CNC Plasma Table Build

The Air Dryer arrived today, plug it in and powers up. I was able to find a manual through Northern tool so tomorrow I will clean the condenser coil and the filter on the water trap and do a test to see if it gives me dry air.

 

The Air Dryer works, Took the cover off and clean up the nasty accumulation of grime in the condenser coil, and the












Once the gauge reach 0, spraying air onto a paper towel left it dry, and hitting the test button on the drain valve release a bit of water.

So this will be a very nice addition to the shop. not just for the plasma table but the for the powder coat gun, and the eventual blast cabinet.

 

My ender 3 has decided it does not want to print anymore, and I do not have the time or desire to tinker with it at the moment. So I decided to adapt the Langmuir systems torch mount to my table. price was right, and I thnk I can make it work with minor modifications

 

Right?

It's what I run for my machine torch

Make sure the lower clamp sits above the torch head otherwise you can have misfires and even damage the torch head's internals

 

I feel like I am at the goal line but can’t finalize my setup.

I downloaded a free part to cut and it won’t run at all. I keep getting an error of “nested comment found”. I am realizing that I am more etch a sketch than g code.

 

Is this 1 part to be cut?

Nested is only used when you have to cut multiple parts out of 1 piece of sheet metal.

Most of us are not using the nesting feature. We prefer to move the parts on the computer screen via click and drag.

Please feel free to ask more questions. I'm still learning myself and have many " face palm" moments.

 

sounds like you have a comment inside a comment, "some random Gcode (like this (is a nested) comment)" it should be "some random Gcode (like this is not a nested comment)"

I like using notepad++ or lately VScode for editing the files vscode has some nice fusion 360 addons that make it nice

 

I am going to call Command CNC on Monday to ensure my configuration file is setup correctly. I am not betting it is completely right yet. I just finished completing install of a new torch holder. It also appears to have some miscues. I was just trying to have the machine go through with the torch off and move.

it is just one part and not a bunch. I used Sheetcam to translate the g code for my machine. I am running Linux CNC.

 

that totally makes sense but I can’t even edit or manipulate the code on my screen.

 

I like using notepad++ or lately VScode for editing the files vscode has some nice fusion 360 addons that make it nice

also found this link that references sheetcam an your error


https://forum.sheetcam.com/viewtopic.php?t=8248

 

Many thanks. I will dig into it.

 

spent the last couple days cleaning up the control panel wiring.

Went from...


To this..




I ordered a din rail mounted relay module to handle the Torch trigger, it will go between the drivers and the THC/IHS on the bottom.

I also ordered some more GX16-4 connectors for the Soft E-stop button that will be mounted on each side of the table. and for the initial height sensor probe. Holes are drilled out and waiting for parts. being able to reference old pictures previously posted in this thread helped me get everything lined up and spaced.



I reinstalled the software I originally used to create the schematics for the control cabinet, I will have to redraw the entire thing, and update with my notes that I have written on my paper copies, this way i will have an "as-built" drawing. a copy will go in a plastic pouch inside the door of the cabinet so there will always be documentation for any future service work or modifications. plus I have been putting together a binder with all the documentation of the various hardware and software I am using along with any drawing I make for parts something still very much a work in progress.

 

Very nice! The extra effort with documentation will help tremendously.

Leave space for notes. Everytime I have an episode, I document it.

I'm glad I do. I could have a similar failure years down the road and I don't remember what I had to do to fix it.

 

Another upvote for vscode. Makes reviewing gcode rally easy.

 

Well, I blew out the 5v power supply while testing the Touch sensor... The module is rated for 5 to 24v DC on the enable line, but the first time trying it all wired in, it would not activate the probe, and one point I tripped the 24v Safety relay something that SHOULD NOT happen, and I took out at the least the 5v power supply, It now measures 2.9v DC under load before it was solid 5v DC under load no load measures 4.5v DC even with the voltage adjustment cranked all the way up. So I pulled disconnected the module and hooked the enable line up to a 24vDC supply for testing, and it now works like charm. So the wiring for this just became slightly more complicated since my break out board is limited to 5v for its input I will use the BOB output signal to trigger a 5v DC relay that will then pass the 24v DC to the Touch sensor enable input


https://youtu.be/Y7Zem1O247E

I went with a larger 10 amp supply instead of the 3 amp I previously had, since it now appears I have a larger 5v DC requirement than first expected.

I have an idea on how to add the sensor wire to the torch head using the standoff tip the hand torch came with, not saying it is original but I have not found anyone else who has done it, or least that they out out on the internet. maybe there is good reason for that.

 

You mean an ohmic sensor? You can retrofit your torch to run one especially since you're good at wiring stuff up!

You can find the retainer cap ring available separately.

 

I just had to run an additional 1A/12V DC external power supply for my ohmic sensor for my UBOB. My ohmic sensor would not trigger but now checks out through diagnostic checks.

 

yep, that is basically what it is.

First thought was to use the

$18 Hypertherm Kit: SmartSYNC Ohmic Rings 428895

SmartSYNC Ohmic Rings 428895 not sure if they will fit on the PTM 60 I currently have though.

My idea is to use the this stand off ring to act as the probe.



I can either try and account for the distance from the standoff to the tip in the G-code, or shorten the legs so they are the same as the nozzle, that is if I can directly adjust the standoff itself to where it needs to be. Still working out the details on this part in my head.

It just seemed like a cleaner way than using a piece of #6 solid copper with a hose clamp to act as the touch probe

 

Ooooh I didn't realize you were using the hand torch; GET YOURSELF A MACHINE TORCH!

Hell, I had two even lol a worthwhile investment having one



This guy went full ham but looks freaking awesome

https://youtu.be/mMEsPLPxmIo?si=56u5DsotUGRgoEzo

 

I already have some ultra low profile 5v DC DIN rail mounted relay modules that I picked up to handle firing the torch, So I will use one of the extra to switch the 24v for the enable line. Also the higher voltage will help with EMI by having a higher signal to noise ratio.

A side by side comparison of the original Relay board compared to the DIN rail option