Plasma table + 4th axis

andypugh wrote:

tommylight wrote:

Does not last long though as it evaporates quickly if used all day in about two days it gets under the material level.

Why not plumb a float-valve to the table? (And an overflow pipe in case that fails) 

I like to suffer!
That is easy to add, but never though of it, thank you.

This is exactly what I want to build. I was looking at just buying a 3 axis table, but then I saw a laser machine that had the 4th axis on the side like this. I've got a healthy budget as this isn't for hobby use, but I'm not sure I have the time. I know whatever time I think it's going to take, I might as well multiply by 10.

So, ever make it anywhere past design stage?

It sure is easy to put off posts!

I've got the gantry pretty well designed and started 3d printing parts for a mock fit.

 

 

The gantry coming together with 3d prints. 



I over designed and over engineered this in the name of training - and fun. 


Stiffness is a nice thing to run fea on since its all relative so you dont have to be nervous of the results. 


After some crazy lightweighting I got to machining all these pockets. This was another part of the learning curve. I payed attention to my programs, tool usage, and machine time. Trying to think more about the job shop rather than a person having fun without regard to cost. 
 

These are some of the coolest looking parts I've ever machined. After all the work with lightweighting the 4 main parts of the x/z stage I was able to reduce the weight to 49 percent.

 

 

 

I am also switching from rhino over to the dark side (fusion 360) for their far superior cam package. Very pleased with all the features I keep learning about.