Re: Newbi needs advise on torch table.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, cruiser man <crusier_32@y...>
wrote:
<SNIP> In response to Calument's (sorry if I spelled that
wrong) mention of using the mach2 software for thc. I have no
problem with any O.S that does the job. Although my latest version of
Windows
is 98se, and the machine that I use for day to day work is probably
not worth
upgrading to XP or 2000. By the time I figure in a new PC I am way
over budget
for this project. Thus I would like to stick with Linux if possible.
That and
I hate the thought of paying good money for an OS that is going to
catch every
little bug that goes around. (Sorry about the little MS flame there)
</SNIP>

If upgrading your PC (my last 900Mhz clone cost me 150 bucks for the
MB, Processor and 256M ram) is going to crash your budget, you might
want to rethink building a table the size you listed. It's going to
cost some bucks no matter which way you go. I agree that leadscrews
are the most expensive and in the lengths you will need, VERY
expensive. I was lucky and picked up 4 seven ft ballscrews, nuts,
track and servo motors for 300 bucks (used) so my whole table is
ballscrews. I cut everything down to 65" and have a 5'X 5' working
area. If I need to cut a larger piece I can let it hang off the
table and index it to make two cuts. If I had not found the deal on
the ballscrews I would have done a dual motor rack and pinion. The
servos are really nice and give better high speed performance than
steppers. I can tell you this: plan your design so all of the
moving parts are covered. The fine metallic black dust that plasma
generates gets EVERYWHERE!

I agree about MS and the virus bugs but I don't have my controller
PC "exposed" to untrusted PC's and so far Mr Norton has stopped the
bad stuff on my other machines. It's nice to have the ability to
open a CAD file on the Controller PC and make modifications instantly.

The OS debate approaches a religious war at times and can case long
trails of threads. MACH2 runs nicely on Win2000 and combo deals with
a decent MB and 2000 are out there.

MACH2 is cheap, well written, constantly being improved and the THC
is real and working. I cut for 4 hours today using it.

Tom Caudle