Gantry Height

Hi all, now I've got the x axis working properly I thought I'd make a start on the gantry, I've researched and the common gantry height of 8" (200mm) is what I seem to be seeing, is there an optimal height? It struck me that I have the opportunity to make my gantry height moveable, is this worth doing or just weld it at 8" and be done with it?

Picture attached of my baby plasma

Cheers

Rich
 

I dont know about a universal optimal height, but I have based my machine design on allowing 150mm tube section to pass under the gantry so I could cut slots and such.

Your torch length an Z axis will play a part in how high you can make your gantry, really each machine will be used for different cutting tasks but I would say 200mm would be a good place to start.

I was asking this question on another thread.  From the responses two key elements seem to come through:
[1] what is the work you want to do, they will inform minimal height.  As mentioned already the square tube example

[2] if you plan to have a water table you want a minimum height to avoid water splash back up on to your linear motion system from the compressed air.  150-200mm seems to be the height for this.

Cheers - J.

Ballscrews on plasma machines are no good, but since you have them:
-put the gantry just above the screws, or absolute bottom as you have it now
-move the water table at least 20CM below the existing location, this is for the top of the table.

Thanks, will just put it to 200 and be done.

Cheers

Rich