New Bucket for an old FEL

[Gizmo2]

I wish I had cheap access to a PlasmaCam as I can draw the stuff up in AutoCAD relatively quickly and it would beat using my primitive method of hole saws, bandsaws, drill bits and grinders for some of my projects.

Plasma cutters are for wimps. I like the manly way.
Wish I had a Plasma cutter.
Nice job GuglioLS.

 

[tlbuser]

The plasma cut parts look good Larry. That automated plasma cutter looks like it's been around a while. I would think most modern manufacturers of entry level robotic plasma cutters should be able to to take an AutoCAD DXF file and translate it at a bare minimum. If they could take SolidWorks and Inventor files too, that would be a plus.

Oh, but it will. I posted that before,during Larry's rake build. Oh well, maybe I'm not the only one with ADD Plasmacam will import *.bmp, Autocad *.dxf, HPGL/2 (*.plt *.pm), sreadsheet text (*.csv) and G code (*.*)

Larry, another great project and lots of neat pics and videos added for our benefit. Thanks

 

[GuglioLS]

The plasma cut parts look good Larry. That automated plasma cutter looks like it's been around a while. I would think most modern manufacturers of entry level robotic plasma cutters should be able to to take an AutoCAD DXF file and translate it at a bare minimum. If they could take SolidWorks and Inventor files too, that would be a plus.

The time you spent teaching yourself how to use the plasma-cam is still far less than what it would take to cut the parts out the old school way.

I wish I had cheap access to a PlasmaCam as I can draw the stuff up in AutoCAD relatively quickly and it would beat using my primitive method of hole saws, bandsaws, drill bits and grinders for some of my projects.

Thank you MJ,

You are correct on all counts, the cutter has been well used, the table has been replaced three times in the last year alone. The plasma-cam software does convert autocad DXF files. And thats exactly what I did to get my drawing into the cutter.

Here is what I imported from autocad:





And a close up of the end resuls:




The challenge for me was figuring out how to use the plasmacam software, place all the parts for least amount of waste, and other items like getting the cutting speed, starting point's, and cutting the holes first. Cutting holes first is a must. After a part is cut it usually drops, shifts, or tilts causing the holes to be off the mark so they must be cut first. Autocad is challenging enough, the plasma cam software has some glitches and bugs of it's own and a non user friendly interface. Plus I was about to cut into a brand new sheet of 4' X 8' x 3/8" steel. Needless to say I did not want to trash the torch or the work piece. I practiced on some "scrap" until the cuts looked clean.

Since your located only one state away from me, if you ever have some small odd shaped parts that need cutting, I'm sure it could get done at a reasonable cost. This cutter is a major part of this small shops life blood. Ever since the main operator left, they have been hurting to get someone in that can operate it, or teach the new hire how to. I may be the one trying to learn it, then teach the new guy. In the past I have traded with the owner, usually fixing something in trade for small amounts or steel or plasma cutting my or Rob's (3RRL) projects.

Larry

 

[GuglioLS]

Plasma cutters are for wimps. I like the manly way.
Wish I had a Plasma cutter.
Nice job GuglioLS.

HaHaHa Gizmo2 that's funny,

So what's the manly way? Hack saw and a file? LOL

Larry

 

[GuglioLS]

Oh, but it will. I posted that before,during Larry's rake build. Oh well, maybe I'm not the only one with ADD Plasmacam will import *.bmp, Autocad *.dxf, HPGL/2 (*.plt *.pm), sreadsheet text (*.csv) and G code (*.*)

Larry, another great project and lots of neat pics and videos added for our benefit. Thanks

Hey TLB,
Thanks.

A few times I've seen a customer bring in a hand drawing, it can be scanned in and converted into a file then cut out of steel. Geckos, humming birds, and Kokopelli's seem to be popular.

Larry

 

[mjncad]

Thank you MJ,

You are correct on all counts, the cutter has been well used, the table has been replaced three times in the last year alone. The plasma-cam software does convert autocad DXF files. And thats exactly what I did to get my drawing into the cutter.

Here is what I imported from autocad:





And a close up of the end resuls:




The challenge for me was figuring out how to use the plasmacam software, place all the parts for least amount of waste, and other items like getting the cutting speed, starting point's, and cutting the holes first. Cutting holes first is a must. After a part is cut it usually drops, shifts, or tilts causing the holes to be off the mark so they must be cut first. Autocad is challenging enough, the plasma cam software has some glitches and bugs of it's own and a non user friendly interface. Plus I was about to cut into a brand new sheet of 4' X 8' x 3/8" steel. Needless to say I did not want to trash the torch or the work piece. I practiced on some "scrap" until the cuts looked clean.

Since your located only one state away from me, if you ever have some small odd shaped parts that need cutting, I'm sure it could get done at a reasonable cost. This cutter is a major part of this small shops life blood. Ever since the main operator left, they have been hurting to get someone in that can operate it, or teach the new hire how to. I may be the one trying to learn it, then teach the new guy. In the past I have traded with the owner, usually fixing something in trade for small amounts or steel or plasma cutting my or Rob's (3RRL) projects.

Larry

The PlasmaCam system you have access too; is it the same outfit out of Colorado City, Colorado that makes the system. I have their brochure, and I know of other brand systems out there.

What you describe about getting the cutting order correct reminds me of the old ink pen plotter days where we had to be careful in creating our CAD files to minimize the pen drawing over itself and clogging up.

I'll keep your offer in mind Larry. I have friends with a daughter in Albuquerque and another daughter near Roswell that they visit from time to time. Maybe he could pick any parts on the way home to Denver.

For any kind of precision, a CAD system is a must. For art work, CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, etc is fine.

 

[Gizmo2]

HaHaHa Gizmo2 that's funny,

So what's the manly way? Hack saw and a file? LOL

Larry

I was once ahead of the curve with an oxygen-acetylene torch, grinder and stick welding. But I'm not that old.

 

[GuglioLS]

Here is the latest progress report.....
More of the same - welding bushings to brackets, cutting pins, getting the geometry just right, welding brackets and as my good friend Brad_Blazer would say...."yada, yada, yada"





And by popular demand (or not) here's the action shot video:




So much for "Quick" Attach HaHaHa
Now lucky me gets to take it all apart and paint it!

Oh and I better add about 60 PSI to the front tires.


Larry

 

[tlbuser]

Hey TLB,
Thanks.

Larry

Under the software tab Machine, have you tried the cut preview button? It will show you the cuts on - screen and the work piece. You could take the torch out of its holder and use a pencil to mark the trace, if you have doubts about lead in points etc. I've used a marker in ours to trace patterns onto plywood. Maybe, one day, replace the torch with a router holder to do wooden 3D signs.

And yes, the user interface is not the best.

 

[tlbuser]

Here is the latest progress report.....

And by popular demand (or not) here's the action shot video:

Larry

Big smiles and giggling behind the camera kinda said it all.

 

[Renze]

I've used a marker in ours to trace patterns onto plywood. Maybe, one day, replace the torch with a router holder to do wooden 3D signs.

At a company i worked a few years back, they even cut 18mm plywood with their laser cutter, for the towns carnaval parade...
It just smelled a bit like a wood BBQ....

With plasma that wont work because the plywood doesnt conduct the electricity needed to pull the arc...

 

[SPYDERLK]

This is the latest progress report:

One thing missing from the old setup was a pressure gauge. So I ordered a liquid filled 0-3000 PSI gauge from surplus center. It came in yesterday afternoon. So I got busy modifying a 3/4" x 90* street elbow to accept the gauge. When drilling and taping the fitting I was surprised how soft the metal is. The drill and tap cut through like butter. I used a copper washer to seal the joint. [SNIP]
Larry

Does the gauge have a restrictor for safety? Bourdon tubes can fatigue and in general a gauge is fragile compared to the other fittings. You need very little flow. I screwed a bolt into the fitting holding mine and let it find its way thru the threads.
larry

 

[GuglioLS]

Under the software tab Machine, have you tried the cut preview button? It will show you the cuts on - screen and the work piece....SNIP....

Hi TLBuser,

Yes eventually I found that preview, another thing I figured out is you can de-select "use automated control" , then push "cut" and the table will proceed to trace the parts as if cutting without turning on the plasma. A good feature to see if the work piece is in the correct position. I am heading back to the shop in the morning to fix an old lathe, and plasma cut some more parts. I hope to get more experience then. One thing that still mystifies me is how to manually set the start / lead in lines and the length of those start lines off the work piece. Plasma-cam seems to have a mind of it's own when it comes to that.

The next big thing for me to figure out is how to set the "Zero" torch height, so when I tell it to cut .250" above the work piece, it actually is + .250" in the Z axis. Obviously this changes with the thickness of what's on the table, so knowing how to quickly reset the height is a must.

Any tips, advise and how to's would be greatly appreciated.


Larry

 

[GuglioLS]

Does the gauge have a restrictor for safety? Bourdon tubes can fatigue and in general a gauge is fragile compared to the other fittings. You need very little flow. I screwed a bolt into the fitting holding mine and let it find its way thru the threads.
larry

Hi Larry,

The gauge I used being rated for 3000 PSI was manufactured with what looks like a pin hole through the center of the fitting. Are you saying you had a gauge rated for high pressure with a "standard" NPT ID? Sounds to me like it was not manufactured correctly or was not truly an approved high pressure gauge (Chinese knock off?). I've never seen a HP gauge where the input was not just a small pin hole. Where did you get it? How high a pressure will it read? You got me curious, so I went and looked at my stock of gauges. Of the three I looked at, all had small pin holes for the input. Attached are some pics. From left to right "Fluid Dynamics Components" (the one I used) an "Airco", and a "Matheson".

Larry

 

[tlbuser]

Hi TLBuser,

One thing that still mystifies me is how to manually set the start / lead in lines and the length of those start lines off the work piece. Plasma-cam seems to have a mind of it's own when it comes to that.

The next big thing for me to figure out is how to set the "Zero" torch height, so when I tell it to cut .250" above the work piece, it actually is + .250" in the Z axis. Obviously this changes with the thickness of what's on the table, so knowing how to quickly reset the height is a must.

Any tips, advise and how to's would be greatly appreciated.


Larry

Lead-in length, Under Machine tab select settings then drawing and editing look for cut path conversion.
Next tab - Machine control is the X/Y/Z and height control page.
Next tab - Sys. Config. is where you can 0/0 the torch location.

When importing a file, do you have the radio button "import as cut paths" on? If so, after importing go to Machine tab, select reorder paths. If the radio button is off, then you
select Machine , convert to cut path and you manually select the lead-ins and path order.

Would you like a copy of my manual?

 

[GuglioLS]

TLBuser,

Thank you, Thats exactly what I need. I printed out your tips to take with me. I'm leaving right now.

Larry