An electric Dryer, Arc welder, or Electric oven would probably
draw more depending on just how thick of material you are cutting.

A laser is a whole different animal, MUCH cleaner and vey narrow kerfs.
The Laser also has however a very different cost factor. It's lots more
to both operate and own. I have been very happy with the finish of the
edge. One must use a control that has very good continuous motion to
avoid any "chatter" showing up on the edge. I've been using the Version1
FlashCut control on it which does an excellent job. I do not have any Z
axis height control applied, so I need to make sure my plate is level
before starting. I do have what they call a "machine Torch Head", which
is the long tip with a rack on it that fits into its own housing. That
housing has a simple knob to raise and lower. It would be a snap to
install a motor to this housing, but you need a method to control height
based on amp draw from the Plasma machine. To my understanding,
Hypertherm has this output, And I believe Mariss has given us a circuit
that should work. I just didn't get that far yet !

Because I do not have the best height control, my Kerf can vary in angle
as it pierces thru the steel. So that can make it tricky to measure.
However, I have never seen a part go beyond .030" 0r so thou at the
bottom edge of the cut on 1/8-3/16 steel, and for what I make it does
not matter. The parts clean up very easily. The machine resolution as I
recall is .002 and if one just throws a dial on the machine, She stays
pretty accurate to that, so you can see how much the kerf itself can
throw things off. Correct height is important if you want really good cuts.

It's a great tool to have, thats for sure.

Chris L

alex wrote:

>Chris, you mentioned about the plasma cutter.
>Ever since I saw a laser cutting machine about 14 years ago I wanted to have
>something similar. How clean your plasma cutter cuts and how exact?
>How much electricity does it take?
>Regards, Alex
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Chris L <datac@...>
>To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
>Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 8:17 PM
>Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Max feedrate of ball screws?
>
>
>
>
>>I know this "drifts" a little from "max feedrate of ball screws",
>>
>>But, My next homebuilt Router style machine over 36" in any direction,
>>
>>
>will have Rack and Pinion. I've got an Old Digital Tool 6'X10" Router at the
>shop to play with. The thing Flat out Flies.
>
>
>>Accuracy can be measured within .005 overall, and if I throw a "short
>>
>>
>throw" dial indicator on it, and make a .002" move via software command,
>(which is by the way this things current resolution), By
>
>
>>diggidy, That's about what shows up on the Dial.
>>
>>This is an old machine, and I have not done anything to try to limit slop
>>
>>
>or backlash. Lot's can be done to Rack and pinion to gain accuracy, at least
>to the point that the manufacturer sells his rack.
>
>
>>I also Built Plasma cutter with Rack. Of course what do you need in
>>
>>
>regards accuracy here ? But it works excellent.
>
>
>>In my book, Ballscrews on a large machine are only necessary If you
>>
>>
>absolutely have to have super duper accuracy. Don't forget, on a large
>machine, you better have a Floor, or a Laser Leveling System
>
>
>>to get that accuracy over a large area. I'm Liking Rack more and more
>>
>>
>every day for your "Typical" Router. Rack is Cheap, You can "Glue" it on
>with Loctite 609, and replace it easily if you wear it
>
>
>>out.
>>
>>For smaller machines like Engravers, Small Routers Etc. Screws are still
>>
>>
>OK, And a bit more affordable when Short.
>
>
>>Chris L
>>
>>
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>Addresses:
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>OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
>If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto: aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to reach it if you have trouble.
>http://www.metalworking.com/news_servers.html
>
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jobshophomeshop I consider this to be a sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are there, for OT subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.
>
>NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY POSTING THEM. DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
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