[IM_MOOSE]

Hey guys im looking at building a small CNC plasma table

im looking for a cutting space of 2' x 3'
wondering if any one has simple indepth plans
and good advice

any advice would be great thanx
-Clint

[DDM]

Check out some of the posts on the DIY Wood routers forum, Same basic design only you don't wan to make it out of MDF . Probably make a moving gantry style system which is what just about every cnc plasma cutter uses. I'm not sure what else to tell you. Check Ebay for ideas.

Carl

[IM_MOOSE]

ok awesome thanx
-Clint

[teilhardo]

I saw an interesting design at a trade show in LA a few weeks ago. It has the normal frame made out of steel beams but the motion system used a rack and pinion instead of expensive ballscrews and friction producing leadscrews. I don't think that it will have the accuracy of the above-mentioned devices but it will definetely be cheap!

[IM_MOOSE]

you dont happen to have any links or pics do you
or know any other machines that have simalar systems

[teilhardo]

I'll look through my "show info" and see what I can find
-Tei

[IM_MOOSE]

thank you very much

[DDM]

if you get onto ESAB's website they should have some picks of their system. We've got one at the college that I go to. It uses a rack and pinion setup and actually it's fairly accurate if it is set up right. I mean give or take a thou or two with a new cutting tip thats nothing that a grinder can't clean up. There is also a 4' by 4' system on ebay that uses a rack and pinion set up. That kind of setup will work just fine considering you don't have a lot of the forces associated with a router.

Carl

[IM_MOOSE]

thank you for your help Carl i will take alook at thoes suggestions