Steel Frame Fabrication - DIY CNC Plasma Table - Ep. 1

Building a CNC plasma table from scratch with a friend from Blackloop CNC. I'm doing the easy part of steel work, fabrication and welding. He's the specialist who builds CNC tables, routers and 3D printers too, on his spare time currently still as a hobby. This is the first episode in a series of upcoming episodes about this plasma table. I still need to add water pan with sheet holding ribs in it, install the electrical box somewhere, make some usable surface underneath the plasma table etc. And finally build an addition to my workshop only to separate the plasma table from the grinding dust in the workshop. I hope you enjoy and thanks for watching!
Blackloop CNC: / @blackloopcnc9415
Check out my other videos on my channel page: / donndiy
#donndiy #homemade #cnc
Soundtrack:
Pomade - Silent Partner (KZbin Audio Library)
Welding equipment borrowed from Spetselektroodi AS, Estonia:
Fronius TransSteel 2700 welder
Optrel Crystal 2.0 Welding Helmet
Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP plasma cutter

[@DonnDIY]

Check out my other videos on my channel page: kzbin.info Welding equipment borrowed from Spetselektroodi AS, Estonia: Fronius TransSteel 2700 welder Optrel Crystal 2.0 Welding Helmet Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP plasma cutter

[@randytravis3998]

looks like it will be a good unit for you ,, i have been looking to get a table 4 ft x 8 ft the size of metal sheets i get ,, cost more then some cars to buy a plasma table ,, i will get one with out the water table .. i don't heat my garage all the time it would be a ice rink in the winter and where do you dump the nasty water and metal slag ? just rather deal with the slag ,,, keep up the great work you do ,, some time you could build a sand blasting cabnet , they are never big enough ,,put holes threw the sides so you can do pipes and sq tubes cover holes when not in use .. great show you do ..

[@aaronharvey6991]

Does your mate make this CNC kit to sell?

[@cadstructionswoodmetalworking]

Is this a kit besides the frame that the plasma table sits on? If so where might I be able to purchase one?

[@BullDogg101]

Couldn't have been easy or quick adding all of those English subtitles. So from myself and the English community - Thanks!

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

We built a 4'x9' CNC Plasma table 3 years ago. I don't know how we ever got by without it.

[@DonnDIY]

It will be probably the same with me. Makes pushing out needed projects much easier.

[@george8873]

Coolness factor of your chop saw went up 10x after adding the drawing on the guards.

[@DonnDIY]

I think so too. 😆

[@Melw44]

Can't agree more!

[@jifi-0178]

@@DonnDIY Chop-a-"saw"rus. :-D

[@allothernamesbutthis]

@@jifi-0178 top comment :)

[@TheTorkerman]

Ah, that signature orange paint 👍🏼👍🏼 Anyone who has been here awhile would agree it’s “pretty gooooood”

[@DonnDIY]

🤘💪😁

[@Mtaalas]

Electronics Engineer here: I'd make absolutely sure, and I'd spend most of my time on, ensuring that the EMI produced by the plasma torch will not cause errors in signals going to motors or to the control electronics. Well shielded and twisted pair balanced signal cables and proper grounding schemes, well shielded enclosures for electronics and all that jazz... You don' want that thing to goof up because of the interference :D

[@DonnDIY]

Yes, that's what we're gonna do.

[@AnanasStudio]

ohhhh BRO! you read in my mind! I been serching almost 6-8 months of gooood inspiration for CNC plasma table! Thank you!

[@DonnDIY]

🤘

[@hoangnguyendinh291]

the transformation of old rusty steels is amazing

[@landwirttim6539]

nice idea with the picture on the saw. I really go with the assumption that you really took off in the evening and don't need a fitness studio anymore. We like to watch your videos good ideas and we also like their great implementation very well please keep it up. stay healthy. greetings from DE

[@tobiasbostwick9002]

Ah, this is going to be a fine addition to your shop. It will greatly expand your capabilities. 👏👍

[@DonnDIY]

I think so too.

[@davidgriffin14]

Damn.... This dude can put down some pretty decent welds!

[@markfryer9880]

He has come a long way since he first started posting.

[@tattoosbyjoe216]

“I love it when a plan comes together” Great build

[@DanKoning777]

I've loved listening to you converse in your native Estonian language. Aitäh, see oli suurepärane. Edasi punkti 2 ja järgmise video juurde. *Jumal õnnistagu.* 🙂

[@StefsEngineering]

I wish you loads of fun with this machine and I am definately looking forward to the projects that you are going to use it for! When I think about what you manage to make with an angle grinder and hand plasma torch this should help you make more complex parts in less time.

[@SteveGeremia]

Oh nice! Will be awesome for all your gussets, panels, motor mounts,etc. Add in a drag knife to the z axis and make gaskets and vinyl graphics.

[@randyhager2054]

I have an older Open Builds CNC router I bought in 2015. It's driven with belts. I've seen some videos on KZbin about lead screw supports but might take some travel away. With the length of screw some kind of support is needed to keep it from squeaking as the carriage moves along the screw. I "was" going to do the "C" channel and lead screws but.....4ft (1.22m) length has the screw whipping most of the time during it's travel is not ideal. GREAT PROJECT Donn. I'm getting my little garage cleaned out so I can even "see" my tools. Now to get a cooler day then 100F (37.77C) day here in Texas in July/August and even into September....or even October!!!!!

[@DonnDIY]

The lead screw has yet to be tensioned. When we first tested the table we didn't bother with tensioning them. I will deal with this issue this week and hopefully we'll get rid of the flapping of the lead screw and the squeeking noise.

[@Crewsy]

That new saw just got upgraded with a paint marker. 😁 I’m glad to see the orange paint has returned and I’m sure the CNC will get a lot of use in the future. It won’t necessarily make your projects better but it will definitely make them easier for you to build.

[@Dean.F]

This will save you so much time and will take your projects to another level for sure, although I still like the old school methods you usually use for fabricating.

[@tedbastwock3810]

Inspiring. I only came across your channel recently. I've watched a couple of your other playlists. This is proving to be another great one. Thank you for sharing. I hope this encourages you to keep building and sharing, because you're truly doing a service for the world. Thank you.

[@jeepanimal2943]

A building addition, on top of the CNC table? I love it when a build comes together. Mind you, I love watching the start and the middle part too. Can't wait to see what you're gonna do with this once you're done. Because really, the mower out of scraps, the tracked floating offroad vehicle, or the wood processor, with basic hand tools! Now, I'm kind of expecting some sort of aircraft. Keep them coming Donn. We're watching!

[@ameyers67]

This will be awesome. I can't wait.

[@DonnDIY]

I can't wait either!

[@marccawley2110]

That chop saw artwork is the greatest thing I’ve seen all day 😄

[@LesNewell]

Once you get used to having a CNC plasma you'll wonder how you ever worked without one. Having built and worked on more than my fair share of plasmas I'd say you could have a problem with the speed. With your 45XP you are going to run out of speed on thinner materials. Take a look in the manual for the recommended feed rates. Going much slower than the recommended feed rates leaves an ugly cut and wears out consumables. Over time the plasma dust will probably do some pretty nasty things to those trapezoidal screws but it will take a while for that to happen. If possible put the electronics + computer in a sealed box or one with filtered ventilation. Plasma dust and electronics don't mix. I've killed a few computers that way.

[@tomharrell1954]

Hey dude get a channel one for dummies. I need basic help building one of those things.

[@gacherumburu9958]

👍

[@ukulelefatman]

Holy $hit, Imagine what will come out of the shop with a plasma table !! This will be an epic year for creation !

[@jasonjoens279]

That saw is freaking SWEET!

[@TUNYUKA]

13:20 you can see that there is a big bend in the spool and that’s probably why you can hear it creak!

[@MrTWOproductions]

The ballscrew spindle is not straight.

[@opendstudio7141]

Guessing here; a problem with the motor coupler rubbing when the direction is changed. Maybe grease or a thrust bearing between there might help. I'm confident between you two that a remedy has already been made.

[@staryi5119]

Тоже обратил внимание на кривизну вала ШВП. Думаю автор что нибудь придумает.

[@Rebasepoiss]

I think that's just the light hitting the spool at different angles. No way they wouldn't have noticed such a huge bend.

[@V1P3RSlab]

tooo long that driving screw not to bend on his weight ... larger diameter one needed .....

[@batnrs1]

Sehr schöne Arbeit,immer klasse zu schauen!

[@DonnDIY]

Danke!

[@ThatCarGuyYT]

Well last time I was hoping for a Cnc plasma table because he really needed one and my hopes are being fulfilled. Now I see a belt sander for the future. Let’s see if I’ll be right this time too!!! Nice job as always!!!

[@michaeld954]

I like the drawing on the guard of your saw, If I had one I would put those plastic eyes on one side and make it pac man paint it yellow

[@Redneckmfg]

WOW !!! I have always dreamed about a CNC table... Great job so far... can't wait to set it finished as well as what you will make with it in the future... this is a Game Changer for You....

[@DonnDIY]

Let's hope so.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good afternoon Donn, sure going to enjoy your new project. You’re doing a great job with your channel. Thanks for sharing with us, Fred.

[@031568dennis]

It's about time you got a plan together for a cnc plasma table, Donn. I was going to pack mine up and bring it to you on my vacation there. Yes, I still like cheap Estonian imported beer, so no need to stock anything fancy for me. I will be bringing a portable powder coat machine so we can get your portable sawmill looking sharp again. Remember, I don't expect you to change the channel name from "Donn Do It Yourself" when I help, but just a mention I helped in it's reformation. Unless, of course, it ends up not looking so good when done and then we'll just say it was something your brother did. ;)

[@OakleyTurvey]

The Zombie Saw is just begging for some red coolant...

[@JDeWittDIY]

Nom nom nom.

[@OakleyTurvey]

...and maybe a little Michael Jackson theme to drown out the sound of cutting...

[@xThreatmasterx]

@@OakleyTurvey Nah, that's the sound of work being done.

[@125sm3]

Looking good, love the A Team reference.

[@DonnDIY]

🤘

[@gafrers]

Love the drawing on the saw. Great new project

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers man!

[@reimavirtanen4505]

Hienoa, olet siirtymässä seuraavalle tasolle uuden laitteen johdosta. Mielenkiinnolla odotan tulevia videoita. Onnea!

[@DonnDIY]

Kiitos!

[@BarnStangz]

This is a super cool project! I just got a nice plasma cutter and now I too am thinking about getting a CNC table for it! I like your metal saw, you need to add Googly eyes to the face of it!!!

[@DonnDIY]

I'm really excited about getting this thing working and cutting parts for future projects already. 😀

[@BarnStangz]

@@DonnDIY I can only imagine the super cool stuff you are going to make! I can't wait!!

[@deanflint2239]

My good man you just earned another A++++ for this project. Great work!!!!

[@heiksoru]

Olen su videosi aastaid jälginud, jõudu tööle! 👍😎

[@yeagerxp]

Awesome 👍👍👍Thanks for sharing. Here we go again. Another awesome ride. LOL

[@TheDistur]

That's going to be a fun toy.

[@DonnDIY]

I hope so!

[@kukkuud2105]

1:20 he is just flexing with how good those welds are

[@DonnDIY]

Not my welds.

[@serialskooby]

@@DonnDIY who welded those?

[@aserta]

With the way this CNC is built, you should totally take steps to keep it protected from the shop. Keith Fenner (a machinist KZbin content creator) has a series of videos on the many things he has done to make his CNC plasma cutter into a very clean machine. Different machine than yours, but it has a lot of features that greatly improved the functionality of the machine and the upkeep. I always see CNC plasma tables 8 episodes in looking like something dragged out of a swamp, and it's always disappointing because nobody takes care of them. Just a thought, nothing more, but i encourage you to check out his videos on the plasma table, as his unit is one of the first to have a detachable torch and other "first" things.

[@maxpow3r821]

Какая прекрасная мастерская! И отличная работа

[@robertmccully2792]

You need a sand blaster so much, you can make your own grit.

[@cmotdibbler4454]

Looking to be another awesome project, I can't wait to see the finished product. I need to get myself a workshop so I can do this stuff too.

[@MrJeb707]

Awesome work man! Came for the metal work and ended up watching you build the band saw mill, then mill the timber and build the workshop 😂 I couldn't stop! Excellent editing and quality video as well!

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you so much. 😉

[@weldon2848]

Nice job , Well Done .... Im building CNC plasma - mill combo 2.4mx1.5m , i cant wait to get done

[@barrywest3758]

YES, angle grinding!! Nice job and nice friend too👍👍 I like the CNCd Logo 😃

[@snikkeldak]

This will be one of your best investments yet, considering the kind of projects you do! Looking forward to this (and what you will make with it)

[@BrianDaleNeeley]

The face on the saw is pure awesome. I hope you will come up with some method of protecting the motors. I think I would have made the frame so the motors outside edge would be even with the surface of the cart (or I would more likely have realized that only AFTER I got everything put together). It may not be an issue, but I wouldn't want to get something hung on one of the motors because it sticks out. I expect this will become a HUGE asset in the shop once it's all built. I have thought about making a CNC table before. It could be used for routing wood, as a base for a 3D printer plasma cutting, and perhaps even light milling. Just swap out the head unit, and you have another machine. I am really excited to see how this progresses.

[@fava7753]

New plasma table , looks like some really interesting builds in the future , . Keep up the excellent work and content . Always interesting to view your channel , excellent engineering and builds . From UK .

[@loskop100]

The principle is the same but because you are going to push a router through the material you will need to construct it with much more rigidity.

[@westie4ageturbo.749]

One day Don will shock us and paint something blue!

[@titanstudioproductions335]

Yes, another video from Donn Diy! I always look forward to your videos, very inspiring and entertaining!

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers man.

[@MatHelm]

What strikes me with everyone's CNC "table" is that they make them as high/tall as a normal work table. As if they are going to be working on that table with their own two hands. Whereas if a CNC table is low, it makes it easier to load heavy plates of steel and such. Not to mention that you could then add a "bunk" table ( something light weight so you could easily move it or flip it up like a hideaway bed, if need be) at normal height, and actually be able to use all that space that your CNC is taking up.

[@alohaerickson]

Exquisite craftsmanship as usual, excited to see what projects you will build next using this new machine.

[@michaelfranke8469]

Nice project.

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers mate!

[@user-be4cn5qx4s]

New projects, new toy)

[@DonnDIY]

New tool. 😉💪

[@polemidis]

nice! I have built One and its soooooooooooo useful!! Do not avoid to use a Torch Height Control!

[@DonnDIY]

At first we're gonna test it without THC but THC is definitely a must. I hope it's gonna be useful. I have so many ideas I wanna try out using this plasma table. 😀

[@unogazzy84]

Awesome build. That has to be the funniest/coolest saw guard I have ever seen. It really loves metal. So much in fact that it even drools when you serve it. Hahahaha

[@WireWeHere]

It's remarkable how industrial automation has become an at home type of carefully follow the instructions reality. You're very fortunate you don't have to use encoders because most of them are a pain in the never ending calibration or Temposonic probes because although they offer absolute position data they are a pain in the bank account. Building a home use CNC in the 90's using a PLC 5, Parker hydraulic valves, INOVEC and Newness OEM cards with Windows NT, Visual Basic and Autocad was a lot of fun but would have been crazy expensive if not for used parts and plenty of good friends. Now the hardware bits and pieces are mass produced with Stepper Motors doing two jobs for you. I was hoping you would get yourself into a CNC. There's an incredible amount of development leading up to what's available now nearly completely sorted and packaged for peanuts. Take any part you're using and follow it's design back in time.... like Richard Hammond has been giving a shot at and you might gain some knowledge that's valuable for future projects. Have fun.

[@danielross203]

Great video. I appreciate it. Really covers everything I was wondering.

[@pnwRC.]

I'll be anxiously following this project!

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks!

[@mikecox3659]

Enjoyed the video ... you boys are some smart fellers ... all the best from Arkansas!

[@monaromanmax]

Love the teeth on the chop saw guard!

[@AlexAlex-jz1fu]

Клевый череп! Скрипит возможно из за несоответствия центров гайки и винта. Ждем нового видео

[@user-iu2ut5xp2v]

Да,возможно стол получился слегка ромбом

[@user-ou4lg2tz7v]

@@user-iu2ut5xp2v я тоже так думаю

[@tectalabyss]

Looks to be another Outstanding build Donn. Liked,shared and looking forward to more. All my best.

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you very much! 🖖

[@300whisper1]

This is pretty damn sweet! Can`t wait your projects with this beast.

[@DonnDIY]

I have a "fun" project video series planned for the future - completely impractical, 100% fun. Stay tuned for future videos! 🖖

[@billthomas274]

Looked fun. I may look at a Plasma table....

[@Alexandreklechowicz]

Awsome job! I planning build a plasma cnc too, Your videos will help a lot! Thanks

[@lawrenceveinotte]

future project should be a belt grinder, the one i built uses a 80mm by 1200mm belt, to save money i buy 160mm wide belts and split them, my speed is 1000 meters per min, it is the most used tool i own.

[@pukinpaja1974]

New Projeckt!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🎅🏻🔧🔩

[@DonnDIY]

Yes! And more projects will come from that table. 😀

[@Scrapy-ih7ob]

After the tank/mud buggy he built with no Plasma Table.. Cant Wait to see what's next.. Sky's the limit..

[@DonnDIY]

Plasma table will speed up the process of making projects. I don't have to spend time on making small brackets and such. Cuts fabrication time in half probably.

[@sbirdranch]

Look at the travel speeds needed for material thickness and compare to the max travel speed you can achieve with ball screws. The primary limit will be due to missing steps. That will almost assuredly happen when the rpms reach a point that the wobble in the ball screw causes a bind. You can improve this significantly with a 2 or 3 start acme rod. You will trade off some resolution in motion, but hay, it is only plasma. These are all lessons from building my CNC router. Excited to see your first cuts. ~P

[@DonnDIY]

The lead screw is still not tensioned yet. That is why it was flapping around. We just tested it since we didn't have more time that day.

[@Rinat928]

Новый большой проект. Круто😎👍

[@JackInTheShop]

Nice work. Going to build min this weekend.

[@Daliclock]

I love this channel!

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers mate!

[@christianalegre9809]

Que fácil lo hacen ustedes aquí en Argentina . Te cuesta tu casa mujer familia y con suerte te sobra el perro . Para poder tener un equipo como ése . Felicidades por el trabajo y el progreso . 👍🙂😉👷

[@tomharrell1954]

Beautiful welds

[@DonnDIY]

Not mine unfortunately. The top part of the steel table was made in a local metal company on a welding table to get it right and true. I was just showing that I needed to grind it down so I can later attach the aluminium profile on it.

[@JohnKrakatoa]

man, you knock it out of the park with each DIY you do :O

[@jonjohnson102]

+1 for covering the lathe well grinding

[@guypatts494]

I like this cnc table

[@misso4495]

Congratulations from SP, Brazil!

[@scaletownmodels]

I think I would secure one side of the x-axis to the frame. Then bring the carriage to one end and use a transfer punch in the bracket holes to align the second rail. Drill, tap and mount that end then run the carriage to the other end and repeat. You shouldn't get any binding that way.

[@rosscairns6733]

You need to make a tool that you feed steel lengths into and it removes all the rust. It hits it with wire wheels from all sides and self feeds the stock through. It would save you weeks a year!

[@DonnDIY]

Yes.

[@keithparady2594]

Good job

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers mate!

[@fleaniswerkhardt4647]

Väga hea!

[@DonnDIY]

Tänud!

[@Northwestprepper411]

You have got to get a set of cordless tools please. All of those cords will be no more. DEWALT, If you are watching please hook my man up. Good video. Waiting for the next one.

[@DonnDIY]

Yes, DeWalt, the man has spoken! I would like to have DeWalt tools for sure. 😉

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha I love the face on the saw 😂 You will really like having a CNC table! I use mine almost every day! Ps what motorcycle do you have in the background? Thanks for posting 👍

[@DonnDIY]

Cool. I hope I can use this table soon. I really can't wait. The motorcycle on the background is my trusty 1999 Honda Transalp. Still going strong and I really love it. No electronics, carburetors, really simple to work on. Thanks for watching!

[@Mikefestiva]

Donn DIY Right on! The Honda Transalp is a really good bike, we only got them in the states for 2 years but you still see a lot of them on the road! I have a Honda XR 650 for my dual sport.

[@031568dennis]

Wow, my two favorite KZbin channel hosts talking together and collaborating. I won't tell my wife this has happened. She already thinks I have a bromance with you two as it is. You two are personally responsible for more random projects, piles of scrap steel, purchases of metal working equipment and stolen time from her honey do lists that she has forbid either of your names being mentioned in the house. Thank you two for leading me down this rabbit hole and keep the videos coming!

[@Mikefestiva]

Dennis Cronk Right on Dennis! Thank you I really appreciate your comment 👍 I’m glad Donn DIY and my channel has motivated you to salvage metal and build stuff! The honey do list can wait 😂 just kidding balance is key, between keeping your wife happy and getting to your fab projects 👍

[@genegoodman5233]

Donn, you are getting some supper nice equipment. How does it feel to have a nice shop to work in? You worked your but off all winter to get it, didn't come cheep. Happy for you, keep sending these videos I enjoy watching you work, memories of my younger days building my own stuff. stay safe

[@jsullivan05]

That table it sits on desperately needs crossbar support, cool project.

[@johnvro967]

Donn, I have a feeling you're planning some surprise projects. Can't wait to see what it will be ! Again, thanks for your videos, already looking forward to the next one.

[@user-hu9en3yz6w]

Прекрати,остановись,не зачищай эти швы,их нужно всем показывать!)

[@pauloalbertovamosfalardequ6976]

Thanks my friend!

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@hassanal-mosawi6049]

Well done!

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you!

[@rezhaadriantanuharja3389]

“Hey it’s unfair to use plasma cutter in DIY videos! Ordinary households don’t have that.” “I made this plasma cutter myself”

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

I knew that's what it was nice job

[@homemadetools]

Looking good as usual. Will watch for the rest in the series. We posted this first video in our homemade tools forum yesterday :)

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks mate!

[@Unikus777]

Supersonic guy ... 😁

[@georgef1176]

It’s the ball screw bounce that causes the noise