Re: Waterjet on a cnc knee mill - homebrew

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Cardinal Engineering"
<cardinal.eng@g...> wrote:

> Just a couple of comments - I have a waterjet in my shop and while

it is an

> incredible technology for many purposes it also has some drawbacks - The
> main one being the large amount of abrasive that needs to be

disposed of -

> The automatic abrasive removal system I got with the machine doesn't

do the

> job too well and it does tend to spread abrasive grit and spray mist all
> over (I had it in a separate room) -
>
> Regarding the use of 20,000 psi, it would work ok but be quite a bit

slower

> based on my tests at different pressures - I cut various materials,
> aluminum, steel (up to 2" thick), glass, marble, granite, ceramics and
> plastic - I also did some serious experimentation on cutting balsa and
> plywood for model airplane kits which does a really nice job because

there

> is no edge burning as with lasers -
>
> I do think that a homebuilt version would be possible and have been

doing

> some sketches and doodles with a view to making one for pubication in my
> HOME SHOP MACHINIST articles - But with several other major projects

ahead

> of the waterjet it would be at least a couple of years before I can

get to

> the waterjet - In the meantime, if anyone wants to experiment with DIY
> waterjet I would be glad to answer questions although I am far from

being an

> expert - (Definition - Expert - EX=Has-been - Spurt=Water under

pressure)

>
> Roland Friestad

Hi Roland,

I want to cut out cloth, pretty much any type, but probably stuff like
polyester and spandex type stuff more than heavy denim. Also 1/4"
thick foam rubber sheets.

I figure that the foam should be able to be cut with water alone.

Anyway, the question is about how much of the system can be made in a
shop and how much has to be purchased ?

Have you worked up what it would take to make a home waterjet or the
more capable abrasivejet ?