Just about to resume work on the car finally!
I just finished another cnc plasma table and have spent quite a bit of time generated a set of plans and "quick start" parts for sale for anyone else interested in building a cnc plasma table.
More details are available here:
Somehow missed this thread. Love the fabwork. You delve into the one area of swap fab that I wont go near: inter-species gearbox and engine mating.
NOHOME wrote: Somehow missed this thread. Love the fabwork. You delve into the one area of swap fab that I wont go near: inter-species gearbox and engine mating.
It is actually pretty easy when others already make adapters and the other parts to make it happen.
Cowbell, I checked out your cnc plasma table site. Looks pretty cool!
As a slightly-curious-possible-customer, I'd offer one piece of feedback. It's clear that the electronics are not included, but I left with the impression that as a customer you're on your own figuring that part out. After reading the testimonials section, I felt much better because some of them indicated that you include suggestions on what to get.
As someone who likes to do some research, I'd love to see some suggestions on sites to visit, including forums and other info on the net that is relevant to outfitting your table after building.
Again, looks really great...like something I didn't know I needed. 
I am totally on board for a CNC plasma table.
Mezzanine wrote: Cowbell, I checked out your cnc plasma table site. Looks pretty cool! As a slightly-curious-possible-customer, I'd offer one piece of feedback. It's clear that the electronics are not included, but I left with the impression that as a customer you're on your own figuring that part out. After reading the testimonials section, I felt much better because some of them indicated that you include suggestions on what to get. As someone who likes to do some research, I'd love to see some suggestions on sites to visit, including forums and other info on the net that is relevant to outfitting your table after building. Again, looks really great...like something I didn't know I needed.
Some more info:
These plan sets do include a full bill of materials that does document each piece, type of material, cut length, spec etc. as well as at least one source for each. Although the plans are for building the mechanical components of the table itself, I do offer some specific advice about the software and electronics required to get someone up and running pretty quickly as well as motor strength etc. Check www.candcnc.net for some great options.
The customer this product best satisfies is someone who wants to build a CNC plasma table (and has reasonable metal cutting/welding skills) but does not feel totally comfortable determining all of the critical details and relationships between static and moving parts. There are many ways to build a CNC table and speaking from my own experience it is a little daunting first time out. This package allows someone to take mostly off the shelf easily available parts and build a very capable and accurate machine for much less than purchasing something like a Torchmate table outright. The design allows for use of a hand torch - you can get the exact same cut performance from a hand torch or machine torch. Typically a machine torch is easier to mount but adds about $600-$700 to the build price.
Depending on where you are as steel prices vary quite a bit - the basic table and gantry will probably cost anywhere from $900 - $1300. I am in Canada and so including shipping for some items I came in right around $1200 usd.
Electronics packages can be had from as low as around $700 without torch height control and up to about $2000 for full high speed digital torch height control.
Plasma cutters vary quite a bit in price and capability. I think the best choice for this table is either a Hypertherm 45 or 65. Why? There is TONS of support for them, tons of CNC table builds on many forums and Hypertherm has done a great job supplying accurate cut speed/tip offset data for people to fine tune from. On top of that they are made in the USA and cut fantastically. If you want to use something else it is important that the machine you choose is suitable for use with a cnc. Many of the cheap import plasma cutters in the $400ish range cannot be adapted easily to a cnc table. Good idea to do your homework before purchasing a machine if you intend on using it with a table.
I added some of the above info to the website to make it a bit more clear. 
Awesome, thanks cowbell! I've already got a Thermal Dynamics Pakmaster 75XL torch, which should be easily adapted to serve in this role... but enough about this plasma business, get back to work on that awesome car project!
Like!!!Alot!!!
morecowbell wrote: The car is in storage at the moment while we move...hope to get back in deep this spring.
Well we are all moved in finally. Turns out moving house and shop after 18 years is a serious pain...and takes waaaaay longer than I thought.
Most of the renos are done inside the house now and adding a new bigger driveway and stand alone garage are next! Then I can finally tow the 190 home and continue.
Just to touch on the plasma cutter discussion, I've primarily made my living over the last decade producing nozzles and shields for Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics handheld and CNC machines. Both fine companies committed to quality, but TD wants tools, Hypertherm expects jewelry.
ValuePack wrote: Both fine companies committed to quality, but TD wants tools, Hypertherm expects jewelry.
Forgive me, but what does this expression mean?
It refers to aesthetics, in this case. Thermal Dynamics is a bit more loose concerning finish, they primarily expect only perfect functionality, while Hypertherm demands both functionality and something that sparkles like your mistress' diamond bracelet.
My opinion on the TD vs. Hypertherm for entry level/home built machines is that although both are good there is just a lot more good data online regarding set ups (cut settings) for Hypertherm powermax machines on cnc tables - specifically the powermax 45/65.
Also Hypertherm has Jim Colt online all the time on various welding and fab forums helping with questions and trouble shooting suggestions. I don't see this type or caliber of resource coming from TD.
In case anyone is curious as to this cars fate...it was taken apart and parted out. Yes it was hard to do but I lost my storage and with no where to work on it or even store it that became the only option. I did pretty well if you factor my labour in at about .10 an hour.... At least I didn't loose any money.
The shell is now getting a turbo straight 6 Nissan motor and the drive train is now in an early corolla.
morecowbell wrote: In case anyone is curious as to this cars fate...it was taken apart and parted out.
Wow what a sad ending.
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