European add-on rotary for plasma?

[acourtjester]

that is about correct, but you may need to change the current switches on the driver for the bigger motor and the steps per calibration.

[Reb0rn]

I am aware of that, not a big issue

[Reb0rn]

When i compleet the wiring (using mach3 controller), do i need to do some diffecult programming? or is it just the steps/accellerations etc inside of mach3?

[acourtjester]

yes the info is in the Motor tune sections, with Mach you can also do the steps per calculations very quickly

[Reb0rn]

i am thinking about the z-axis. when i want big pipes, but also small ones, i need a z axis that can rise about 25-30cm, , any suggestions?

i was thinking about the normal ones with 30-40cm threaded spindel with nema 17 motor, but than with the torch hanging 30cm below the rail blocks.
so when i want to cut a small pipe, it can get down low enough, and high enough for bigger pipes.

[acourtjester]

I would use a machine torch to add with the adjustability, you can just slide the torch up and down in its holder. That with a little longer Z axis motion you should have enough to do what you want. I would also use a nema 23 somewhere about a 300 OZ range.

[adbuch]

Tom - great suggestion on the machine torch for increased adjustment range (and ease of adjustment). My tube cutter setup as a range from smaller diameters up to around 13" OD and I use a hand torch. But on mine the cradles that support the tube are adjustable.
David

Stand-Alone PlasmaCAM Tubing Cutter 4.jpg

Stand-Alone PlasmaCAM Tubing Cutter 6.jpg

[acourtjester]

Nice David, the designer was forward looking to build in a good range of use, a real tool guy. not just a sales guy

[adbuch]

Yes Tom - I very much agree! I think Plasmacam puts some great design and engineering into their products, and I just tried to improve the '"convenience factor" with my stand-alone version.
David

[Reb0rn]

I would use a machine torch to add with the adjustability, you can just slide the torch up and down in its holder. That with a little longer Z axis motion you should have enough to do what you want. I would also use a nema 23 somewhere about a 300 OZ range.

I have a machine torch on my plasma table, but for now i want to use the hand torch that came with the cutter itself, so i dont have to change em all the time.

I was thinking of the average floating z axis, but than with a long spindle and also a long plate going down to hold the torch.

[Reb0rn]

Maybe a stupid question,

How do you connect the plasma cutter to the BOB? Does it need something in between them? to turn plasma on and off.

[acourtjester]

No stupid question, very valid one. Some BOBs have a relay on the board or you may need to add an external one. In the controller software you would select a output pin to trigger the relay or external relay. Some software have a button to click on to fire the torch for testing. IN the post processor the command M3 is normally torch on and M5 is off written in the G-code. This output will be wired to the Plasma unit, Hypertherm has a plug on the back with 2 input pins for torch fire. Some of the less expensive plasma units have a 2 plug in the front to hook the trigger wires from the torch (hand Held) this is where you would wire in the BOB trigger signal. This is a contact only no voltage needed.

[Reb0rn]

i was looking at a xhc controller, to use with mach (i already have mach3).
https://hardware-cnc.nl/winkel/cnc-best ... -ethernet/

My plasma has 4 pins, in the guide stated as followed:

** Pin 1 and 2 – Output, provides the OK to move signal output which is a normally open, dry contact closure when the plasma arc transfers
*** Pins 3 & 4 – Input, which requires a normally open dry contact closure to activate the plasma

does it matter wich pin i use for what? U said i can select it, but also that M3 & M5 (it is aswell for me) is torch on/off and that i need to connect those.

[Reb0rn]

Alright, the stuf got in and i started with trying to make 1 stepper work. it does turn, but always the same direction. Is it a wiring mistake? Or is it some programming stuff?

[acourtjester]

Ok when a stepper only turns in one direction its because it is not getting the DIR change in voltage. Plus 5 volts is for one direction and zero volts for the other. You may have selected an output pin that is not a DIR signal. If you have a broken wire the motor will grunt and does not know which direction to turn and just vibrates.

[Reb0rn]

hmm thats kinda weird, because i cant find a 5v port. on my XHC control card i have pul+ & - ans also Dir + & -, connected all 4 on the driver.

[Reb0rn]

never mind!! bad connection in 1 of the 4 :p