How To Build a CNC Plasma Cutting Table | Part 5 - The 1st Test Drive

[@magnum357225]

I must say u make great videos, easy to understand even for a newbie like me.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks for your kind words....I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@joel231]

Just came back to see if the next video is out, and see some comments that its coming, so cant wait !

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Joel, yes it will be out in the new year. Looking forward to bringing the build video series to a conclusion. Then I'll be bringing regular project videos to show what I'm creating on the plasma table.

[@OutlastOverland]

You have definitely convinced me to take on this type of build. Great tutorial series on how to build this table. Awsome work and thanks for all the details 😀 👍

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thankyou for your kind words. If you need any help with your build, feel free to reach out, ok.

[@miguelnaing1820]

I really love to watching your video mate, getting some idea for my future plan to build my own back home.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks, I'm glad u found my videos helpful. Good luck with ur build.

[@alejandroarcepaz9768]

Hojala pudiera hablar un poco ma lento, separando las palabras, cuando se emociona une todas las palabras, gracias por la magnífica serie de videos

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hello Alejandro and thankyou for your kind words. I will try and speak a little slower in future. I'm glad you enjoyed the video series of how I built my plasma table.

[@jenncodesign7570]

I just stumbled on to your videos and don't have time to watch now but I am really looking forward to watching when I get home. I built a table myself and it is basically done but I have not been able to get the torch to fire automatically so hopefully I'll be able to see what you did. I am using the proma stuff as well. Thanks for making the videos I think it is going to be a great help.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Jennco Design, I hope my videos will help with your table build. If you're using the Proma controller and plasma interface unit, firing the torch automatically should be as easy as connecting up the interface unit to your plasma cutter, assuming it has a CNC port. If not, you'll have to look inside the cutter and see where the hand torch trigger wires are connected up, as these are the ones you need, so the interface unit can turn the torch on and off. Same goes for the arc voltage measurement.....which is measured across the ground and torch terminals inside the cutter, if your cutter doesn't have a CNC port.

[@joelmoore5111]

Great job appears it is going to work well. Looking forward to part 6 and seeing it cut metal. Going to follow your plan for my build in the NY. Really helpful videos👍👍👍

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Joel. Part 6 should be out soon and it cuts really well...only been cutting 1.6mm mild steel plate but really impressed with it. If you need any help with your build, feel free to reach out, ok.

[@miguelnaing1820]

@@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns Can you please see us the link where you purchase you electronics component for the rference. Thank you

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

@@miguelnaing1820 if u email me and let me know which parts ur looking for, I'll let u know what I used and where I got them.

[@earlwest6005]

Quite excellent videos Sir! Very well done. Your explanation of all the steps has been very clear and forthright. Thank you for your time and efforts, as I will also be building a table in the near future. I have watched all 5 videos, and will be referring back to the vids as I make progress. Your craftsmanship is also excellent as well. The design seems simple but effective. The time watching has been a good investment, and have gathered a great deal of knowledge. I have wanted to build one but did not know where to start. Thank you again

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Earl, thankyou for your kind words. I'm glad my videos have been helpful and I wish you all the best for your build. Part 6, showing the table making its first cuts in steel, will be released shortly so please check back soon for that one. If you have any questions about your build, please don't hesitate to get in touch. My email address can be found in the About tab of my channel.

[@philipwelch1770]

Great job rusty it’s looking really professional well done 👍

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Philip....appreciate your comments.

[@ouroboros5378]

Amazing job man, thanks for sharing this kind of information

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Ouroboros for your kind words. Part 6 should be out very soon...where you'll see the table cutting steel and making sparks and smoke!!

[@clintfulford8103]

Awesome work makes me want to rebuild mine now 😂👍

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Clint. Get yours up and running, then tweak what needs to be tweaked!

[@imadog131]

Hi Rusty.. Was rewatching the vids and on this one I notice the yellow wire from y2 is connected to the neg side of input 2. Is there a reason for this ? Thanks!

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Kerry....that's very observant of you. That was an early configuration for the 2nd Y motor, but it's not wired up that way now. Both Y motors are connected up the same way, between the MyPlasm controller and their respective stepper driver units. In order to drive both Y axis motors in the same direction, I have reversed one of the motor coils at the stepper driver unit's motor winding terminals. If you'd like to see a wiring diagram for how it's wired up, email me at [e-mail] and I'll send it to you, thanks.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

One more thing....when running 2 motors in the same direction, you have to select 'Inverted Y (in1 home)' in the Axis Function dropdown window that's below the Microstepping Motor Drivers selection on the Electronics tab within the software.

[@imadog131]

Thanks for the reply. I’m building a similar but smaller table than yours but had to take 11 months off because of a medical issue but I am hoping to have it working in a month or so.

[@DoinStuff]

Looks awesome Russell, very well explained and planned out mate, I think I'll have to build one for my shop 😀

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Jim....all shops should have one :)

[@danieljohnston2650]

Nice work mate

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Daniel, I hope the videos are helpful if you're building your own table. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

[@randykentzel6600]

Looks good I was wondering how it was coming along the other day. Looks like it going to be a very good build.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

I've had a few delays recently, hence the gap between part 4 and part 5's video. Part 6 will be out soon....and you'll see it actually cut come metal!!

[@markuspihlajaniemi3711]

Hi from Finland I am also building plasma table. I have rack and pinion system coming. I have two motors in y axle ,both x axle ends. Do i have to make rack assembly both size so precisely that x axle dont bend? If i put two y motors ,could i syncronize travels in myplasm program?

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Markus. If you're running 2 motors on your Y axis, then you need to set them up both the same....same rack and pinion size. It's easy to set up 2 motors in the MyPlasm CNC controller...refer to section 7 of the MyPlasm CNC System Operating Manual. The manual can be found here: www.proma-elektronika.com/do-pobrania/ You'll need to set up your distance per motor rev of the X, Y and Z axis....also in section 7 of the manual. If you need any help, you can email me: [e-mail]

[@MrMountaincycle]

Great job sir! I've been following all of your video, keep them coming. I just noticed you are not using all of the mounting hole in your square rails.. any reason? thx, M

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Well spotted, Mike. I have to go back and add some extra bolts to the linear rails, but wasn't planning on using every hole...do you think I should use every mounting hole???

[@alienworkspolska4235]

Wonder machine ! One question .How are Y and Y" synchronizated?

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

The 2nd Y motor is connected into the DIR' and PUL' terminals. In the software I have selected Y1 Inverted, then at the stepper motor driver output, I have reversed the A+ and A- wires, in relation to the Y1 motor connections. Hope this helps.

[@christofdaamen6769]

I think this is a super detailed explanation of how to make a cnc plama table. very well done!👍👍👍 Until recently I was planning to buy one , but after watching your videos I bought all the parts ( the same as you , only the ballscrews I opted for 2010 . super fun project and very good explanation from you how and where to start until the end. but I still have a few questions for you - why is the yellow cable of Y2 not connected to the dir or pull connection, but to the input 2 - of My plasm cnc control? - the wood of the pc box has a reason for this? (possibly not to make contact with the table after installation) or just for fixing the parts? - what cable thickness do you use from my cnc to the drivers? i have 0.5 ( suppose for data i think it should be enough ? ) from the drive to the step motor I have 0.75 - do you mind if I run into a problem that I contact you? is it possible to send me the wiring diagram? I realize that your films made me take the step to build it myself and I am very grateful to you for that! best regards from me from belgium.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Christof, I'm glad you found the video series helpful and have given you guidance on building your own table. If I was building this table again, I probably would have opted for 2010 ballscrews, too. Feel free to get in touch if you have questions...my email address is on the About page of the channel.

[@prokopcio]

Hi. NICE ! Update to 1.0.9a version, it's better dynamics on complicated pathes ( not slow down too much on small arcs )

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Thanks Lukasz, I updated the software and the torch height controller is a lot more stable now. Also tweaked the Acceleration ramps with good effect, too.

[@aldrinnuyda1137]

Hello sir, this is definitely a brilliant idea. I am planning to build one too that is why I ended up in your channel. If it's possible can I ask if by any chance you have a wiring diagram for the entire control system? I'd like to get in touch with you, please let me know how to do this. Thanking you in advance. I am born and raised in the Philippines. Just an enthusiast, does not have any formal study.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Aldrin and thankyou for your kind words...and also for your subscription to the channel. I'd be happy to help you out with your build so if you want to email me, it's [e-mail] and I can send you the wiring diagrams I created for my table.

[@davidmitchell5552]

Well Done Rusty i'm so glad i clicked on this video, i went down the same road as you as i reached out to the American companies and the price was a moon shot. where did you get you rack and pin parts from? thanks Dave

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi David, I bought most of the parts for the build, including the ballscrews, off eBay. They are SFU1605 (16mm diameter and 5mm pitch) 1550mm long. If you would like a copy of my entire parts list, you can send an email to [e-mail]

[@danmarks6803]

Hey Rusty, great series of videos. Just wondering if you’ve have any problems with wobble in the lead screws? (Rather than rack & pinion) Also what speeds mm/min have you been able to get up to with the lead screws?

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Dan, to date I've not experienced any issues with the ballscrews I used on my table build. During testing I ran the table up to 6000mm/min but my typical cut speed is around 2200mm/min for 16g mild steel. I vary the amps according to the thickness of material that I'm cutting and I get pretty clean cuts with very little dross on the underside. Removing the dross doesn't take long, using a cupped wire wheel on my 4" angle grinder.

[@jiezhang1036]

great project，what tool-path generator （software） are U using？

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Jie, thankyou and I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. Part 6, showing the table cutting some metal parts, will be uploaded soon. I'm using MyPlasm CNC controller and plasma interface unit from Proma Elektronika (www.proma-elektronika.com) I really like the simplicity of the program and the toolpath is a .dxf file. For complex files, I use Inkscape (a free 2D CAD program) and for simple designs, I use the MyMiniCAD which included in the MyPlasm CNC software.

[@markuspihlajaniemi3711]

I was wondering ,if i put both y size home switch like you and drive y axis into limits,it is then possible to tune in right place wia limit switch.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

If you run 2 motors on the Y axis, you will need to install 2 homing switches....1 for each motor. When you home the Y axis, you have to set both Y homing switches to activate at the same time, which is pretty easy to do. Work out where you want the Y axis to be when it reaches 'home', then position each side's homing switch so they activate simultaneously. The 2nd Y axis is connected into Input 1 on the controller board (refer section 8 of the user manual, under the heading 'Automatic Basing (using HOME based limits), where it states 'The Home input for the Slave X/Y axis (if used) is INPUT1'.

[@robertriley1683]

Just wondering if you have a store that you deal with for parts.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Robert, I bought all my parts online. I did list the main components in the Part 2 and Part 3 videos.....was there something specific that you were looking for?

[@robertriley1683]

@@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns I know nothing about the motors and how to hook them up. I am a welder and already have a plasma that can handle 1.125 inches but all that stuff you got is like Japanese to me. Would you have a list of part numbers for all the motors and the rail that it rides on. Say you are building a table list the parts like a kit everything you need but a lap top and plasma. Thanks again Robert Riley.

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Robert, if you can send me an email ([e-mail]) I'll send you a list of parts that I bought for my build.

[@andrewconway1652]

Did you end up changing the original lengths of 1800 ?

[@RustysMetalCutSignsDesigns]

Hi Andrew, the ballscrews and linear rails that I bought, were all 1500mm long. The table dimensions are 1800 x 1800 and the cut area is 1300 x 1300, so it can easily take a half sheet of steel or ali.