Router to plasma cutter

Hey everyone,
I have a small (12"x12") scratch built cnc router. I purposely designed
it with an open center (when the deck is removed) for future use as a
plasma cutter.
I have been using it for a few years, now, and it has worked well. Now
it's time for the plasma cutter.

The machine uses a HobbyCNC Pro 4 axis board in a wooden box. ( X has 2
motors slaved together, so it uses all 4 axis drivers).
It is over powered with KellingCNC 425 oz in steppers, derated for
unipolar to around 380, and has unshielded wire to the motors.
I am running a 28VDC brick power supply, and Mach3.

The plasma cutter is an older L-tec (Esab) 40 amp HF start machine. I
bought a straight head from ebay to replace the L-handle cutter head.

What kind of issues can I expect from interference and what, if any,
additional parts do I need to interface the two machines?

I see torch height controls around the web, but also seem to recall
machines without them.

I anticipate needing a metal driver enclosure (or maybe foil around the
wooden box?), shielded wire to the motors, and a ground wire to the
cutter head so it doesn't have to touch the material to start (right?).
I have minimal experience with plasma cutting.

I have a Reprap style 3d printer, Taig cnc mill, larger manual mill, and
various size lathes. Also the usual welder, grinders, 4x6 bandsaw, wood
cutting bandsaw, table saw, etc.

I am in the process of building a Joe's 4x8 cnc Router with a G540 Gecko
driver and rack and pinion drive.
Parts are on order and I need some small brackets that could be plasma
cut on the smaller router.

Thanks!

--


Ron Thompson
On the Beautiful Florida Space Coast, right beside the Kennedy Space Center, USA

Think, Draw, Print. 3D printers ROCK!

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