My first table build

[prairiecreekmfg]

I just thought I would share my first build with you folks. Critiques are welcome, you probably cant hurt my feelings, I used to hold the flashlight for my dad. so....

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[acourtjester]

Looks like a good start, I am not a fan of 2 motors for an axis, but there are lots of them out there.
A long lead screw can have a whipping action at higher speeds. Have you started on the electronics yet?

[prairiecreekmfg]

Yes, the panel is already built. I figured with a 5ft width the two motors would be better. I am aware of 'whip' but I think I will be able to control it with the way I will be attaching.

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[Rodw]

Ballscrews are not reccommended for plasma tables as velocity and accelleration are limited.

I'd recommend you look at a rotating nut system as ths eliminates the whip. They are not hard to build; Here is a random example.

[Dingo74536]

Nice. I notice that you are using a MyPlasm system and noted that your wiring is nice and neat and that you have gone to a lot of trouble to keep it all nice and neat.
But what I don't see is any ground wires for your shielded cables when the manual recommends that they all be grounded in a particular way to eliminate some EMI which would be essential for an USB based board.
I am just installing one myself and that is what grabbed my attention, but maybe I am missing something

Diagram.pdf

[acourtjester]

could he have grounded the shields on the other ends? You don't want them attached on both ends that causes a ground loop.
I used a similar panel connecter and passed the shields through on a pin in the connecter.

[adbuch]

I'm with Tom on this one. Connect the ground shield drain wire at one end only to prevent "ground loops" which can act like large antennas for noise pickup.

David

[Dingo74536]

I get that , and I only commented on it because I saw no obvious common ground and their video tutorials are very specific on how and where to ground the system.
I am not eggspurt on Electrickery.

[prairiecreekmfg]

Nice. I notice that you are using a MyPlasm system and noted that your wiring is nice and neat and that you have gone to a lot of trouble to keep it all nice and neat.
But what I don't see is any ground wires for your shielded cables when the manual recommends that they all be grounded in a particular way to eliminate some EMI which would be essential for an USB based board.
I am just installing one myself and that is what grabbed my attention, but maybe I am missing something

Diagram.pdf

thank you for the kind words. Yes, you are correct, I do not have the grounds installed as of yet. I wired using what I had on hand at the moment, awaiting the arrival of the better shielded cables. These are shielded but foil shielded rather than braid shield. I have been test running this without the plasma installed to get everything sorted out first. I will re post when I have a completed unit.

[prairiecreekmfg]

Ballscrews are not reccommended for plasma tables as velocity and accelleration are limited.

I'd recommend you look at a rotating nut system as ths eliminates the whip. They are not hard to build; Here is a random example.

that is a very neat setup. those are some pretty beefy ball srews. If I do not like the performance out of what I currently have, putting a rack and pinion on would be very easy.

[SegoMan DeSigns]

that is a very neat setup. those are some pretty beefy ball srews. If I do not like the performance out of what I currently have, putting a rack and pinion on would be very easy.

Both Tom and I use chain, sprockets and a drive line for synchronized movement, it allows you unlimited lengths (at a cheap price) on the runs.

[prairiecreekmfg]

that is a very neat setup. those are some pretty beefy ball srews. If I do not like the performance out of what I currently have, putting a rack and pinion on would be very easy.

Both Tom and I use chain, sprockets and a drive line for synchronized movement, it allows you unlimited lengths (at a cheap price) on the runs.

got a pic to share?

[SegoMan DeSigns]

that is a very neat setup. those are some pretty beefy ball srews. If I do not like the performance out of what I currently have, putting a rack and pinion on would be very easy.

Both Tom and I use chain, sprockets and a drive line for synchronized movement, it allows you unlimited lengths (at a cheap price) on the runs.

got a pic to share?

(6' x 12' cutting area)

Stills

1:28 - 1:37

shows chains and tensioner on the right side

Vids

2:05 - 2:46

Chain Drive in action

6:21 you can see the drive line that turns both side on the far left..

[acourtjester]

some of mine under construction. video if the 9 th table, on the Google drive.

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[plasmanewbie]

Just checked out your video Tom. I like your new design concept, very clever!