Mill Conversion to Plasma cutter.

[adbuch]

Thanks for the feedback. I hadnt given much thought where to best place the earth lead. I can see how connecting it to anything other then the pipe might cause arcing issues.

I also run a separate earth ground from the material being cut to an 8 ft. copper clad ground rod driven into the ground located about 10 ft. away from the machine. In the photo, you will notice a large copper lug mounted to the end of the machine support frame. In my case the cable attached with the clamp to the material being cut has the other end attached to this copper lug. I then attach both the earth ground cable clamp and work lead clamp to this copper lug. So this effectively connects both the work lead and earth ground directly to the material being cut.
David

Stand-Alone PlasmaCAM Tubing Cutter 7.jpg

[spidey4fun]

I've started my next project and this is the first part cut on my DIY plasma cutter..

[Greolt]

Looking good Brad.
You have come a long way from cutting spider eyes on the laser.

[spidey4fun]

Hey Greg. By the time I got to spider eyes I'd learnt heaps. This is where it all started...



I think this is your Milwaukee I used before I purchased my own when the above router broke.



And I have to say without your help, and advise from the very start I doubt I'd be where Im at now. So THANKS!!!!!

[adbuch]

I've started my next project and this is the first part cut on my DIY plasma cutter..

Very impressive indeed!!
David

[spidey4fun]

First large cut. Im still a little unsure why the Plasma cutter switched off at the end, but recovered the cut easy enough.

[spidey4fun]

This should work.


And my other new little helper.

[acourtjester]

Well looks like you having fun with DIY projects, and sharing them with us. I built a saw like that years ago and the secret is do not oil the blade while cutting. the oil keeps the swarth from falling away from the metal and gums up the process. Dry is better IMHO

[spidey4fun]

So here's my first attempt to cut a pipe.



A little more fine tuning required but it seems to work.

[acourtjester]

Ah the old third time is the trick remember any step forward is a success, little fine tuning and you will be there.
Here is a similar tube cutter I built, I cut and welded up a manual 3 jaw chuck for an easier transfer of power to the tube.
have fun, DIY is alive and well in your shop

[spidey4fun]

Yes i'd seen your video. It gave me the idea to use the metal braided straps. Thanks.

[spidey4fun]

Some more plasma cutting on my project.

[adbuch]

That's another great video!! Please keep them coming.
Thanks,
David

[Greolt]

Going great guns there Spidey.

[spidey4fun]

Here's another..

[spidey4fun]

Here's a quick tutorial on altering a mach3 screen. Thanks for the idea Greg. Hope it's useful to someone.

[ralphieboy127]

Hi There,
I too am using Mach3 (I clicked on every feature there is over the last four years.....LOL) I am also using a floating head with a homemade macro
It works great, I am using the spindle delay feature for my pierce delay with an on screen DRO to adjust the pierce delay, I would like to also put the cut height on an on screen DRO to adjust the cut height (instead of modifying my macro) do you think you could help me with this?
Thank you, Ralph

[ralphieboy127]

Hi There,
I too am using Mach3 (I clicked on every feature there is over the last four years.....LOL) I am also using a floating head with a homemade macro
It works great, I am using the spindle delay feature for my pierce delay with an on screen DRO to adjust the pierce delay, I would like to also put the cut height on an on screen DRO to adjust the cut height (instead of modifying my macro) do you think you could help me with this?
Thank you, Ralph

[spidey4fun]

Hi Ralph. Did you get this sorted? It's been a long time since I been on this board. brad@spidey4fun.com

Brad.

[adbuch]

Welcome back Brad! I had forgotten all about this thread. Your recent post has jogged my memory and I will take another look at some of your neat projects you shared above.

Thanks,
David