DIY CNC Plasma Cutter Torch Height Controller

[@jdsgarage701]

For more Information you can check out our website here. jdsgarage.bigcartel.com/

[@H34...]

Ive done a diy height controller too a couple of years ago. Good to see someone else actually tackle a diy torch controller. I did things slightly differently. I had an optocoupler, the input was connected to the torch voltage with a large resistor to drop the current to the operating range of the optocoupler. The output high side was connected to 5v, thr low side had a 2.2uf (i think?) capacitor and a trimpot as a low pass filter and a second trimpot to ground as a pull down to get rid of static noise right before the arduino input pin. This provides galvanic isolation between the torch voltage and the arduino so the torch has no chance of frying the arduino and cnc mainboard. Other little software things ive added to mine is a self setting arc voltage. The torch pierces at a height, pierce pause, drops down to the cut height and then the cut starts and height controller activates. Like you i added a little delay to get away from the high torch voltage from the pierce point. Then i had the arduino sample the torch voltage for ~300ms and average it out, set that as target voltage. What you really want is a specific height, the voltage is thay occurs at is dependent on humidity, temp etc. My method automatically adjusts itself for each cut on its own. But yeah, its crazy how cheap a diy version is compared to an off the shelf..

[@Earthy0]

You guys make CNC plasma cutting doable for the home hobbyist. I purchased your plasma cutter plans when they became available and I can't wait to see what else you two come up with. Merry Christmas guys!

[@SansNeural]

Very nice work, guys! As an embedded / automation designer and programmer myself, my biggest concern for the voltage (height) feedback would be EMI/RFI (electrical noise) from the active torch. Your 51:1 divider may already have some isolation in it, but if it's a problem for you, some ferrite beads or toroids on wires in the feedback path may help. I *really* want to CNC my plasma cutter, so I intend to buy your plans. This potential torch height addition is thoroughly awesome!

[@IAMSatisfied]

When I saw the "ice table" at the 3:00 mark, I couldn't help but chuckle out loud. I live in Northeastern NM at about a mile in elevation, and the coldest I've seen here was -32ºF (-35.55556ºC for our Northern neighbors), but typically we only see around -10ºF. I appreciate the work you've put into this.

[@davidlee-mf5yf]

Any updates on the THC? Been waiting to buy the table plans and all just want to get it all at together with THC...

[@wmffgeorge1589]

You'll be able to speed the machine up plenty if you can get the voltage senceing tidy. When you get that sorted, I'll be wanting one. Keep up the good work.

[@duncanmarks1590]

Hi, thank you for the effort to make this video, not only on time and technical input but working in very cold conditions. Bye

[@georgechambers3197]

You guys have really hit it out of the park with this upgrade. I can't wait to see kits or finished product available. You and your families have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for the video!

[@coreyfoster4620]

any update on this? If you will be releasing the plans for this also? Great directions and design.

[@saschavolling7808]

Hi guys I just bought the plans for the plasma cutter so I am happy to see more from you best wishes Germany 🇩🇪

[@trishstefanuk5619]

Table built from your plans, works great, looking forward to incorporating the THC, merry christmas

[@tech-test-break-fix]

Fantastic! This is all your design is missing and I cant wait to do the upgrade. Thanks to your inspiration, I have a 3dprinter on the way.

[@johnolver3217]

Bought the plans an got one built great design I highly recommend. I would be interested in buying the thc from you guys an I’m sure a thousand others would be too!

[@jakelords24]

Just ordered plans and parts kit. I've converted a laser cutter to plasma table but look forward to building yours. Thanks

[@insandity1767]

You guys are killing it! That is awesome. Can't wait to see how you progress on it. I'm ready for one for sure!

[@propain12]

you do what yuotube is made for .. to make people like us a little wiser with low budgets ideas much respect I also made my own plasma table and have benefited a lot from people like you

[@philliprickman1394]

Great video! I'm looking at a Langmuir THC and it's around $500. I wasn't sure how it worked, since I'm new to CNC and am just learning the benifits of a THC. . I don't have the skill to make what you've created using Arduino and your own coding. Great job. I wish you success.

[@patrickm.8425]

Do the plans for the THC come with the plasma cutter plans when we buy them? If not, where can we buy the THC plans from, I do not see them on your website?

[@Et21a]

No thc plans dont come with plans. They dont sell those plans

[@mrcammclellan]

thanks for all the hard work and the updates! just printed off my bom and ordered steel this week!

[@bobrossi1185]

Thanks guy's for all your hard work any updates on producing on the thc ?

[@the_edge_of_time]

This was awesome. I am really looking forward to building this.

[@Blou55]

Merry Christmas to you guys!

[@LinhNguyen-yx7tc]

Amazing info... Love that you guys are making this tech available to us DYI ers. Please let us knnow when its in production. Would definitely get one.

[@cutweldngrind]

Im debating if to try building or buying a table. Yall have made so much progress on this project for sure. We had 2 days of cold weather but no ice. Well awesome video.

[@danilomacanovic]

Reason these things (THC) cost is not the price of parts, but the development. Straight line is difficult? Try corners or small holes... And plates do bend and jump during the cut . Also initial pierce height can not be reliably set with floating switch , the weight of the head will always push material down or bend it so it ruins the nozzle .... ohmic is a must.

[@digitizer101]

Count me in. I have been floating through all the options out there and have just not pulled the trigger yet. I would also love to do some beta testing for you if you are looking for some in warmer area!

[@Freetheworldnow]

I subscribed a few days ago. I like to follow you in this plasma torch height controller endeavor. You guys are legit!!! Thanks for posting. God Bless.

[@mobowhntr8225]

Doing excellent work guys. Thank you

[@agguilarmetalwork4494]

It’s sure looks your 🥶 great work looking for the final diy kit ☝🏻👍🏻🤜🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻✌🏻👨‍🏭

[@GeorgeHarwood-pu2jg]

Thank you for all you are doing! count me in to buy one as soon as you are ready.

[@skrigz]

When I build mine I will definitely want this

[@3dconceptsofutah757]

Thanks for the inspiration! Excited to see if you produce an afordable THC or even a kit... Bought your plans and have been a tremendous help! Thank you!

[@krisdmeredith]

Awesome! Looking forward to the THC or plans to build my own!

[@josephlovell6951]

I purchased the plans and looking forward to the build and what you come up with next

[@eddluireg]

Hii , great stuff, any progress on the THC? Im eager to see the THC 2.0 video , thanks for all you guys are doing !

[@phillipgreen4274]

Awesome! I’ll be the first to buy this when it’s made available (or at least I’ll try)!

[@donb9486]

This is just great stuff. You guys are the best of the diy helpers. You are going to have great success in this and with your attitudes a great success in life. I have a 4 x 8 torchmate table and think I am going to love this a lot more.

[@stevennailedit]

Great video, fantastic work. This will be a great addition to the CNC setup, looking forward to the next update. Merry Christmas and a happy New year.

[@Not-Yitan]

Hello, a few days ago we bought the plans for cnc plasma metric and I can't find this information in the documents, how can I get it???

[@tnmonty501]

Was going to order plans but I have a HF start cutter

[@leebatt7964]

Ive got a big old wood stove hat would be perfect for your garage. I’ll trade it and a cord of wood for that plasma table.😀

[@restorick2378]

Hey guys! About to start building my table based on your plans. Is the THC ready for prime time? Awesome work as always!

[@harhorn1]

When can we purchase this?

[@santathomhigh110]

Do you use anything besides water in the tray and how much water do you use?

[@fordmaster6975]

Would it be possible to explode the cutter plans like 2-300% to make a larger model, and still have it work with the controller setup for x/y axis? Maybe just add a y axis brace on opposite side

[@jdsgarage701]

Yes, we have seen people do it before.

[@yoti-fab]

Doing just this right now. I will have a finished cut size of 48x36. There is a bit of wobble horizontal on the 36" Y axis so we will see how it all works out

[@ttuzz]

I would like to cut a straight line like you did in your test cuts to determine my kerf with and heighth. Is there a way to simply cut a straight line? Do I need to set up a cut in Fusion360 and then convert to G-Code? What is the best way to do this to dial in my plasma cutter. Thanks

[@igor8898]

what about the prototype THC?

[@NextEraCustoms]

yes want this add on. can i add this THC to my crossfire Langmuir cnc ?

[@ekdave1962]

hey guys i can't seem to find a comprehensive assemble guide , may have missed it ?

[@NextEraCustoms]

hell yeah Jackson let go. good job

[@roadboogalabuilds5318]

Looking good guys 👍🏻

[@customsolutionsinc]

the THC i have has complete control of Z(which I dont like), but all pierce, arc start etc is controlled by THC. it has 3 knobs, violt,delay, initial arc hieght.

[@TheLoup117]

Can you send files ? And info ?

[@customsolutionsinc]

@TheLoup117 not sure what files you want, also I found a THC that I like better. It intercept z stepper for during cutting only. All other Z movments are machine controller.

[@TheLoup117]

@@customsolutionsinc link more info parts ...

[@МихаилКузин-о2х]

guys, please explain how to assemble an electronic device for the Z axis. I bought drawings from you, but there is nothing written about a device with a screen

[@ShayneRiceNZ]

Thats because it a prototype, your answer was in the video - its still work in progress

[@stefancatalin484]

Greetings, i wanna download the plans for your plasma cnc and start making my own machine, does the plans for it comes with the 3D cad format( like a STP )

[@SpaceCadet23]

Will you release a schematic of this?

[@gpstapper]

When you built it they will come .

[@JackInTheShop]

I converted my Longmill CNC Router to hold a plasma torch. Has been working well, but have been looking for a THC. Do you plan to release the Arduino sketch? I would love to work on that.

[@dougkehoe3758]

Use smoothing at f360 on Z axis? Write G to suit?

[@csabadoth4838]

yall are great !

[@johnsassano8728]

When will you have this unit ready to purchase

[@wesseljonker1065]

How do you wire in the z axis ore where do you wire it in?

[@billhacks]

This is awesome!

[@waldo2413]

I went to order ur parts but it won't let me add the z in the bundle I can add it separately but then it's costing me more

[@jdsgarage701]

The website should be fixed.

[@waldo2413]

@@jdsgarage701 just ordered waiting for links and order to ship cant wait keep up the great stuff

[@rogerthetinker5116]

Slow the responce timing in the controller. You will never get that much warp in metal on plasma table

[@netltube]

any updates on the thc development?

[@LaserUpgradesdotcom]

Will this be open source? Do you have schematics?

[@waldo2413]

if i buy the parts bundle do i get the files also ?

[@woodandmetal.]

very good. but i see you and i get cold. first make a wood stove 👍

[@robs_garage4790]

Is there plans or a write up on this yet?

[@jdsgarage701]

There is nothing yet, it is still in a prototype state.

[@robs_garage4790]

We’ll keep us posted! I was goin to buy your plans but I need a significantly larger table. Very informative content though. Appreciate you guys!

[@dougkehoe3758]

I’m buying books for it now. G code AND fusion 360.

[@серыйкуб-ш4н]

Torch Height Controller

[@miquelsalvatejedor3123]

wow

[@phredka12]

Arduino is too slow, use esp 32... Try it and you will see that all your problems disappear

[@Sparkman61]

I can only assume you've seen this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqmql4eqasqUrKc

[@dougkehoe3758]

Spitballing…

[@rosswoolley2854]

In the post possessor have you added a "F" feed rate. it smooths out the Z axis. thcOnCode = " M667 F130"

[@Hackjob-Extraordinaire]

Here we go!!

[@Hackjob-Extraordinaire]

What about the voltage divider guys?

[@jdsgarage701]

We are using a 51:1 divider it is briefly described in the beginning of the video.

[@rbales79]

@@jdsgarage701 it's pretty light on the voltage divider, where did it come from, what was it?....i purchased the plans...maybe i'm missing it....i have the same machine.