DIY Plasma table

This is a huge topic. And you might as well ask which is the best car to buy, without saying how much money you have to spend (or whether you hate the colour green)

If I was building one I think I would budget $3000 and use the new closed-loop steppers, a copy of the Bell-Everman servobelt idea for feed and supported linear rails for tracks.
If I found used parts on eBay and came in under budget I would be happy. If I found a nice set of full-on servos there I would be happier still.

I would only build one, for me. If you ever anticipate making more than one, and even more so if you expect to sell it and support it, everything changes.

s_anse_y wrote:

Hello, I'm currently doing research on how to build 4'x8' (or a bit bigger) plasma cnc table cutter. Any suggestions on parts, motors, process in general, what to avoid? How to make it durable and relatively cheap?

Durable and cheap is unobtainiom so it is very rare to find. Without knowing the end use for the plasma table and budget it is impossible to suggest anything.

JT

You might look at www.precisionplasmallc.com/ for some ideas. We generally use stepper motors, and can run a 4x8 table at 1000 IPM or more rapids and fairly high acceleration. Acceleration is critical to be able to keep up good speed around curves and corners for good cut quality.
Another place to look for information is the Plasma section on CNCzone: www.cnczone.com/forums/general-cnc-plasm...el-cutting-machines/