Magnetic drive for my pantograph pattern torch

[Frank S]

At long last I finally got around to making the drive unit for my pantograph pattern torch
Pantogragh style tracing torch project

in the past I have used it a few times but always just clamped a bent bolt to the top bar in alignment with the torch and had a temporary pattern support clamped on as well. I could make duplicate parts manually but it was really more trouble than it was worth.
I finally pulled one of those R-tu-its from the pile and started in making the drive unit for it
Starting with a 12Vdc linear actuator motor, a worn out die grinder, a cylindrical NEO magnet this is what I came up with

I shortened the acme screw and pressed hub on the end of it to mate up with the magnet

I did the same thing to the die grinder rotor then by magnetic connection only picked up a 20 inch heal bar with it while holding it horizontally, Seems plenty strong



I then drilled and bored out the die grinder housing so I could take advantage of the shaft bearing

then I bored out the actuator housing so the die grinder could fit inside

After shortening everything and assembling this is what it looks like

Next to make a mount for it

[DIYer]

Thanks Frank S! We've added your Pantograph Drive Unit to our Cutting Torches category,
as well as to your builder page: Frank S's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Pantograph Drive Unit by Frank S

tags: pantograph

[Bony]

That's a good idea using an linear actuator Frank, especially if you can vary the rotation speed. Thanks, I think I'll set up a pantograph for my plasma, cheaper, quicker & easier than going down the CNC path. (I'd still like a decent CNC laser cutter though.)

[Frank S]

That's a good idea using an linear actuator Frank, especially if you can vary the rotation speed. Thanks, I think I'll set up a pantograph for my plasma, cheaper, quicker & easier than going down the CNC path. (I'd still like a decent CNC laser cutter though.)

Bony this is the power supply unit I bought to control the drive motor speed

[Frank S]

Ok don't know how the fishermans mate got in there but the controller was what I was trying to show