RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] plasma vs mill/router cnc

Thanks. I understand the purposes of the different devices, and think that
a CNC plasma cutter would probably be the first and most useful device for
our shop. The question is more, "why are these CNC plasmas so expensive? -
and can't I make a CNC plasma table for pretty cheap?" I seems that making a
metal frame and gantry that would carry my hand held plasma; powered by
relatively small (cheap) motors since there would be little force needed to
move the torch (no cutting tool in material to resist movement); and with
screws or a cogbelt that had a little backlash (don't need ballscrews). Am
I missing something in my thot process in thinking that this should be an
easy unit to build? And is there something I'm missing about using a
handheld plasma for the CNC (such as does the high freq from the hand held
interfere with the control system? Thanks, Chuck

Well it depends on what you NEED it to do. Plasma cutter won't route
wood, for example. AFAIK a CNC router would be hard pressed to cut
steel unless quite well designed and skillfully operated. AFAIK a
plasma cutter won't do anything but straight-through cuts, right?

So it depends on what you need. I mean, if the question is just, is a
CNC plasma cutter great? YES, it is! A CNC router is also great, as is
a CNC mill.

Danny

ebiz_59 wrote:

> We have a farm shop that is pretty well equipped with plasma cutter,

several welders, a Bridgeport mill, a couple lathes - none of which are
cnc'd. I've been thinking about building a CNC router, or
buying/retrofitting a mill, for a long time. But actually think a CNC plasma
might be most useful to us. However, I am cheap. I'm thinking a plasma cnc
gantry would be pretty easy (cheap) to build - don't need perfect ways, a
small amount of backlash is probably livable, the torque requirements
shouldn't be significant, and I already have a decent plasma cutter
(although I read that e high frequency start might be an issue). What am I
missing? Shouldn't this be easy?? thanks in advance, Chuck

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