Re: Build CNC Plasma cutting Table

> I needed some small run parts last year for a simple project.
>
> went on to search out laser and water and router outfits.
>
> seems the laser came in a little lower than the rest and the parts
> cost little more than the price would have paid for material.
>
> there is no way I could operate a machine for the small additional
> savings. repairs, supplies plus time made it very cheap.
>
> they bent the parts for me and presto, done deal.
>
> I still want a plasma table, and will put one together one day, but
> there is no pressing needs.
>

My recent experience was just the opposite. A series of small parts done in 4130 steel and some in .090 5052 aluminum. Materials cost were just under $200....Laser costs were $1150. I was absolutely floored. That's why I built my plasma table. I told the guy I could build a table for what he wanted for just one run. He laughed....

Guess what? I have about $1600 in my table because I added a Z axis. I've already got three of his customers wanting me to do thier CNC cutting. Who's laughing now?????

Three years ago I told the local machine shop that if he kept raising his prices, I was going to buy my own machines and do it myself. Three months later I had 2 lathes and a milling machine on the shop floor and he has not seen a dime of my money since.

Ross