How To Build a CNC Plasma Cutting Table | Part 1 - The Basics

[@jerrybradshaw6833]

Thank You! You have shared a wealth of information, gotta watch more now.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Jerry, I hope you find the other videos in the build series, helpful to you.

[@OutlastOverland]

I am amazed at your explanation on this build series. I'm so happy I found your channel you made understanding this stuff really easy. I'm planning on building a table for some build projects. What a resource for noobs like me! Thank you so much for putting a video like this together

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thankyou for your kind words and I'm glad my build has inspired you to build your own. I do sell plans for my table...if you're interested, you can email me at [e-mail]

[@TheDanyBelanger]

Hi I made a cnc router last year and it works fine. I am more into woodworking but a friend of mine saw all the potential of plasma cutting and cnc. I will certainly watch the rest of your build. Thank you for sharing.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Dany and thanks for your kind words. Yes, there's a lot you can do with a CNC plasma table. Hope you enjoy the entire video series.

[@clintfulford8103]

Hi have nearly finished my own build in Western Australia , thanks for sharing your build👍😀

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Clint. Where in WA are you?? Any chance of sharing your build photos and also some details of the build? You can email me at [e-mail]

[@clintfulford8103]

@@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns sure I’m a couple hours south of Perth, I’ll send through some details and pics in a couple of days when I’m off work 👍😀

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

What suburb are you in.....I'm in Bouvard....are you closer to Bunbury??

[@stuboxx]

Whats the model of the z axis or a link to it please mate?

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Stuart, I bought it from eBay....here's the description to search for 'Nema23 Stepper Motor 100mm Linear Motion 1605 Ball Screw Guide Rail Slide Table' Hope this helps.

[@rustyiron27]

Hi rusty luv your vids very informative. I want to build a plas table and cant find the links to your parts and where you bought them . Thanks Chas

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Chas. If you send me an email ([e-mail]) I'll forward you a list of parts that I bought for my table build.

[@corinamagnusson6479]

Hi rusty your videos are excellent can I get a parts list for all components you used & where you got them from as I can’t seem to find the link thx Jason

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Jason, I'm away for 2 weeks but if u send me an email ([e-mail]), I'll do it when i get home.

[@christofdaamen6769]

awesome 😎

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Christof, hope you enjoyed the whole build series of videos.

[@seanreidy6029]

I think the link for the kit in the description disappeared. Which kit had the stepper motors?

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

If you google '4 axis cnc stepper kit' if you want to run 2 motors on your Y axis (3 axis stepper kit, if you don't) and look for NEMA23 motors....that's what I used for this build.

[@SegoMan]

4:34 CAD = Cardboard Aided Design 10:27 Use a machine torch and save the hand torch for harvesting the scraps off the table

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hey SegoMan, I've been looking at machine torch options but the Unimig one costs $600 and I'm not sure whether an aftermarket machine torch would have the same connection fitting into my plasma cutter. Your plasma table is a beauty....I love the name 'Goddess of Fire'.

[@SegoMan]

@@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns I'll pass the praise onto the Hot Goddess. She has been in service for over a year now and has cut a lot of that expensive "Precious" metal. I have a Hypertherm 105 on it and have "edge" cut 1-1/4" plate and pierce 1" plate. Interchangeability on your setup I can't help you with, I'm sure someone at P Spider can help on that one, I'm Hypertherm all the way but the exchange rate is tough on you guys down unda! I am currently finishing a 3 stall press brake build when it's done I will get a video up on it and I need to update a video for Pele" as well. Cheers Mate

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

I'm sure there's a compatible 3rd party machine torch out there...I'm hoping to find one with a shielded tip so I can use the ohmic sensing feature. Currently, I've adapted the stand off guide from my hand torch, to make my own ohmic sensor. I'll keep looking!

[@m.e.fabworkshop119]

Thankyou soo much for the video.. I found the details from you, esp the interface THC', is what I am concerning alot. So with this video that you've shared It helps me too.. What I need to know is that 'any type of THC also will possible? Coz I'm going to build my own cnc plasma

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

The torch height control is a function of the CNC controller. In the case of the MyPlasm CNC controller, it uses a plasma interface unit that's connected to the plasma cutter, to get values for the arc voltage and also to turn the plasma cutter on and off. The function of controlling the height of the torch above the material is based on the value of arc voltage when the torch moves from it's pierce height, to it's initial cutting height. Maintaining that cut height is achieved by the controller moving the Z axis up or down. Some THC functions are based on a pre-set voltage value that's entered into the THC volts parameter. In the case of the MyPlasm CNC controller, you can set a value into the voltage parameter or set it to 0 Volts, and let the controller calculate the initial arc voltage. I hope this helps.

[@m.e.fabworkshop119]

Hey, Rusty Would you suggest me which is the best size of the cnc plasma table?? Coz i’m planning to build my own cnc plasma (4'×8') .

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

When I built my table, I made the cut area 1300 x 1300mm, so I can easily fit a half sheet of material on it. I have to put the whole sheet on the table before I can cut it in half. I have always had the idea to build a table that's capable of accepting a full sheet (1200 x 2400mm), so if you're planning on cutting lots of large items, like decorative privacy screens, etc. then you will want a bigger table. To date, I've only had 1 request for something bigger than my table can cut, and I was able to talk the customer into accepting something that I could cut (1300 x 500mm vs. 1500 x 500mm).

[@mitchelljackman4727]

Hi Mate Did His all come as one kit? Do you have a link for buying the kit ect?. Cheers.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Mitchell, I bought the items online (eBay mostly) after I worked out what components I needed. I started by working out the cutting area of my build, then calculated the required lengths of linear rails and ballscrews. The motors and motor driver units were purchased as a kit, as was the MyPlasmCNC controller and plasma interface unit. Other parts I bought as needed....things like the drag chain, screened cable, complete Z axis unit, proximity switches, etc.

[@mitchelljackman4727]

@@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns Ok thanks. I been looking for some time. I was very happy to come across your videos… super helpful!

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

@@mitchelljackman4727 if you need any help or have any questions, feel free to email me at [e-mail]

[@Mr-on2di]

Can we use a plasma cutter without pilot arc in a cnc plasma table?

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

From what I understand, I don't think it's recommended, because of the high electro-magnetic interference that they can generate, which can have an adverse effect on the electronics.

[@flyingiron5053]

Just a friendly FYI: There’s no such thing as a ZED. It’s called the Z Axis. Or simply Z for short You don’t hear people calling the Y Axis the YED, pronounced WED, do you? Nor the X Axis being called the XED! Which would also be pronounced ZED.

[@Greolt]

In much of the English speaking world Z is pronounced zed

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks for your feedback, Flying Iron. I appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos and to comment on them.

[@waynedejager351]

I've only heard Yanks call it Zee, nothing improper about Z - pronounced Zed.

[@SegoMan]

@@waynedejager351 Besides it rhymes with TED (Tooheys Extra Dry) another local favorite,