CNC plasma cutter build

[David]

Thanks @ShawnR I'm still rather amazed that it worked to be totally honest.

At my non-skill level I'm not inclined to write the g-code directly. I suppose if it was something simple like a square it could be done. But add in radius corners etc and it would quickly become too complicated for me. Adding code to stop and start the torch or add a pause is easy to do.
My workflow now is to draw and do the CAM in Fusion360. That gives me a g-code file which I then load into the controller software. I was using UGS (Universal GCode Sender) but I've since found the OpenBuilds control software which is much easier to use. The demo last night was a simple 5" square that I quickly did in F360, did the CAM setup, exported the G-code which I opened with the OpenBuild control software.

 

[YYCHM]

How many lines of G-Code did your simple 5" square generate?

 

[David]

How many lines of G-Code did your simple 5" square generate?

This is the code. The first five lines are autogenerated by F360.
%
(1001)
(Machine)
( vendor: Autodesk)
( description: Generic Cutting Machine)
G90 G94
G17
G21

(2D Profile1)
G54
G0 S255 M4
G0 X-4.952 Y132.84
G1 X-4 Y131.191 F1000
G2 X-3.809 Y131 Z0 I0 J-0.191
G1 Y4
G2 X-4 Y3.809 I-0.191 J0
G1 X-131
G2 X-131.191 Y4 I0 J0.191
G1 Y131
G2 X-131 Y131.191 I0.191 J0
G1 X-4
G1 X-3.047 Y132.84
G1 S0
M30
%

 

[YYCHM]

This is the code. The first five lines are autogenerated by F360.
%
(1001)
(Machine)
( vendor: Autodesk)
( description: Generic Cutting Machine)
G90 G94
G17
G21

(2D Profile1)
G54
G0 S255 M4
G0 X-4.952 Y132.84
G1 X-4 Y131.191 F1000
G2 X-3.809 Y131 Z0 I0 J-0.191
G1 Y4
G2 X-4 Y3.809 I-0.191 J0
G1 X-131
G2 X-131.191 Y4 I0 J0.191
G1 Y131
G2 X-131 Y131.191 I0.191 J0
G1 X-4
G1 X-3.047 Y132.84
G1 S0
M30
%

That's not bad. I thought it would be a lot more.

 

[David]

For simple shapes it's straightforward. For shapes with lots of features there can be hundreds if not thousands of lines.

 

[Tom O]

That seems to work quite well, I was thinking that the torch holder might expand during use maybe you could slit it and use a pinch bolt to snug it up.

 

[David]

That seems to work quite well, I was thinking that the torch holder might expand during use maybe you could slit it and use a pinch bolt to snug it up.

Indeed. Originally I was going to cut it in half vertically to allow for a machine style torch but since I don't have one (yet) I left well enough alone.

 

[YYCHM]

don't have one (yet)

YET That's funny......

 

[Tom O]

I bought one probably 16 years ago with a 25 foot lead I haven’t used it yet if I remember right it was pricey and last year I came across the manualy adjusted torch holder.

 

[David]

I bought one probably 16 years ago with a 25 foot lead I haven’t used it yet if I remember right it was pricey and last year I came across the manualy adjusted torch holder.

I have done some searching for a machine torch but not having much luck because this I have a blowback start machine.

 

[David]

Major progress today.
Built the removable table. Used 1” square tube for the receivers under the table.
3/4” square table arms with 1” cross members.

Made a water tray out of 22ga sheet metal. Folded and MIG welded the corners. It’s watertight shocking no one more than me.

 

[ShawnR]

Sweet!!

 

[Tom O]

That’s coming along nicely

 

[David]

Thanks @ShawnR and @Tom O
Lots of progress today.
Built the electronics enclosure.
Thought about buying a readymade enclosure but I couldn’t find one with the right dimensions.
So went into my lumber pile found some sanded 1/2” plywood.
Used a piece of 1/8” aluminum sheet to mount all the bits and cut another piece to make a panel to mount the aircraft connectors and 24v power supply.
Once I get all the wiring done I’ll paint it.
Black of course because the magic happens inside the black box

Left to right is power supply, X, Y axis and torch control. Still need to do the internal wiring and then make the wiring to go from the box to the motors and torch.
And I sorted out the v-wheel tension screws.

 

[Hruul]

Looks great @David_R8.

 

[David]

Looks great @David_R8.

Thanks. appreciate that!

 

[YotaBota]

Almost like you knew what you are doing

And I sorted out the v-wheel tension screws.

Do you think a lock nut will be needed to keep the tensioning nut from backing off?

 

[David]

Almost like you knew what you are doing

Do you think a lock nut will be needed to keep the tensioning nut from backing off?

Yes, I think so. There’s enough room for them.
The top ones are a bit of a different story as the hole is further outboard of the nut.

I’m not really keen on rebending the tabs or cutting them off and replacing them.
I may TIG up the holes and redrill them closer in.

 

[David]

Almost like you knew what you are doing

Do you think a lock nut will be needed to keep the tensioning nut from backing off?

Yes, I think so. There’s enough room for them.
The top ones are a bit of a different story as the hole is further outboard of the nut.

I’m not really keen on rebending the tabs or cutting them off and replacing them.
I may TIG up the holes and redrill them closer in.

 

[YotaBota]

I may TIG up the holes and redrill them closer in.

If you redrill is there room for a longer bolt and have the lock nut on the outside of the tab using the end of the bolt to tension the v-wheel. This would mean one bolt and one nut, saves on hardware.