Today's CNC cutouts.

[Hamstn]

Ok it is the tubing that I am seeing and wondering about. Great idea Thanks

[tking]

Gadget,

I think I have managed to read through all of the CNC related posts now and I really admire your work and posts. This has really sparked my interest. I can only imagine how one of these machines could have improved on past projects and future ones. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. If you were to build another CNC machine, would you use the belt drive machine plans from Solsylva (http://solsylva.com/cnc/belt_drive.shtml), or do you have other thoughts now? Also, I see you have used other plasma machines earlier but you are now using the 100 amp machine, is there are reason for this other than you are going with the most capable cutter for the CNC?

I just ordered the WeldAll 200PI and am anxious to get it in my hands. A CNC machine might be one of my first projects. After watching some of your videos I almost hate to start hand cutting parts for a small drill rig I have to fab up. Its going to sure beat using an angle grinder, chop saw, and a gas torch though.

Thanks for the forum and all of your posts. Great resources. I'll be posting more when I get my machine.

Toad
Denver area

[LONGEVITY]

Hi Toad,

Just wanted to give you a heads up. Gadget informed us he would be going on vacation so I am sure he will respond after. We should have more information on CNC tables as well shortly.

[Gadget]

Hi Toad, I just got back in the country late yesterday. The belt plans shown are what I would go with if I had it to do over again. It can easily be changed to suite your table size needs. The rapid speeds and cut speeds will be higher using this method. Also, I have the LP80D not the 100. I went with this because the unit has a 100% duty cycle at 60 amps which is usually the most power I use when cutting on the CNC table. I don't have to worry about programming pauses in the cutting to allow the unit recovery time that way.
Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have about the unit or CNC, I am here to help if I can.

[tking]

Gadget,

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't thought about the duty cycle part of the puzzle. I'll never do enough cutting to warrant a dedicated machine so I will get by with the 200PI and plan on pauses if I think I will be pushing the limits.

I didn't see that new torch of yours listed on the Longivity site. Did I miss it or is it something they handle and haven't advertised yet?

Thanks for all of your input on this site. Hope you had a good trip.

Toad

[Gadget]

Toad,
The torch hasn't been listed yet since Simon just located a source for them. I have done some initial testing of the torch and find it cuts better than the 60 amp torch I was using. It is a P80 torch of straight design making it easy to mount to a CNC table. I've been busy casting parts for my home brew milling machine lately and haven't had time to do much cutting on the CNC to test it beyond the initial 30 or 40 inches of cutting on quarter inch stock. It really performed well on that though. Hardly any slag and no bevel on circular cuts. The bevel on circular cuts is kind of an issue with CNC plasma, if you can get a cut with no bevel you are doing good.
I just returned from a Carribbean cruise so yes the trip was a nice one. Good to be home again though. I have been away from my toys for almost three weeks now.
Dan