Precision Plasma LLC 4'x3' table build thread
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 6:01 am
While I'm waiting for parts to arrive to complete the next big upgrade steps on our Rostock V3, I picked up this kit for a CNC plasma table that a friend had bought several years ago and never completed. When completed, it's a 4'x3' table with slide-through, so you can cut from a 4'x8' sheet in 3' increments if needed.
The kit name may not be listed anymore, but they still sell similar kits over at https://www.precisionplasmallc.com/
One of the issues that stopped my friend from moving forward with it was the cost of the electronics kit, as it was suggested to go with the roughly $2000 BladeRunner Dragon Cut 620-4 https://www.candcnc.com/store-home/blad ... cut-620-4/
The other issue was the cost of the plasma cutter, and a big enough air compressor to feed it for long cuts. Luckily we already had a Hypertherm 380 plasma, and a 6hp 60gal air compressor, so the cost-to-complete would be much lower for us.
After searching around, I settled on this kit of all the electronics (minus torch height controller - optional, maybe someday):
https://www.amazon.com/axis-stepper-mot ... 00WSI6VO6/
4 pcs Nema 23 stepper motor 425 oz.in bipolar with dual shaft, 8mm & 1/4" (kit included 1/4" ID gears for the racks)
4 pcs Stepper motor driver DM542A, PEAK 4.2A, 128 micsteps
2 pc Power supply 350W-36vdc/9.7A
1 pc parallel cable & 1 pc breakout board
We got the above kit from the same seller off eBay for $260 shipped, so for the savings compared to the $2000 DragonCut, I'll take the chance on this. The instructions specified needing motors with 273 oz-in of torque minimum, so I feel like we'll do just fine with these motors. We're picking up all the 2x2" steel tube tomorrow for welding the framework together, and I still have to pick up the table slats from my friend (they aren't pictured, but were included as an option in this kit). Hardest part so far has been cleaning out room in the workshop for where this will go, which means doing some much-needed shop repairs/upkeep while we're at it. I hate putting up ceilings!
Photos:
The kit name may not be listed anymore, but they still sell similar kits over at https://www.precisionplasmallc.com/
One of the issues that stopped my friend from moving forward with it was the cost of the electronics kit, as it was suggested to go with the roughly $2000 BladeRunner Dragon Cut 620-4 https://www.candcnc.com/store-home/blad ... cut-620-4/
The other issue was the cost of the plasma cutter, and a big enough air compressor to feed it for long cuts. Luckily we already had a Hypertherm 380 plasma, and a 6hp 60gal air compressor, so the cost-to-complete would be much lower for us.
After searching around, I settled on this kit of all the electronics (minus torch height controller - optional, maybe someday):
https://www.amazon.com/axis-stepper-mot ... 00WSI6VO6/
4 pcs Nema 23 stepper motor 425 oz.in bipolar with dual shaft, 8mm & 1/4" (kit included 1/4" ID gears for the racks)
4 pcs Stepper motor driver DM542A, PEAK 4.2A, 128 micsteps
2 pc Power supply 350W-36vdc/9.7A
1 pc parallel cable & 1 pc breakout board
We got the above kit from the same seller off eBay for $260 shipped, so for the savings compared to the $2000 DragonCut, I'll take the chance on this. The instructions specified needing motors with 273 oz-in of torque minimum, so I feel like we'll do just fine with these motors. We're picking up all the 2x2" steel tube tomorrow for welding the framework together, and I still have to pick up the table slats from my friend (they aren't pictured, but were included as an option in this kit). Hardest part so far has been cleaning out room in the workshop for where this will go, which means doing some much-needed shop repairs/upkeep while we're at it. I hate putting up ceilings!
Photos:
Spoiler: