Machine Torch Marker Attachment

[SRdesign]

Would anyone happen to know the thread and pitch of the threads on the end of the Duramax machine torch? Specifically the threads that the retaining cap screws onto. Any help is appreciated. Thank you

[Francisco]

I don't have my thread gauges handy but, measured with calipers, it seems to be 3/4-16NF. YMMV.

[SRdesign]

Awesome. Thanks man I really appreciate it

[weldguy]

Ok, you have peaked my curiosity, sounds like your hatching a plan for something cool and inventive to go on the end of the torch.....

[SRdesign]

Ok, you have peaked my curiosity, sounds like your hatching a plan for something cool and inventive to go on the end of the torch.....

Haha, yes at this point it’s just a plan. But I’m tinkering around with shortening some fineliner pens. The plan is to make a spring loaded marker that you don’t have to offset or anything like that, it will just screw onto the torch. Possibly going to try to include an ohmic sensing clip for those that don’t have the ability to set a z zero…. It will leave a small ink blob where it starts but I’m going to try to figure that out once I get the non ohmic sensing marker done first.

[adbuch]

Ok, you have peaked my curiosity, sounds like your hatching a plan for something cool and inventive to go on the end of the torch.....

Haha, yes at this point it’s just a plan. But I’m tinkering around with shortening some fineliner pens. The plan is to make a spring loaded marker that you don’t have to offset or anything like that, it will just screw onto the torch. Possibly going to try to include an ohmic sensing clip for those that don’t have the ability to set a z zero…. It will leave a small ink blob where it starts but I’m going to try to figure that out once I get the non ohmic sensing marker done first.

I did something similar for a torch pointer. The one I did is 3D printed and fits inside the existing torch cap in place of the electrode/nozzle.
I expect something similar could be done using the existing cap with a pen insert in place of the pointer.

The challenge would be to come up with a short pen cartridge. I've never tried cutting off a sharpie marker, but perhaps that would work. Not sure how long the ink would last. It would probably be easier to cut off/shorten ball point pen refills.

David

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125453655657?h ... R9zUquLAYg

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[adbuch]

Maybe something like this for the cartridge.
David

short ink cartridges.jpg

[adbuch]

You could also probably 3D print a "custom cap", maybe a bit longer to better accommodate the pen/spring. Let me know if you have something in mind and I'd be happy to model it up for you.
David

[SRdesign]

I like that indicator. I’ve ordered some “fineliner” pens. They’re .8mm, very similar to the sharpie ultra fine point pen, but not as long of a “capped section” if that makes sense (the portion of the pen that would be under the cap). I’m going to start by taking that apart and see how small I can cut it down without getting too far into the ink. The plan is to 3d print a bottom piece that the pen will drop into to the depth of where the cap sits, then print a top piece that a very light spring and two bearings will fit into. The top piece will screw onto the torch threads. We’ll see. Could be a total bust. Could work. The pens get here tomorrow so I’ll hack one up and know how large or small this will be then.

[SRdesign]

The problem with a traditional sharpie is that it has a slight taper to it. These pens are a straight tube. No taper. So I’m thinking they will slide up and down in the bearings.

[djreiswig]

They make short pens for use in plotters. Maybe something like that would work without much modification.

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[SRdesign]

Awesome. Thank you. I will check that out

[SRdesign]

Finally came up with something. Requires no offset in sheetcam. I just use the contour operation. It’s a pretty simple installation: remove my consumables, slide it onto the torch body, tighten the machine screw. It does add 1.5” of additional Z length, but I have plenty of Z travel so it doesn’t affect me. If you’re interested in one you can pick one up here:
https://overthetopfab.etsy.com/listing/1598577295

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[acourtjester]

that is slick happy you figured it out

[SRdesign]

that is slick happy you figured it out

Thank you sir.

[CarterKraft]

Excellent results.
How did you handle the "blob" I was wondering about a "ramp" pierce.

[SRdesign]

I don’t use a plasma operation in sheetcam when I use the marker attachment. I use the router operation and just set my zero with the marker compressed about a 1/4”. Plus these markers do not have a soft tip. So it does good as far as not leaving a blob. I plan on making an ohmic sensing version of this attachment so I can just use the same plasma operation that I will use when I’m cutting. But I haven’t drawn it up yet.

[CarterKraft]

Thanks for those tips.

[Willdamnit]

I have the easy scriber works well for marking bend lines and holes,
I too use the plate marker in sheetcam for this process

[SRdesign]

The easyscriber is a great tool. Especially for dialing in your table and making sure it is 100% square and accurate. You can only get so fine of a measurement with a marker. I mostly wanted this attachment for testing drawings before I cut the metal. The reason I wanted to use a marker is because I can just wipe it clean with acetone if something is not right, instead of scratching my metal.

[SRdesign]

The ohmic sensing version has been made. It makes marking so easy now. I just attach, then run the same nc file as if I were cutting, then remove, then run the same nc file again with consumables installed.

[adbuch]

The easyscriber is a great tool. Especially for dialing in your table and making sure it is 100% square and accurate. You can only get so fine of a measurement with a marker. I mostly wanted this attachment for testing drawings before I cut the metal. The reason I wanted to use a marker is because I can just wipe it clean with acetone if something is not right, instead of scratching my metal.

[adbuch]

The ohmic sensing version has been made. It makes marking so easy now. I just attach, then run the same nc file as if I were cutting, then remove, then run the same nc file again with consumables installed.

Unfortunately I am running a hand torch on my Plasmacam table, so not enough room to install your marker - otherwise I would buy one. It looks like a great attachment to have and the price is very reasonable.

David

[SRdesign]

Thank you for the kind words David.