CNC Plasma Cutting in a Small Space

[tmate3]

Many home or small shop based fabricators would like to have a 4' x 8' or larger CNC plasma table, but lack the space for it. Yet, there is no need to deny ones self this fabulous process just because you don't have an ideal location for it.

I solved this problem for myself years ago by building a 2' x 2' table on casters. I simply rolled it outside my garage to use it, and the plasma dust and smoke issue went away too. More recently I put together a similar sized machine the sits under my deck just outside my basement door. The compressor, plasma cutter, and computer are just inside the door 10 feet away. It takes about 5 minutes to hook up the cables and torch for use.

I have found that there are virtually no shapes I want to cut that don't fit within the travel limits of the two axes. Also, there is no need for a torch height control on a machine of this size. I have one, but use a Bugo rack and pinion machine torch holder instead.

The first photo is of my original, and the second of my current machine. I have also includes photos of a few shapes cut with the latter table.

[DIYer]

Thanks tmate3! We've added your Compact CNC Plasma Table to our CNC category,
as well as to your builder page: tmate3's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Compact CNC Plasma Table by tmate3

tags: CNC, plasma, caster(s)

[nova_robotics]

Neat. I built a 4x8 single arm gantry (supported only from one side) years ago. Does the crud gum up your linear bearings?

[Thimet]

Nice job! What are you using for software and hardware to run the g-code? Arduino? GRBL?

[tmate3]

My first machine build 25 years ago was a single (cantilevered) arm unit. I used the weights out of a grandfather clock to eliminate the backlash (removed for this picture).

On this machine the Origa (Parker) linear cassettes have wipers that keep the rails clean. Never had any problems from dirt or crud. I do wipe down the rails each time I get ready to use the machine.

I am using FlashcutCNC electronics and software to run the machine. I use CorelDraw to create the shapes and save them as DXF files, which the Flashcut software imports and converts to G code. My former company worked with Flashcut for years, so I am quite comfortable with their stuff.

[nova_robotics]

I am using FlashcutCNC electronics and software to run the machine.

Have you considered LinuxCNC? It's a freebie and is very powerful.

[tmate3]

At this point I am retired, and just do the CNC stuff for my own enjoyment. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[LyleD]

Thank you tmate3. I need to do the same. Thanks for making the plans available

[flyfr8rs]

Might you possibly have plans or at least additional 'build' photos to share? I'd really like to build something similar and would appreciate any additional details to accelerate the possibility. THANKS!

[tmate3]

I'll see what I can scrounge up in the way of build photos.