[Momentz]

HI
So if you have say a 5x10 plasma cnc and you need a 4x8 sheet that is 1/2in thick and it weights a heck of a lot, how do you get it onto the machine?
Thanks

PS, I am building one soon and this is the only thing that concerns me lol

[WSS]

Forklift, drop side table. We have a 6k lb forklift and it can lift a 5x10 sheet of 1" OK. Lots of guys use magnets and over head cranes. It would be nice but it costs a lot.

WSS

[Momentz]

so all these guys who have big plasma all have cranes or forklifts? Well i think this stumps me a little, i can afford to build a plasma but cant afford a crane or forklift.......

[Momentz]

ok so if i have a forklift how do you get the sheet off the forklift, because if you lift the sheet over the water table when you put the sheet down the forks would get in between the sheet and the water table? and if the sheet weights ALOT you couldnt just slide it off could you?
Sorry for the dumb questions

[MonoNeuron]

You can place the sheet on blocks of wood then use a plate lift to lift the edges of the plate to remove the blocks. A bit more time consuming but it's better than not being able to do it.

[txcncman]

I rely on my extensive Jedi training and simply use The Force.

Or, you can call 3 of your neighbors over and offer them beer.

[Carter3]

We use a forklift on thin sheet 3/8 and thinner we set it on blocks. Use a pry bar to get the blocks out. Thick plate we pick up with plate lifts suspended from the forks. Getting ready to build a gantry crane to help with the process.

Need the gantry and magnet to pick up parts from the middle of the table.

[jimcolt]

I had the tractor.....then used the plasma to build a set of clamp on bucket forks.....

Jim

[WSS]

I rely on my extensive Jedi training and simply use The Force.

Or, you can call 3 of your neighbors over and offer them beer.

Do you have a way to attach your light saber to your Z axis? I think I will try it. A simple quick connect ought to do it. Less consumables too.

:stickpoke

WSS

[Arthurmetal]

I have a heavy T-profile attached to the ceiling, running from beside the table. It extends far enough beside the table that I can lift a plate in its centre of gravity with a cheap chinese hoist and run it over the table. On the moment of touch down I line the plate up with the markings I have on the table.
On the photo (I hope it loaded, not done this before) the bleu tube and straps are still in the trial stage.
With my overhead crane in my shop I transport the plates to the front of the table. This is still a somewhat inefficient moving around; working on it....


Arthur

[txcncman]

Do you have a way to attach your light saber to your Z axis? I think I will try it. A simple quick connect ought to do it. Less consumables too.

:stickpoke

WSS

No, no, no. Think about it. The Z axis goes up and down. Beer makes you go from up to down. Beer works much better for Z axis motion, not light saber.