DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Share and learn with other DIY members who have built their own plasma tables and accessories.
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rbmgf7
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DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by rbmgf7 »

Maybe sticky material?

Figure it would be beneficial for anyone wanting to build a DIY table to have some references to go by. I know it would help me experience newer CNC material. This is for the true DIY'er. Not so much turn-key "DIY" kits. I know some of us just have that itch to do everything ourselves. Foolish and expensive? Maybe. But, we just like it that way. :D

From my experience, Ebay is a decent source. Some retailers have stores on Ebay, already. I'm not endorsing or advertising. There's also going to be a lot of overlap since some of the website are CNC retailers of some sort.

Structure/Table
  • If you don't have access to metal fab equipment:
    8020 - http://www.8020.net - Aluminum extrusions. Basically, expensive Legos for adults.
Linear motion and actuation
Motors and Drivers
Controllers, THC, Ohmic, and anything related to electronics
  • Smoothstepper - http://www.warp9td.com - USB and Ethernet motion controllers. If you want THC function, get the ESS!
    Pokeys - http://www.poscope.com - Motion controllers with great BOB's and internal programming features. I have little experience with these but they are pretty neat.
    CNC4PC - https://cnc4pc.com/ - Just a retailer of all sorts of CNC hardware: Smoothstepper, Pokeys, HIND, etc.
    Proma Elektronica - http://proma-elektronika.com - Affordable THC. Works with Hypertherm's 0-7VDC CPC or other plasma units up to 300VDC (I believe).
    Sparkfun - http://www.sparkfun.com - General hobby electronics. Switches, buttons, wires, passive components, etc.
    Adafruit - http://www.adafruit.com - Same as Sparkfun.
    Automation Direct - http://www.automationdirect.com - Great source for industrial grade electrical components.
    Not sure on ohmic sensing. I know of Neuron but their website is corrupt and haven't seen any listings on Ebay lately.
    Automated Technologies - https://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/ - General CNC supply. They have it all!
Feel free to post to add to the list. Try to keep the format the same with a short description. Would be nicer if there was a way the admins could make this post free to edit.
Last edited by rbmgf7 on Tue Apr 18, 2017 7:19 pm, edited 2 times in total.
marcnaz
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by marcnaz »

I didn't see https://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/
in the list. I've always been very happy with their prices and service.

Also Ebay shouldn't be overlooked for import electronics and ball nuts/screws etc. There is also an 80/20 store on ebay that has some good prices on odds and ends and cutoff from larger orders.
rbmgf7
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by rbmgf7 »

marcnaz wrote:I didn't see https://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/
in the list. I've always been very happy with their prices and service.

Also Ebay shouldn't be overlooked for import electronics and ball nuts/screws etc. There is also an 80/20 store on ebay that has some good prices on odds and ends and cutoff from larger orders.
Ha! I actually have them bookmarked. Haven't personally bought from them but they're on the list now!
jimcolt
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by jimcolt »

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Capstone
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by Capstone »

Thanks Jim, I was just about to point out to the OP that he was trying to talk about all the basketball great and didn't even mention Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
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jimcolt
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by jimcolt »

The vast majority of DIY machine builders in N. America are pretty good at fabricating the metal frame, the gantry and the torch carriage of one of these machines. Re inventing the moving parts as well as the electronics is often the tough part unless you have experience in mechanical and electrical engineering. The companies I mentioned are definitely the all stars when it comes to these components. They each offer advice and equipment that will ultimately save time, save mistakes (which take time and money) and ultimately will save money on a machine build. Jim Colt Hypertherm
rbmgf7
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by rbmgf7 »

Yeah, I was posting for the DIYer that wants to do it all. I wanted to experience the build from the ground, up. All my electronics are integrated by me and the structure is designed and built by me. I had some experience with NC and controls so I just wanted to explore that some more. Yes, I am an engineer, lol. Next upgrade is to program my own THC with a Controllino Mini I have sitting on the shelf. I currently have a Proma and it's mediocre.
jimcolt
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by jimcolt »

I'd be happy to share my knowledge of the functions of a good plasma THC. The first one I worked with was in 1980, which was the first arc voltage feedback height control from Hypertherm.

Jim Colt
rbmgf7
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by rbmgf7 »

That'd be nice, Jim. I know you're a busy man so whenever you get the chance. :)
Jopz24
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by Jopz24 »

Well well well, where to start? :? :? :lol: :lol:
Jopz24
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by Jopz24 »

Some reference for this?
http://openbuildspartstore.com
Dana gear
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by Dana gear »

universal plasma torch breakaway unit that flat works great and can be mounted to just about any riser assembly.
We been running 2 for a couple years now, saved our torches more then once.
www.plasmatorchprotectionsystem.com
Netta
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by Netta »

Thank you for sharing this. You help me a lot with this resource
john inslag
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by john inslag »

http://neuroncnc.com/ best thc ever! i have the lite version

http://neuroncnc.com/products/lite
asuratman
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by asuratman »

Have you started the table yet ?
N2 Welding
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by N2 Welding »

Is there a thread or a sticky that explains Everything there is to know about all the hardware that is used on a CNC plasma table, how it is hooked up and or other threads that explain the different types of software used in specific or general table build designs? Sorry FNG here looking to learn as much as possible as quick as possible.
brucer
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by brucer »

Price Avhc10 Torch Height Controller https://www.pricecnc.com/
Rickortiz9
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by Rickortiz9 »

jimcolt wrote: Wed May 03, 2017 10:46 am I'd be happy to share my knowledge of the functions of a good plasma THC. The first one I worked with was in 1980, which was the first arc voltage feedback height control from Hypertherm.

Jim Colt
Jim, I myself have been looking into a new THC for my table. Currently I am running a Proma 150, but I don't feel like its that great of a controller. I have a 4x8 table built by Premier Plasma, Hypertherm Powermax 65, using Mach 3, and sheetcam. I'm looking to upgrade my THC, but have no idea who makes a quality, affordable THC. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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acourtjester
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by acourtjester »

Hi Not Jim but here is what I have used and like, you can spend more money for more sophisticated ones but this will do the job fine.
Same as Brucer above posted :D
https://youtu.be/EyZJVMtzKzY
DIY 4X4 Plasma/Router Table
Hypertherm PM65 Machine Torch
Drag Knife and Scribe
Miller Mig welder
13" metal lathe
Small Mill
Everlast PowerTig 255 EXT
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SegoMan DeSigns
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by SegoMan DeSigns »

Teknic - http://www.teknic.com -"SDSK "stepper killer" motors are an all in one that is cheap by comparison of the others for its features..
BrooklynBravest
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by BrooklynBravest »

Does anyone have the dxf or fusion model file for the 2x3 gantry bearing assemblies?
Jgorm
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by Jgorm »

Z axis setups including magnetic breakaway and floating heads. https://step-motion.com/
cnckeith
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Re: DIY'ers List of Materials for DIY table

Post by cnckeith »

New Made-in-USA Plasma THC CNC Controller
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... oller.html
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