Cutting Mixed Metals

[Brad_Blazer]

I joined the local hackerspace and they have 3-phase high voltage power. A CNC plasma is on the list of projects for the space.

I talked to the Jet Edge guy at a trade show I seem to remember a 60hp motor driving a hydraulic pump which went to a ram pump which generated the cutting pressure. There are mobile systems. I guess for us tractor guys a PTO driven system would be the heat. Might win the prize for high-dollar attachment.

The garnet abrasive is not re-used. I had a small part cut locally a few years ago and they had to re-make it because it fell into the mud and they couldn't find it. The local places that do plasma, laser, and water jet are actually pretty reasonable.

 

[Mysfyt]

So here is a question about phasing. If you can get 208 3 phase will that run a lot of these 3 phase tools? I know the big boys are 460 but.....

In a word, YES. Most machinery is set up to run on both high and low voltages. Just requires doing some simple switching of the internal wiring. You also have the option of using a step up transformer if low voltage is not an option.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I know we are way off my original question but I am very surprised at how much 3 phase gear exists and the low (my perception) price they seem to garner.

Then again, these all may be worn down beyond the level even a homeowner would want. Wouldn't even know what to look for.