New to me DIY 4x8 table build

[slodat]

I picked this guy up off Craigslist over the weekend. I don't know the origin of the gantry and I'd like to know. If you recognize it, please let me know!

I have pretty much decided there's a couple paths this build will go depending on how things go along the way. I have a UC100 arriving tomorrow that will allow me to check out the motion with the steppers and Geko G540 and power supply that was included with the machine when I bought it. I'm not going to mess with the THC-300 that came with.

If the motion looks good and it looks like it will do the job, I'll get the CandCNC full automation package and a 45xp when funds allow.

I welcome and appreciate any input and advice.

Photos of what I'm starting with:

[tnbndr]

Keep us posted with progress. Looks like a nice find.

[slodat]

Got the plasma table moving with a UC100 USB controller.

https://youtu.be/5BiSimVRghQ

[slodat]

Got the motion working with Mach3 on Windows 10 and a UC100. Going to swap the UC100 out for a Ethernet Smoothstepper so I can run the THC-300. The steppers run the gantry quite nicely.

I had this nice Hoffman enclosure so I decided to use it to house all of the controls. Welded studs on the table frame to mount. Looks good and will work great!



I'm going to order a Razorweld Razor Cut 30 to get this thing going. Thinking I'll have a sheetmetal shop weld up a water table tray.

[acourtjester]

I was able to make a 4X8 water table by using a 5X10 sheet of 18 Ga. I cut the sheet little short and then just make 4.5" notches in each corner and had a sheet metal shop bend up the sides. I only needed to weld the 4 corners up after the bend, this stopped any warping. I clamped a copper sheet around the corners before I welded them from the inside to stop blow outs. I welded 1/2 square tube along the top edge of the length for support. worked out great It ended up 51" wide.

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[slodat]

Thanks for the idea! That's simpler than what I had been thinking. What's a good overall depth for the water table?

Added water table cross supports made out of 1.5" square tubing I had on hand.



I'm going to sand it all down with 80 grit, prime and paint.

[acourtjester]

I have used 4" to 4.5" just fine, with a 2" slat grate and 1.5" slats

[slodat]

I have used 4" to 4.5" just fine, with a 2" slat grate and 1.5" slats

Do you have photos to show how you did the grate and the slats?

[acourtjester]

I used a single 1/4" peg welded to the grate with offsets to make the slats be in a serpentine pattern. This makes a slight pressure on the slats when installed to keep them upright.

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[slodat]

Plasma cutter arrived. Razorweld Viper Cut 30. It will get me cutting. When budget allows, I'll upgrade to a Hypertherm.


Had some help last night on the plasma table frame. It's getting close to being sanded down and ready for paint.





I'll paint it once I make wire trays to support the cable chain. I'm pretty sure I figured out the origin of the machine. Looks to be an early Pro Cut CNC bolt together table. ESS should be here tomorrow.

[slodat]

Going back together. The cable track will be here this week and I'll get it all assembled. The paint is what it is. I wasn't setup to spray. Brushing didn't turn out so great.

[acourtjester]

progress is always a good thing, one step at a time.