[utahnorton]

I just finished refurbishing a Varnamo (NOS) Swedish CNC knee mill. The original 5.5 hp spindle and horizontal motors were still mounted but the tape drive computer, servos etc had all been removed. I replaced these with all Ajax CNC servos and controller/encoders which runs on Linux. I set up the computer so that it runs as a regular PC so I can use BOBCCAM 20 and BOBART ProX with a scanner, then push in the drive and the computer becomes a Linux system for the G code. The combined Ajax Linux/PC BobCAD system works beautifully. Now I am building a CNC Pasma/Router combo on a 5x10 frame. I plan to use 80/20 components for the frame since I will eventually have to move the table and it will be easier to break down than moving a one piece welded one. I also like the ability to modify the design as I go along and the 80/20 seems to offer a lot of flexibilty to change the design during the build.
I do like the accuracy of servos and the abilty in the Ajax contollers to start, stop and modify any line of g code during the cut. If I stayed with the AJAX controller, is there a torch height controller that would work with this system? Most of the torch height controllers I've seen only work on Mach 2 software and utilize the PC as the controller. I was wondering about the accuracy of a dedicated controller vs pc as the controller, servos vs steppers, and using ballscrews on Y and Z axis vs rack and pinion. What would give the greatest accuracy on a 10 ft X axis? If you were to build your ultimate CNC Plasma/Router, what components would you use if cost wasn't an issue? Thanks!

[jeffery71]

UtaNorton,

There are comercial THC units most cost around $2000.00 or more. I think Torchmate has a stand alone unit also. A google search for "THC" should turn up some. The THC300 or new THC1000 and Mach2 combination is a really nice package though.

I would think about it and decide if you would use the machine for plasma or router. I built a combo machine a few years ago with mostly plasma in mind. I now find changing back and forth from plasma to a router to be to much of a pain and am building a dedicated router table. There are also usually compromises you make when building a combo machine verses a dedicated machine. For my machine now that I am only useing it for Plasma I will some day rebuild the gantry.

As far as machine control for that size of a table. For plasma you definatly want rack and pinion or belts on the x and y axis. The z axis could be a screw. If router I would still go with either rack or belt. For a table that size ball screws would get pretty expensive and most likely would not be needed for the size stuff you would be cutting on a 5 X 10 machine.

One thing people sometimes dont' relize is just how messy plasma is. You really need to have the machine in its own room with a fan blowing the dust out.

Jeff T.

[ger21]

Here's a complete system for Mach3. http://www.candcnc.com/

[utahnorton]

So if I am using the THC 1000 and Mach 3, does someone have a source for
servo motors/encoders that would run on Gecko or other drives that are not made
in China? I also found a company that will make 10 ft 26 tpi racks with machined offset
and mounting holes for a reasonable price so they will bolt flat against an 80/20
frame and support bracket will not have to be welded to rack.

Thanks,

Tom

[jcc3inc]

Sir,

I would be interested in the name of the company which makes the gear rack.
You could email me at jccinc AT owc DOT net

Thanks,
Jack C.

[utahnorton]

Jack,

As soon as I get the final pricing (hopefully tomorrow) I'll post a link and the cost.

Cheers,

Tom

[mtd091571]

Jack,

As soon as I get the final pricing (hopefully tomorrow) I'll post a link and the cost.

Cheers,

Tom

Did you ever post the link or price for a gear like this? I have been looking for some like these for a month now to build my table. Any help would be greatly appreciated.