View Full Version : 4x4 Gantry kit - cable carrier install
Creepy
10-25-2009, 08:05 AM
So the grunt running the bandsaw at my local metal supply didn't see fit to give me the extra 6" is asked for on the 10' stick I was gonna cut in half to make the linear rail mounts with all the tapped holes. Don't bother reading the order form buddy, its almost quitting time! :(:
I went home without checking....damn Friday afternoon at 4pm, everyone is in a rush to get home and makes mistakes. I can't return a cut piece either.
4x4 table drawing callout is 62"....if I use this material I will only have 60".
What is the length of the linear rail, can I use 60" and not get into reducing the work zone?
I don't mind if I have to have the hard stops hanging off the ends of the 60". i read the drive rack is short so if you rapid the gantry off the end of the table it runs out of rack and coasts into the stops.
Can this work with 60", or do i gotta go back and buy more steel?
I could be tapping those holes today......otherwise I'm twiddling my thumbs wasting the day.
jeepsr4ever
10-25-2009, 10:01 AM
Length of the rail is 62". It is possible to add a support "L" bracket later after it is all together.
Creepy
10-25-2009, 11:59 AM
hhmm. ok thx. i think i'll get new stuff then.
I guess this is my build thread, so here's some pics.
Picked up the steel friday, cut it up that night. 2-8', 3-10', and 1-10'-6" would have done it with some trim left over. as above, i got shorted on the 10'-6" one i was gonna use for the rail mounts. Its 3/16" wall.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02669.jpg
whizzed together is thing to help out the bandsaw. old CJ rollbar material, XJ control arm bolt.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02673.jpg
cut to length, minus the rail mounts @ 62"
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02674.jpg
My shop lacks a large flat surface for making a table.
Tough to keep 'er square. 111!!!
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02676.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02677.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02675.jpg
Some casters. 2 swivel, it moves around great like this, will have to see how it is with more weight on it. as you can see, my shop is small. 20x24. The table has to be mobile.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02678.jpg
I put the bottom support bars down to the casters to maximize the storage under the table. Going to have sheetmetal storage there, laying flat.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02679.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02681.jpg
Looks like a rig will still fit in! haha, that would have sucked.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC02682.jpg
jeepsr4ever
10-25-2009, 03:05 PM
Great work so far! Cant wait to see the gantry up and running!
Creepy
10-26-2009, 08:33 AM
Just sold my FSJ!
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/2008%20Jam/Jam2008046.jpg
Looks like i can afford the Hypertherm Powermax45 and machine torch. Sweet. i was going to be using the Hypertherm 380 I already own with a hand torch, which would have been less than ideal as i need it out around the yard too frequently to be dis-assembling it from the table.
The 45 has a computer interface too. I was leery of frigging with internal wiring of the 380 to get voltage signals.
jeepsr4ever
10-27-2009, 08:31 PM
If that is the case you will need a different torch head bracket for the machine torch. Wiring up the DTHC sender card is a snap in the hypertherm models. ..actually in any model. Your kit ships friday.
Creepy
10-28-2009, 06:20 PM
Is that bracket something i will have to whip up myself? got a drawing?
Trade ya for a new, never used hand torch holder? :wink:
I went and got the correct length 62" top rails, but downsized the wall thickness to 1/8". I figured save some labor with all the drilling/tapping, don't need to support the weight of 1/4" plate on the cutting surface, just the gantry mass.
It kind of works out good for setting up the squareness of the machine by leaving the top rails off until getting the kit's linear rails here first to set up with. The top rails can be welded in exactly where they need to be regardless of slight variations in the table.
Shipping Friday huh? Great! I've been trying to hold off getting too excited till it shipped.
jeepsr4ever
10-28-2009, 06:29 PM
Looks like we will have to start stocking that item for sure! It isnt something we sell with the kit and is easily made. The Z axis has 4 tapped holes for bolts that hold the torch bracket. You can easily make a bracket to hold a machine torch that uses these 4 bolt holes. It will be pretty obvious when you see the Z axis
Creepy
12-13-2009, 10:15 AM
ah man! finally on here. my home pc got a bug from this site, i think the domain name was unregistered for a bit, now i'm blocked from home, it re-directs to ads.
anyone got a specific cure? i tried tons of stuff.
anyway - got lots more done on the table. will be posting pics once i get fixed up on the site block bug. Just at my buddies place here now.
I have a question tho - I have a powermax45, do I get the interface cable from hypertherm, and use that to connect to the bladerunner port...or use the board that came with the kit, do internal wiring to the powermax, and run the cable from that port?
or something else?
jeepsr4ever
12-13-2009, 11:08 AM
Yes you will need to install that card in your plasma. The Hypertherm 45 has a machine interface plug with a pinout for a card however it does not have a card in it.
You may need to delete your cookies in Internet Explorer.
Creepy
01-03-2010, 10:51 AM
Xmas. :razz: Slows a fella down.
Back at 'er.
Making a heavy duty hinge for a desktop on the table.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03032.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03034.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03039.jpg
swing-out workdesk with stainless top i got from somewhere for free. Had it kicking around, looks like it would work good, and it does.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03040.jpg
I got pretty far into the build without the kit across the border. This is how it arrived.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03113.jpg
power supply.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03107.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03109.jpg
BladeRunner
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03123.jpg
rear showing outputs to stepper motors.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03124.jpg
unpacked kit.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03142.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03149.jpg
linear rails. extruded aluminum with hardened and ground steel inserts for the wheels. Easy to keep clean and maintain.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03147.jpg
You can see the steel guideway here.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03141.jpg
packing damage. one of the racks has broken away from the rail. had to weld it back together. Bulltear was notified, as the box was unscathed.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03140.jpg
board to install in plasma. Yikes! :o
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03145.jpg
Z axis with sliding head for Z limit switch.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03150.jpg
rear of Z axis
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03146.jpg
Creepy
01-03-2010, 10:55 AM
rack repair and mounting the Y axis rails.
broken TIG welds from supplier.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03155.jpg
the welds were less than adequate, and looks like no filler was used.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03158.jpg
aligning to weld.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03159.jpg
getting this flat and square is pretty important. had to cover everything with nozzle dip so there would be no splatter on the rack.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03160.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03162.jpg
my knocked down tack welds vs. the broken TIG welds. (these are hidden, and are low enough not to interfere with anything.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03166.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03163.jpg
installing the linear rails on the table involved drilling and tapping a bunch of holes. I used 2 taps, one got dull by the end of it. the rails can wallow around for alignment.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03167.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03169.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03170.jpg
Creepy
01-03-2010, 10:58 AM
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03172.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03173.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03174.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03175.jpg
Pinion relaxing on the new table. Just like the vet, only better.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03177.jpg
really hard limit. :shock: I think i will install limit switches down the road. there are tons of inputs on one of the boards for this. looks easy.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03183.jpg
Y motor drive plate. the gantry is dual-driven on Y to prevent "racking" of the gantry. ie - so it doesn't go crooked.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03186.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03188.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03189.jpg
rear of X axis on gantry.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03190.jpg
overhead view of X axis motor mount on gantry.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03191.jpg
Z axis motor mount
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03192.jpg
floating head on Z-axis
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03193.jpg
Creepy
01-03-2010, 11:05 AM
delete this post, i can't, only edit.
Creepy
01-03-2010, 11:16 AM
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03195-1.jpg
stepper motor mount hardware did not fit thru. jeez.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03197.jpg
this made me nervous.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03199.jpg
ah, its not too bad once clamped in the little mill. very easy to drill.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03201.jpg
Had to do all 16 holes. (4 in each motor)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03205.jpg
I don't understand why these motors have a beautiful micro-finish on the mount surface, yet the mount holes were chewed out by a rat. There were 3 different diameters in each stock hole.
before and after
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03203.jpg
mounting stepper motors
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03209.jpg
spring for preload.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03210.jpg
There's that repaired rack. It's fine.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03211.jpg
installing Z work height switch.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03218.jpg
small stuff.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03222.jpg
made switch.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03223.jpg
attached switch leads to a board in the power supply.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03215.jpg
the brown/yellow ones. I didn't need that trailer harness anyway. ;)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03212.jpg
lots of expensive things to drill holes in.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03220.jpg
computer system. Clean system by a computer buddy for free, for some parts once running.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03237.jpg
the scary side lol
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03238.jpg
had flakey communication between pc and bladerunner. The LPT1 port screws would not engage. What to do?
Head back to 1939 and cut 'em down to size.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03239.jpg
I got a real kick out of this, it was 3am, sorta drunk and really tired.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03240.jpg
Take that, computer.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC03241.jpg
communication is now perfect. 8-)
Creepy
01-03-2010, 11:19 AM
lots more to post......just zooming the motors around.
It runs mint on jog keys and rapid, but leaps from the track with G-code moves. accellerates to fast.
There must be messed up accelleration/speed value somewhere, assuming shift+axis on keyboard has the same rapid speed values as G-moves.
Any comments on that? It is my major current problem.
the absolute worst thing yet was the Bladerunner DC "off" button sticks, (see last pic posted) and unless you pull it out with your fingernails, it will never turn on. I spent days and days loading software and chasing drivers because of that fawking button. its just a bad micro-switch, but wow, did it ever give me a hard time.
This bladerunner package i got seems to be the "newest of the new" or something, as the manuals fail to identify replacement of a DB9 cable for the interface from power commander to bladerunner with a phone-style cord that has different locations on the boxes, yet the old DB9 ports are still there.
Certainly caused some confusion as the upgrade isn't yet in the manuals from C&Cnc. "WTF is this extra wire?" #-o
The best thing is the overload of web based knowledge on these systems. Cnczone.com, holy frig, its gigantic. New Hypertherm forum in there too, I've got a thread going on wiring the 45.
jeepsr4ever
01-03-2010, 01:31 PM
Did you set your acceleration like posted in the forum here?
Now lets go to config and motor tuning. Bulltear tables use a very smooth gear on all axis but not the same size gear or pitch on all axis. For X,Y,A axis the following is used.
1019.1 Steps
1000 Velocity (V can be 1-1000)
30 Accel (accel can be 1-50)
Z axis (torch up and down)
1273.9 Steps
150 Velocity
50 Accel
Some interesting info on the small issues and the motor through holes! 3 different hole sizes isnt right we will talk to our electronics guy.
Creepy
01-03-2010, 04:01 PM
The motor holes were chamfered at the motor mount surface, a slightly tapered, rough-finish hole, and was not fully thru. All 4 motors. I would guess the cause as a really dull drill that didn't go deep enough. or the motors were meant for smaller hardware and tapped holes in the brackets.
The motor tuning loaded with the MP3000-DTHC-UB02 profile.
It was the first thing i checked. It is all as listed.
The C&CNC manuals say the step and direction pulse on that page are usually set both to 1, the MP3000 profile loaded 2 and 2.
It does not operate smoothly on either setting. the problem manifests on all 3 axis, less on Z, when using G0. Works fine at 100% manual rapid.
The driver test works fine, "excellent" it says.
jeepsr4ever
01-03-2010, 07:07 PM
Try bringing your acceleration down to 30 and your rapid to 700ipm. It could also be a spring issue. Rapiding using the shift arrow wont give you 100% rapids.
Creepy
01-03-2010, 08:40 PM
ok, got it to take Gcode. It was the kernel speed! It can be viewed in Mach diagnostics screen, changed in config/ports and pins
I had to go down to 35000Hz to operate smoothly. I was at 60000, very jerky, the jumping i described. then tried 45000 and it was better, but also found a loose set screw on the Y.
Dropped it to 35000Hz and it runs nice and smooth, at 100% feed in G-code. original motor settings. :lo1l:
the driver test worked on all 3 settings.
Creepy
01-08-2010, 12:47 PM
C&CNC Digital Torch Height Control card install in Hypertherm PowerMax45.
re-did the strain relief on the high voltage lines. the first one i tried was a little shady.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000052.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000062.jpg
perfect, you can't tug the wire.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000072.jpg
This circuit board interfaces the plasma cutter. It takes the raw arc voltage and provides the signal to the controller so it can montor and change the arc gap in real time. The torch tip will raise and lower as it cuts to maintain the perfect arc gap
It also has torch on/off, and senses when plasma arc is ready to cut after the initial firing.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00008.jpg
i need to mount the board near the plasma, but it won't fit inside. Hmm, what's cheap or free, in my house? tupperware? naw, too ugly.
Umm.....dang, what about all those model cars i got, inside one of them? lol Oh wait! That gives me an idea...a display case!
I store the model collection at my buddies place, I called him and asked him to go out and grab me a display case. Went and picked it up, looks like it will work.
I scabbed all the hardware off an old computer to mount it with.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00018.jpg
Made up some wire ends for the PM45 rear pinout port. One of the maintenance guys at work helped me, he had the special $$$$ crimpers. Still using the 18AWG.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000042.jpg
"heatshrank" the pinouts lol is that a word?
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000092.jpg
pinouts for "torch on/off" 3&4.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00011.jpg
pinouts for "arc transfer", also called "ok to move" 12&14
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000122.jpg
arc voltage to the right, trigger at top, arc transfer left
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00023.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00024.jpg
frig, it fits on the top of the plasma perfectly. 8-) So cool!
I removed the plasma case again and mounted the display case to it. super happy with it.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00021.jpg
There is a DB9 cable out the the controller too, I put that to the front as the grounds must be isolated between the plasma setup and the controller . Wires will be run away from each other, the plasma chassis grounds to the table, the controller/pc thru the AC lines only.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00029.jpg
;D epoxied that little guy in there. looks like 42's and no lift ;) and a Creepy sticker to round off the install. Tested the card, LED on, it works, this is a BIG step towards making sparks by the weekend.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00031.jpg
I always say "i hate wiring" , but I think i like it, i just don't like being upside down under a dash.
The torch fired manually....gotta gear something up to keep the wires safe, then i think I'll be cutting something over the weekend. :?
Creepy
01-09-2010, 10:14 PM
first cut.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00037.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00048.jpg
first 3 hours frigging around.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00059.jpg
1/8"
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00045.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00051.jpg
1/16", 50imp, 27ish amps
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00054.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00056.jpg
gotta get the sheetcam liscence monday, had to edit out a bunch of Z axis stuff and run a set torch height to make these practice cuts. the scrap metal was warped, so I didn't try too hard to get a great finish. but its really good for first cuts. interpolation smoothness is very good.
jeepsr4ever
01-16-2010, 09:04 AM
Looking like a great start! Keep posting cut pics and video if you can we love it!
beatnikcustoms
01-16-2010, 03:13 PM
Creepy, Where did you get the mount for the machine tourch? I will need to get one for my table. Also what installer profile did you use for you Mach?
Thanks,
Chris
Creepy
01-17-2010, 10:19 AM
made the aluminum torch clamp, bored out 1.375", drilled and tapped (2) 1/4"-20 holes for the clamp, (2) 1/4" holes thru to mount on the upside down stock bracket. I let the full tip sit below the bottom of the floating head. about 1/2" clearance to work when cutting.
the profile instructions posted here aren't quite right. I used the 3000 stuff. I'd have to go look at exactly what its called, but its NOT the mp1000 series stuff. The DTHC manual included from c&cnc support disc had the proper instructions.
I'm still trying to get the DTHC to read volts while cutting, the flyout menu's for jog doesn't work.
Creepy
01-17-2010, 02:47 PM
checked the profile i'm running...its MP3000-DTHC-UBOB2.
and got an answer about the jog screen, its not configured for the plasma profiles, its not a bug. torchhead guy said to use the keyboard and get a game controller, the flyout screen isn't used much.
on another topic - getting a stainless water tray made, will be ready thru the week. going to make a new slat setup, and save the stockers for dry cutting aluminum if the need may arise. oer make a frame for a light cutting table out in the yard.
i gotta get some home switches for x/y too. I'm used to homes, would prefer to work from reference on a big sheet.
Creepy
02-02-2010, 03:19 PM
oh yeah, I'm working away out there. trying to tune the cuts.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00081.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00066.jpg
the dimensional accuracy is excellent, working on the finish.
drew up some test pieces, working on feeds, getting rid of dross, and as it turns out, some ridigity issues.
this started happening and quickly got worse. gross. something is moving/not rigid. looking at the toolholder.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00075.jpg
hhmm, floating head on Z is shakey, needed to preload these two bottom bearings on the rail. the one on the left is adjustable on a cam to preload.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00063.jpg
frigged with that a bit.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00065.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00076.jpg
here it is rigid again, and I have turned on the corner decelleration feature, cutting at 400imp.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00077.jpg
yep. :) that's 2x2x1" hole in 14G.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00079.jpg
Easy fix.
OK, enough screwing around.
Here is a CJ motor mount plate in 9/16" hardplate. about 15 seconds to cut out. I drew it up in autocad first.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00083.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00084.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00085.jpg
apparently thick stuff is easier. :o Its damn near perfect running recommended settings, and I don't even have the voltage monitoring tip height working yet.
Stainless water tray from local sheetmetal shop will be ready soon, looking forward to getting the water system working. The dust sucks ass, a mask i was wearing looks like i was hanging my head over the blast furnace at the steel plant. orange dust.
oddly, with the dust, the thick metal isn't 1/2 as bad as cutting the thin stuff.
Creepy
02-02-2010, 03:21 PM
5/16" lead in/out tests
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000053.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000063.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/th_MOV00001.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/?action=view¤t=MOV00001.flv)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/th_MOV00002.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/?action=view¤t=MOV00002.flv)
Creepy
02-02-2010, 03:23 PM
here's my first paying job......its for a Suzuki 450LTR. chain guard for rear sprocket out of 1/4" hardplate.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000073.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000093.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000112.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000103.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000083.jpg
some frigging around.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000143.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000123.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000133.jpg
CJ V8 motor mounts.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000153.jpg
Creepy
02-02-2010, 03:27 PM
Working on brackets for the cable carriers. I'll post up the .dxf once I'm done. and the cable carrier #'s.
No water tray yet, the shop is taking forever, but its really cheap.
Here's a vid showing the motion without the plasma on ruining the focus. feed was at 10% just at the start so I could get over to the controller and camera.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/th_MOV00017.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/?action=view¤t=MOV00017.flv)
Hope you like GWAR! lol, i didn't realize how loud it was.
Creepy
02-06-2010, 02:22 PM
Been making brackets for the cable carrier, the machine is reproducing. ;)
its the raw steel one
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00003.jpg
complicated to wiggle around the 2 motors and stuff. motors removed for fit up.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00002.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00016-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00005.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00006-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00007.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00008-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00009.jpg
bending it up
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00010-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00011-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00012-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00013.jpg
you only have to run the carrier from the mid point of the travel, I bought a little extra to make the run right across.
It was $195CAD including $50 shipping, for 10' and two mount kits. not too bad, its high quality stuff, looks great and works really smooth.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00015-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00014.jpg
wires all in
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC00017.jpg
Now I will move to the other axis and run a cable carrier down the side.
jeepsr4ever
02-08-2010, 07:51 AM
When we install a cable carrier we like to include the torch lead into it. You did an outstanding job on yours! :t: Dont be afraid to run your table by the book. Check the other posts in this area for book speeds.
Creepy
02-08-2010, 09:35 AM
The torch lead in with the motor wires is said to cause interference/noise and affect smooth operation of the motor, so I left it out. I have no experience with it, just what i was reading on-line and in the c&cnc manuals pertaining to grounding.
there is room to jam it in there if I feel like it later, it would be so much cleaner looking...i don't like it out, going to have to make a boom.
Creepy
03-21-2010, 01:35 AM
Still waiting for the water table, its really holding me up now.
I can't mount the electronics to the table until i get the tray, so I've been working towards having everything ready to drop in place when the stainless water tray is done. The plasma and drives are mounted on the rear, the power supply and pc goes on the right side under the stainless desk.
I finished the cable carriers tho, any wires you see out will be inside the skins.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000054.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000023.jpg
good shot of the 'no wires' hanging from the ceiling. Everything is run in the cable carrier, which follows the movements of the table. The wires are all locked in there, can't move.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000034.jpg
ripping up a 4x8 sheet to skin in the sides.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000013.jpg
skin with mounts holes, clearance hole for a bracket, and a spot for a couple of electrical fittings to pass the wires thru clean.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000064.jpg
detail of pass thru fitting.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/DSC000074.jpg
So I'm 1/2 building the table still, and half making parts while waiting. busy!
Creepy
03-21-2010, 01:47 AM
Skipping ahead here a bunch - here is the first cut over water in the stainless tray. i have a bunch more build pics to get posted of the in between.
I wound up putting the plasma torch line in the cable carriers after proving to myself it wouldn't mess up the THC or motors.
Man, was the system ever picky about grounding before the DTHC would work. I pounded a 4' rod thru the floor into dirt and ran some booster cables from the table to the rod and the DTCH just started working like majic. Don't ignore the grounding! gantry, Z head, table chassis, plasma case all ground thru the floor post.
as for the water table - Smoke is all but eliminated!!! The water is 2" deep, and 1/4" under the material. There is a 60G air pig laying underneath plumbed with a 1.5" drain to the table, and i'm going to put an air chuck and gate valve on it to raise/lower the level. which i don't anticipate having to do much. fawking rust......the tray, water and slats were beautiful on installation, so clean and clear. Overnite the slats rusted and the water is now brown for life. lol
Just a few small things left, but its sooooo close to done!!
vid ran out of memory b4 end of cut. ::)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/th_MOV00328.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/plasma%20table/?action=view¤t=MOV00328.flv)
jeepsr4ever
03-21-2010, 10:18 AM
We have a new water tray/slat system coming out for these tables with an adendum to the print. I cant seem to load your movie. Also what operating system are you using?
Creepy
03-21-2010, 01:47 PM
movie is just on photobucket, it works for the guys on my forum. I'll check the privacy settings...its in the same folder as the previous vid tho, does that work for you?
Operating system is Windows XP. no issues, runs good with SheetCAM TNG and Mach3 open and the machine running. That's all I have on the computer, its dedicated to the table.
i'm gonna put AutoCAd on it and see if it is still ok, I've got a muddy path worn between the house pc and the shop to fix drawings with ye olde flash drive.
Mudrat
03-22-2010, 04:57 AM
as for the water table - Smoke is all but eliminated!!!
Just a few small things left, but its sooooo close to done!!
What were you cutting?
sadisticiron
03-22-2010, 10:08 PM
what size cable carriers did u get
Creepy
03-23-2010, 07:00 AM
was cutting mild steel, 14G in the vid.
I have read up on cutting aluminum over water if that is what you are getting at. My water system does not circulate water into the holding tank, there is a gate valve holding the water up in the tray. any hydrogen gas produced should dissipate into the air as I cut. There is no-where for the gas to be trapped, the slats run to the ends of the tray, so there can't even be a bit of gas trapped under the material. BUT - That being said, I am going to be very very careful the first few times I do aluminum!
Cable carriers are about 1" square inside. Fits everything good on the gantry, but I didn't have room to run the plasma cable inside the carrier on the side of the machine where there are twice as many wires. I should have got something bigger for that side.
sadisticiron
03-23-2010, 09:16 AM
i found some thats 1.5 inside but wasnt sure if it all would fit. my torch lead is about an inch in diameter
Creepy
03-27-2010, 03:27 PM
Horsetradin for parts. :razz:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09650.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09632.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09624.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09626.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09657.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09647.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09648.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09659.jpg
Table is workin sweet. No problems once major construction was completed. Still picking at stuff like limit switches. You need two on the gantry ends, I racked the shit out of the gantry trying to home to one switch. Didn't like that, both motors need an input. one switched direction and the other kept going straight! The table seems pretty tough up against the inevitable crashes.
jeepsr4ever
03-27-2010, 06:10 PM
Nice work!
Creepy
04-01-2010, 10:39 PM
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09662.jpg
you can see the leadin/out in the windows of the closer piece. not bad.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09663.jpg
:idea:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09665.jpg
:mrgreen:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/chopshop69/Plasma%20Table%20Parts/DSC09666.jpg
Creepy
01-06-2011, 12:29 PM
Decorative Celtic art for a fundraiser for my Gf's Scotland trip. Failte means Welcome in Gaelic. 16G mild steel @ 225imp. I don't use the THC on this intricate stuff, only on long travel cuts.
xEOuAJDz9l8
edit - guess you can't embed on this forum.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEOuAJDz9l8
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