Getting a new TOY..... 48"x48" plasma cutting table..... :-)
Jim Fouch
Posts: 395
I'll soon have a new tool (TOY) to add to my list of gadgets that will help me conquer the world.
Ive had a 50W laser for just over two years now and its been the nicest tool I have ever owned. Its amazing how you can take a simple CAD drawing and use it to make a part.
I recently bought a Think-O-Matic, but still have to get it fully functional.
But the idea of cutting up to ½ metal into whatever shapes I desire is something I could not resist.
Im sure at some point I will have it under some kind of Propeller control, or at least use a Prop to make the machine better.
Driving this weekend to pick it up.
Now I just have to decide to locate it in my basement with an Air extraction hood, or put it in the garage. The garage is not heated and I live where we get 120 of snow a year, so Im leaning towards the basement because Im going to want to use this a lot.
Ive had a 50W laser for just over two years now and its been the nicest tool I have ever owned. Its amazing how you can take a simple CAD drawing and use it to make a part.
I recently bought a Think-O-Matic, but still have to get it fully functional.
But the idea of cutting up to ½ metal into whatever shapes I desire is something I could not resist.
Im sure at some point I will have it under some kind of Propeller control, or at least use a Prop to make the machine better.
Driving this weekend to pick it up.
Now I just have to decide to locate it in my basement with an Air extraction hood, or put it in the garage. The garage is not heated and I live where we get 120 of snow a year, so Im leaning towards the basement because Im going to want to use this a lot.
Comments
The last time I was in the local art supply store, the proprietress showed me their flyer. OMG! First thing I did when I got home was to look up their website. I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with it!
-Phil
it's a one off.
That is indubitably cool. Any idea about how much these cost?
I'm sure it's a typo.
Ken Gracey
It's all a process of fine tuning the Speed/Amperage/Air Pressure based on material type and thickness. I’m pretty new to it and will not have the table set up for a few weeks I’m guessing. But will keep you guys posted.
Plenty of room for one of those here.
Next to my desk.
It won't bother me in the least.
Really.
-Matt
-Phil
You have a healthy level of machine envy. I want one of them too, but I don't know what I'll do with it. I haven't asked (or researched) the stupid question that's in my head about plasma cutters, however [which is whether or not it can cut aluminum]. Too embarrassed to ask that question.
Ken Gracey
I've tried with my hand held plasma cutter and it will cut thinner (~.03") sheets nicely, but the thicker (~1/8") peice I tried did not cut well. Of course, I have a total of 30 minutes of experience under my belt at this point.... lol
Move the air compressor into the house, or the other side of your property. Maybe the air compressor could also go in your garage (or is that your shop?).
@Ken: Did you just quote yourself? Is that even legal?
Give Ken a break...
He's just been informed that because he didn't come back to my corner on UDEW day. (Unofficial Donut Exchange Wednesday - yes, we do celebrate it on Thursday - long story).
Those two old-fashioned glazed rings of sweetness will simply have to come home with me - such a pity - whatever shall I do?
oh yeah..
nom nom nom...
Thanks Microcontrolled for catching that!
I put the compressor in the house years ago because I didn't want the noise in the garage. The wife (ex-wife now) was not as happy.
I have since, added a timer module that I can tell it to only run the compressor for the next X hours. There is always some air leaking so it will cycle on and off for ever. The circuit I made cuts off the main power until you engage the circuit and then it will cut power after a time period has passed.
I have the laser in the basement with a vent out one side of the house, and now the Plasma Table will vent to the other side, so that neighbor doesn’t feel left out. Lol
I’m zoned for residential/commercial. One of the main reasons I bought this house 20+ years ago.
-Phil
I pretty much live on a postage stamp. I have 0.11 acres.. I think my lot is like 40' x 180' or something like that. Even though it's in the basement, you can hear and FEEL the compressor outside in my driveway.
Ha, interesting! I grew up in Indiana, where lot sizes were typically long and narrow like yours. The family home was on a 35-foot-wide lot, and the next-door neighbor's house was barely more than an armspan's length from ours. Fortunately, for me and my two brothers, we had an empty adjoining lot to play in. Where I live now, it's actually more common for homes to have been built on a 110' x 110' double lot. One thing we don't have, though, is alleys, which means that overhead utilities run along the streets, rather than through designated corridors behind people's houses. You can imagine what this means for urban trees.
And your point is ... ?
-Phil
'
I have 40 acres out in the woods, but I hate to hear the compressor run.
'
As long as the doors are closed on the compressor enclosure its really quiet.
'
My shop Vac is next for the acoustic damping.
Attached is a pic of my little MakerBot upgrade that I cut on it. Oh, and Jim... I'd love to take that laser off your hands if you need me to... and I want to see you bring that plasma cutter to UPENE next year... on your bike!
Bill
I assume that Browser is the cat in question...
There is no such thing as 'off limits' to a cat...
-Phil
A water jet would be very cool. But I can buy about 20 plasma tables for what I have seen a water jet go for.
Oh yeah... their machine cost around $600k! And it's not as portable as even your machine, either! (It'd take two trucks and a crane just to move it!)
Bill