New to Forum

[TowPkg]

Hi All,

I'm from CA and have been fabricating things since I was a kid. I've never had anything CNC and not finding a plasma table (that would be great to also router wood on too as a total outside bonus) in the 4x8 size, affordable (under $10k) that is of anything that would seem to me as quality construction. I feel that I can build a tube frame and water table easily and looking here for knowledge on finding the best value for gantry and electronics to produce quality parts with minimal dross. I would like be able to move my table easily if possible with leveling capability once it reaches the designated operating spot. I do have a forklift that can pick up 6k lbs, so welding in fork pockets, lifting, and placing on dollies would also work when not in use.

I'm here to learn all I can and then share what I find! On other forums I have helped solve problems and even designed/manufactured an item that helped quite a few folks.

I have found the sticky for sources, but if there is any particular link that would help me find good quality and value, I would appreciate!
Erin

[adbuch]

Welcome aboard Erin! There are many here who have gone the DIY route. You will find much information in the DIY section of the forum.

viewforum.php?f=103

I know that Tom (acourtjester) has built around 10 diy table of various designs and he would be a good one to talk to about your project.

The custom build by SRdesign is another one that comes to mind.

https://plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?t=31749

Good luck with your search and be sure to let us know if you have any specific questions.


David

[TowPkg]

Thanks David. I think Tom is from candcnc correct?

Yes, I was checking out SR's build. I like the guides on the sides, but don't understand the gap between water and the tube tabs the rails hang. There is another build I liked...guy had water tank, electronic cabinet underside, full extention drawer glides for plasma power source, and a tool box built in. I am trying not to breakdown and buy the Magnum 7 that apparently used to be precision plasmas product

Erin

[adbuch]

Erin, not Tom from candcnc. We have member Tom (acourtjester) who has built around 10 diy tables. You can pm him from this link.

memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=12881

[acourtjester]

Hi Towpkg
As stated above I have built 10 tables and would be happy to help you with yours. I will give you the plans I have developed along the way showing all construction and wiring diagrams. I have used different electronics with different software for the experiences which helps me and allows me to help others to remove the boogie man from many of the areas. By no means am I an expert, just an avid user, there is to much fun not the share.
Feel free to PM me from here as a direct connect, I am retired.
David thank for separating the 2 Toms we have similar interests but the other Tom runs a business (I have used his stuff too) but I'm a DIY nut.
one of my router table videos

[Joe Jones]

I can build a table, buy why? Just for the challenge? I suppose. Would it be more, or less accurate than the thousand other tables out there that are already designed and built? Probably not. I could redesign the PlasmaCam tables to be much better, by getting rid of the practice of rolling hardened cam followers over soft metal edges and powder coated surfaces, and relying on springs and levers to keep the machine aligned. It works, sure. They have sold a billion of them, and a lot of people make a living using the PlasmaCam tables. But there is ample room for improvement on their design.

I'd like to find the time, the energy, and the money to rebuild a PlasmaCam using glide rails and worm gears in place of their existing mechanical design. I'd give it 10 inches of Z and a more accurate Z motor. But I don't own the PlasmaCam product line, and they are not about to change anything, any time soon.

I admire people who build their own tables. They are all basically the same, using the same software to run them, and the same motors, etc. The changes appear in the mechanical characteristics of the tables, but other than that, they are not much different from one to the next. At one point in time, I was prepared to sell off everything "PlasmaCam" and buy the J.D. Squared plasma tables. Sadly, the software used by J.D. Squared did not impress me. I haven't found anything that works like DesignEdge, so I am sticking with that software until something TRULY better comes along.

The Spring 2023 project is to add drag chains to my plasma tables and get rid of those insanely STUPID boom arms and swinging cables that PlasmaCam still employs. I am looking forward to the upgrade!

Joe

[TowPkg]

Thank you Tom! I'll PM my email addy and review anything you are willing to share!

I have been researching and getting familiar with various setups for framing, gantry, and motion. Tank or no tank, and how crazy I want to get and somehow contain myself from opening the wallet too wide. No question I like trick, and Thor's build is pretty much what I had in mind....but I probably shouldn't go that far considering the inflation currently.

[adbuch]

There are many great builds here. I doubt prices will come down on materials or equipment, so my thinking is that if you need it and want it then this is the time to spend. I look back on equipment and tools I have purchased in the past, even just a year ago, and it amazes me how much I saved over current pricing. On the other hand, if you have limited funds then perhaps it is best to proceed cautiously.

David