Modifying table to accept square tubing

[railmaker]

I have a Samson 510 and I would like to be able to cut square tubing up to 4". Has anybody modified a section of their table to accommodate that? Cutting the slats down or modifying it someway like that? I would rather not raise my gantry and rails if I don't have to. Any suggestions would surely be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[adbuch]

I have a Plasmacam DHC2, and in the past I have removed the cutting grates and installed a special frame for mounting square tubing for cutting. The special frame has adjustable height, and I tack welded the cutting grate slats together so I can lift them out as an assembly. Of course I am limited in length to 4 ft. You could probably figure out a way to make part of your grate removable and do something similar.
David

[railmaker]

David, would you be able to send or post some pics of your set up? thanks

[adbuch]

I will see if I can find any photos to share. It has been several years since I last used it, and it is not currently installed as I use the cutting grates 99% of the time. I could take some photos of the special frame by itself, as it is currently sitting out in another part of the shop.
David

[railmaker]

thank you David, anything would be of help. I appreciate your response. Scott

[mdwalker]

If you have the room what about a set of rail extensions where you could extend the gantry over the edge of the table?

[railmaker]

Yes, I thought of that after I messaged you! Great minds think alike. Now, where do you suppose I could get the same gear rack? I haven't checked and wouldn't know where to look. I am old school and am not up on all the in's and out's of the plasma game. I have heard not so good things about plasma cam themselves. Years ago, I dealt with George there and he was good to deal with, but I had read somewhere that he is not there anymore. If you know of anyone or anyone reading this could steer me to the description of the gear rack I need and even some extended tubing, although I could probably make that. thanks again from this old man just trying to cut some metal. Scott Vickrey

[djreiswig]

Why not just build an arm that hangs over the side of the table and attach it to your z? Then you can run your tubing beside your table. Don't need anything special to make this work.

[adbuch]

Yes, I thought of that after I messaged you! Great minds think alike. Now, where do you suppose I could get the same gear rack? I haven't checked and wouldn't know where to look. I am old school and am not up on all the in's and out's of the plasma game. I have heard not so good things about plasma cam themselves. Years ago, I dealt with George there and he was good to deal with, but I had read somewhere that he is not there anymore. If you know of anyone or anyone reading this could steer me to the description of the gear rack I need and even some extended tubing, although I could probably make that. thanks again from this old man just trying to cut some metal. Scott Vickrey

The gear rack is available directly from Plasmacam.
David

https://owners-community.com/order_parts.php?sid=

Gear rack is steel, 20 DP, 20 deg pressure angle, 3/8 by 3/8 by 49 inch long. Machine has 3 gear racks: 1 on the gantry and 2 inside the rails. Replace if worn (indicated by rattling sound during motion). Shafts (with pinion gears) are usually replaced at the same time as gear racks, and both rail gear racks should be replaced at the same time.
Part #: D-141
Price: $29