Build a CNC Plasma Cutter for under $1,000
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- čas přidán 25. 05. 2021
- What's up guys! Here is a overview video on how I built my CNC plasma cutter. I'm planning on doing several more detailed videos on this subject, but I wanted to start off with a cliffhanger to get some buzz going.
For the cutter itself I used the YesWelder Cut-55DS, if you want to purchase anything from the YesWelder website you can use Coupon code "Strange" at checkout for 10% off your purchase.
I'm running the controller from Mach3 via a parallel port, and I'm generating my G-code from Fusion360.
Setting up a CNC controller:
• CNC Build Part 1: Cont...
Building a metal CNC structure:
• CNC build part 2: Home...
All of my hardware was purchased from eBay:
Sain Smart 5 axis CNC breakout board
external drivers
NEMA23 stepper motors (twin shaft)
8MM pillow block bearings
8MM flexible shaft couplers
8MM ACME screw (47" long)
Steel is 2X2 angle, and 2X2 tubing for the legs, with 3" swivel casters underneath. I did not build the bed yet, one thing at a time.
Was that a wiener palm tree? Lol
Art is open to interpretation. Lol
But yeah, it actually is. It's called a "palm dong".
@@StrangeGarage That's where mine usu... Err, nevermind.
@@StrangeGarage He wanted to impress us by his knowledge. It was a bad try.
I like your your video. Thanks.
A bit of info on how you actually built this would be great like drivers used and how you set them up? Also how your gantry is supported?
Oh the joys of a HF welder/cutter. Fun fact, even with ground isolation, HF will generate sparks on equipment that aren't anywhere near the work site. I have an old Miller HF from 1971 and the manual illustrates installing earth grounds to literally every metal source throughout the garage. Down to the garage door frame... Best to use it in a very open area or outside even...
Pretty cool man! Just retired out of the military and my old man and I are building up a shop that’ll do everything for both metal’s and wood’s cutting/treating etc.. A good CNC cutter is a must have! Great vid to show my dad. Many thanks.
I watched a build where the guy grounded the tip of the HF torch and it worked out for him.
Nice build buddy 👍
Just from the quality of the video and how well it was executed made me think you would have a bigger following. Looking forward to more content! 🔥
You would think that... so far that hasn't worked out. I can't complain too much, but obviously I'm not making the type of videos that youtube is looking for. Thanks for watching, I'll keep the videos coming!
just subscribed because of your comments about shielding and grounding! Very important points for anything computer controlled!
I've been perusing reviews of different plasma cutters in CNC builds so thank you for the frankinfo! The "spare CNC computer" remark hit home! I used my "spare CNC computer" for almost a year after an electrical storm took out one of mine. I recently switched to using the little $100 fanless ham sandwiches for my Mach 3 CNC builds. (Use an ESS over USB, man!)
Great video. I especially appreciate your guidance on grounding and shielding.
Thank you! I'm really happy you enjoyed the video😎
Wow, great build and even better explanation!
Nice plasma and workshop .. :) Im building from scratch my CNC combo plasma 2.4 x 1.5m . Thanks for sharing
You did a good job explaining the plasma machine Think you
I can’t believe this video doesn’t have more views! Keep on keeping on brother!
Awesome stuff man, you’re definitely lowering the barrier to entry for a lot of people, including myself!
Glad to hear it, brother! This stuff does take patience, but it's not impossible for most people to make machines like mine. Hope my videos help!
Would love to see another video about this. Maybe with some dimensions you used for your structure
Excellent, built mine also for around 900 UK pounds which does wood router and plasma in one
Also may I add I decided to build mine after I see yourself do yours so thanks for the inspiration.
Awesome video! Really appreciate the price breakdown at the end. Really puts things into perspective for a DIYer
Great stuff: lots of useful info, thank you!
Seriously so impressed!
☺
this was an insanely in depth video! awesome build and thank you for all the hidden tips you found out during/after the build. Cuts look super clean too
Glad I found your channel! Thank you!
even with 50 hours in at $20 an hour, you doing pretty well in my eyes as far as real cost!
Tell that to my wife, lol. I'm real happy with it. There's going to be a few redesigns, but it's on the right track. Certainly works better than it should.
I started building one several years ago, 90% similar to your design but much heavier than I wanted maybe I can use it as a mill some day.
love it great work
Great job man
Thanks for sharing your video and let us learn how to build a low-cost plasma table. You did the best low-cost DIY plasma table I saw on CZcams so far and I saw many projects. I’m planning to build a low-cost CNC plasma table like the one you build. But first, I need to learn what mistakes to avoid. Do you think your X axe is bit too heavy? In the middle, is it a 2x2 1/8 angle? The walls and the top of the X axe, is it 1/8 flat? I can’t wait to see your next video about your build and learn from you experience.
This is awesome man, I recently built my own cnc plasma as well. With no z axis, and I'm using a primeweld cut 60(no HF start)
Also I used a arduino uno running grbl 1.1 h only cost like $15 for a cnc logic board with some diy firmware install and some cable managment
How is it working for you? This is a pretty cool project. I learned a lot from it!
This is great! I think I would have liked to see your implementation of the linear rails in greater detail though.
Thanks for the feedback. Check the description of this video. I did a cnc router build, it shows much greater detail of my rail system.
That's an interesting looking palm tree 1:06
You can use a new computer and add a parallel port in via PCIE slot, or use a USB to Parallel adapter. Both solutions have benefits and drawbacks, however the PCIE solution is no different than the integrated solution that comes in older machines. USB is nice because you can quickly move it to another device if you have an issue, but drivers and com# can change.
This comments shows me how far away my abilities are away from building something like this
I don't know if you monitor your older videos, but I thought I'd post anyway. Great video, I "found" your channel from a H.F. planer video. A new sub here.
Great to hear! I hope you enjoy the content, thanks for watching!
Blowback start plasma cutter would eliminate any interference issues. Old and or cheap plasma cutters that use HF start which is where you get the noise.
G'day mate. I'm gunna take a guess and say, your excess consumable consumption could mean you need a decent air drier/filter between your compressor and plasma machine.
Great info...Thanks
bravo from algeria for you
For your sucky problem, duct the intake downward OR 3DP/plasmacut a fan louver and install it.
Don't you want a water table under that lovely fire hazard, Strange? ;)
I got a Lotos LTP5000DP about 6 months ago and am getting ideas from youse guys today. Who knows if it can even work on a CNC table, but it's RF, too. Drat.
You are a genius
Don't give me too much credit, if you watched me build it you would it you would be much less impressed. There was a lot of cursing, lol.
Super nice 👌
Also, you can use a blowback start Plasma cutter as well... Earlier you mentioned the handle. for about $60-100 usd you can get a "straight" pen type plasma wand that is for CNC use. I'm not sure how universal they are, but I know they are made.
Yep, I got a straight torch actually, a "P-80". It was actually a direct replacement, I'm much happier with it!
Oh I liked and shared before I saw the contest.. but that's awesome hehe(:
You're entered in the contest! :)
Great video. I understand this is an old video, but we are currently building a plasma cutter for a school project. Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated
Have you considered putting the plasma feed cables inside liquidtight flexible metal conduit and properly bonding the metal liner to the plasma source? Would love to know if this would work in place of other methods as it would simplify things considerably. Guess I would also make sure the workpiece grid is bonded to the source bond also. This would raise the question of parallel paths but I'd have to assume the welder internal circuitry has some way to address that and make sure that. I saw another youtuber connect the tip nozzle to the return clamp via a 14 guage wire or something. This stabilized his arc substantially. I don't actually understand what was happening here. But if what I suspect is happening is right then this might work even beter with a resistor in series with this wire to attenuate EMF produced by the HF.
Dam, that's cheap. I already had a plasma cutter that I bought second hand for$1050 and the electronics was $900. I'm up $2000 already. I have built the stand and I'm using m12 x 1.25 rod for the X & Y drive (probably not a good idea). Thanks for the earthing and shielding tips.
That's still a good price honestly. What type of electronics did you go with?
Love your video and your build. Just awesome! Do you mind sharing what amps/specs your NEMA 23 motors are rated for? I have some 1A NEMA 23 motors, but not sure they would be powerful enough for a build like this. Thanks again for taking the time to make and share this video series!
I don't know the specs off hand, but I believe I used the dual shaft motors which are higher output for sure. I will check when I get home.
Sorry I'm late, 3 amp is the answer.
@@StrangeGarage Thank you very much!
@@chrisbearden1331 You are welcome!
would love a follow up video taking a closer look at your rail and gantry system! great job man.
Also whats the torque on your steppers?
Check the description. I have a cnc build video that has the same rail system, shows a lot more detail!
Hi. Does your plasma cutter come with cnc compatibility from factory or you had to tap into the start switch wires? Also, if you are going to use z axis how are you going to read the arc voltage for THC
im thinking of building that indycnc for aluminum and wood. i could swap the base out - do you think that setup would be decent for sticking a herocut amazon plasma to? would be nice to make steel parts as well. kinda going for an all in one as i dont have much space. 4X4' is the footprint of the indycnc im trying to create.
And what is the Argon for and where do you add it in? I thought they just used AIR?
You just got yourself a subscription
Thanks my man! Glad to have ya!
ROFL @ forgetting the ground, I have done that with a tig a few times.... you are definitely wide awake the rest of the day after that!
It buzzes you good! Not my favorite thing!
@@StrangeGarage I have been hit with negative plate voltage in tube rigs.... HF flat sucks!
I've got a bench grinder on my welding table and if I forget to ground the TIG, the earth circuit ends up going via the grinder body and the 240V AC power outlet, via the grinder cable. I've done it twice and the first time I couldn't understand why it was so hard to see (the smoke from the melting insulation was so thick) and the second time I noticed a bunch of flames reflecting off the inside of the visor. Goes to show just how good a respirator I use when the workshop is chock full of smoke and I don't realize until I can't see anymore.
I would like to have more info on getting the motors connected to x, y and z?? We are having trouble getting them operational. You noted it might be necessary to play with Dir active and step low but we just couldn’t find any help there. The motors made a noise like you said but were sporadic. Any other suggestions??
I would really love a details FAQ video about this. After seeing your cnc video I thought about building one but ended up buying a cnc. Now after knowing a little bit about cnc stuff I may want to build one of these.
Can you incorporate a Torch Height control on this?
Yep, not with this exact design, but putting in a Z axis is a simple procedure. I just wanted to save myself the extra 3-5 hours of building the Z axis hardware when a plasma cutter literally only operates on 1 plane. Mach 3 is already configured for Z, and it even thinks it's moving the Z axis.
@@StrangeGarage Awesome thanks. Just was wondering if you needed it in the future it would be possible. Love your channel.
@@JoeyAtilano Thanks my man! You got this. Once you start figuring out CNC's it just gets easier. Good luck!
Hello
We have finished the structure but would like to see pictures of connecting on/off plasma to mach3 board.
Can you help us, friend?
Dear friend, how to controll arch on/off?
hi.... what value of current of stepper motor nema 23 ? and what kind of driver you use??? and what kind of controller board ????? please answer........
Any use of ferrite beads?
I love it. I am from Somalia, i want to build this. I have the plasma cutter, and i can get the angle steel. but I don't think I can get most of that equipment here
Specially the control system. And DHL is too much expensive. Perhaps if I win i will pay the shipping 😉
You mentioned shielded wire for "noise" what did you use? Great videos by the way👍
16-4, if memory serves me. The ground wire I ran is an old welding lead, 0 ga or bigger. Thanks! I put a lot of time into my videos, glad you like them!
Maybe a stupid question, but do you wire the stop and start for the plasmacutter directly to the cnc-controller? Awesome build btw! Have been wanting to make a machine like this for many years.
Not stupid. It's in the video but you might have missed it: most CNC controllers have a control relay that can be programmed through your interface. I literally just ran the wires for the trigger to that relay. Next I programmed the interface to automatically turn the relay on/off when the cuts start/stop.
@@StrangeGarage Aha that makes sense :-) Thank you for the superfast reply! As I said, I have been wanting to build a cnc plasma-cutter for a very long time and this helpful video might push me to do it. Thank you.
Cheers from Norway :D
how do you get a plasma cutter as part of their marketing program thing?
you can install a parallel port card. they are cheap.
waldo2413 sent me! awesome video. this reminds me that I should complete my CNC router build
Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it! I am unfamiliar with mr waldo. I'll check him out.
Consumables are the bane of all plasma machines...from a $2500 home schooler to a $250k sota machine keeping.030 tolerances
.030 is pretty good for a plas. What is the kerf on one of those high dollar machines?
@@StrangeGarage actually setup right the parts are about the same as an old tube laser which is almost nothing up to around .375 hotroll plate but between the consumables, heat and exhaust management and speed it wasn’t as practical as my 1st laser. That was the OO’s though. If plasma machines have improved at the same rate as lasers I suspect they are pretty awesome if you don’t need to run 1000’s of parts
And to be honest pre China we were one of the biggest precision metal job shops on the west coast. Now that those million pc orders are all offshore Ive learned a TON of things from channels like yours and others on new and “that shouldn’t work but the dude just did it in his garage” techniques that I was able to use at scale to stay competitive. I really appreciate all the badass fabricators on here. Remember every hundred thousand square-foot 200 employees shop started out with a torch and a shot out welder in the garage somewhere and just the nerve to do it.. so it’s really refreshing seeing how smart some you guys/gals are.
@@Dethride69 I appreciate that man! I love creating, and I was broke for so long that I had to pick up a lot of tricks to continue. To be honest, I don't have much of a long term plan. I have a pretty solid career, but if I get the chance to work for myself full time I will.
The kerf on this one is disgusting. I bought a P80 CNC torch to replace the factory handheld one, hopefully that and a little adjustment will produce cleaner lines. I know I will never get in the .00 range, I just want to move my kerf further from the decimal point.
Where is your shop at? Sounds like you have a pretty cool operation going. I haven't done production in years. I work in plant engineering. I'm like a Millwright/Mechanic/Electrician/Fabricator.
@@StrangeGarage Lancaster California (because I obviously hate money...) It’s on the northern most edge of LA country. It’s a long story but we have 70k sq ft and due to the protections being different for health insurance I keep it at exactly 50 employees.
Hi, I like what you are doing, I am also trying to make my own CNC plasma cutter.
I wonder how you did the turning on and off of the plasma cutter while the program was running? What does the signal for the relay that drives the plasma cutter give you and how did you program it in MACH3?
Thank you.
If your CAM is correct then Mach 3 knows when to turn on and off the torch. It's the same function as "spindle start/stop" for a cnc router or mill. My controller has an integrated relay for this function that is connected to an input on the parallel port. What I had to do was figure out which input to link and plug that info into mach 3.
I knew the relay in the controller would work, but I didn't want to back feed a full 115 volts into my controller, so I used an isolation relay separate from the board relay. Next I ran my "common" and "normally open" terminals on the relay to the cannon plug on the plasma cutter, and Bob's your uncle.
very nice bro i like your video
now what u useing against the thc😂
How dry is your compressed air? I have read that the air drying system really matters for cut quality and consumables life.
I have 2 in line separators, i'm not getting any water into the second one at all. I found out that this machine is supposed to use different tips for different amperages. I was likely using the wrong ones without even knowing. They all came in the same bag.
Nice video. Thank you. A quick question from a newb. If i have DFX files for laser cuter would they aslo work on a plasam table? any imput would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again
Sort of. You have to use special software to convert from DXF to a CAD compatible, and then convert from CAD to CAM. It's not that hard but it's a process. Does that make sense?
Hey mate are you able to send through information on where to buy the parts you used in building this cutter? Great job I would love to give this project a crack myself
There is a CNC playlist on my channel that has build videos on it, that had a ton more info. Even though that was a cnc router I used the same hardware and same general principle. You'll get a ton more infro from there.
The main difference is the plasma cutter is driven by 8mm ACME screw instead of belt. Check those videos out and let me know if you have any questions.
I’m having trouble finding the TB6660 controller on eBay or google. Do you have a link? I’ve found TB6600 controllers and other 4 axis ones, but nothing with the TB6660 nomenclature.
When I bought it they called it a TB6660, they probably had some licensing issues. Look for "5 Axis CNC Interface Board LV3.3"
Is the mach 3 software free ?
I just got their welder/cutter with this in mind. How does the torch perform mounted? The build area is huge! What do you plan on cutting that large?
It cuts really well, but I did upgrade to a CNC specific cutting torch. The kerf is a little wide but the quality is way better than it should be for something I made! I have no plans, I had an opportunity so I made it. I'm weird like that.
Just to be clear, I put a different torch on the same plasma cutter. The plasma cutter itself actually works great with the straight CNC torch.
Btw High Frequency, even for Tig, in certain environments is a no bueno. Apparently it can do the same thing it did to your computer... To pacemakers
Where is a good place to purchase Cnc components, also that brand? Thx
I get everything from ebay. Chinese ones work great. I like to buy entire kits because it will usually have most of what I need. The chinese stuff is usually unbranded. Tb6560 and tb6660 have been good boards for me. Good luck.
I need to make this.....
It's really sweet, Dude!
Your breakiut has ri be fully optoisolated and power from extra plug or computerside , no ground pc to maschine drive ground.
0:36 ProTip: never become a nudist and decide to work in the shop.
You got that right!
Nerds rule!!! Thankfully I managed to get my engineering degree despite being crippled by narcolepsy. And thankfully 16 years later I was given a medication that successfully treated my narcolepsy. Put in dent in career path but I'm in a good place.
Hell yeah, love to hear you made it! I'm just a maintenance mechanic, but my path often crosses with engineering. Im glad you got medication that actually helps!
How much did your plasma cost??? Nice video 💯
I think they cost $400. YesWelder just sent me this one for promotional purposes. It works alright.
@@StrangeGarage ok thanks for info
I have problem with High frequency start of machine, they cut of my data from computer, how to reduce this sir?
Did you watch the video? I answered your question in this video.
@@StrangeGarage ough yes thanks a lot sir, good video
@@StrangeGarage
1. what the material for shielded the cable?
2. The cable of cnc control must be outside of body (true or false)
3. The ground of cnc body or the plasma equipment?
thanks for yours answer
@@chamimsttw2290 1: The shielded wire is from ebay, it's just called (16-4, shielded).
2: I don't think that makes a difference, so false?
3: the structure itself is grounded. The work table has a ground also that returns to the plasma cutter, but the table is insulated from the structure, so I gave the structure it's own ground to mitigate interference.
@@StrangeGarage thanks, i will try it, good bless you
Just a heads up on the latest short. I was able to go directly to it from my feed, but now you can't comment on them. Not on the old ones either and not even if I go to your channel and click on it. This is from my phone
Ok, thanks for the heads up! They are having a lot of bugs with the shorts lately. Honestly they are getting way better but still annoying obviously. Thanks again for letting me know!
Ok, thanks for the heads up! They are having a lot of bugs with the shorts lately. Honestly they are getting way better but still annoying obviously. Thanks again for letting me know!
Did I see a Windows XP screen saver in the background? 🤣
Do you have a way of contacting you?
amazing.....surprised that warping and head to far/too close issues weren't aplenty....ha....you must have some damn flat stock.....no torch height control....not even a Z axis....no water bed.....amazing dude....$1000.....LOL
How can I contact you by phone?
You just changing the torch, but not the whole plasma cutter. Especially if it has a voltage divider output...
You running Windows XP?
Yessir
@@StrangeGarage a fudging classic. You can play some GTA 2 while it's cutting in the background
Sure can. I HAD 2 xp computers and now I don't.
whats your ig ?
Strange.garage
ah im a bending robot
Cut a grill on your plasma to cover the fan! 🤦♂️ Lol
Oh that fan is dead. It caught me in a bad mood and I lost self control for a moment. RIP.
Got plenty of time myself. Just no money.
Put a filter over that fan. 2 birds...
Can You give me a 3 axis cnc controller for free .I am a student in srilanka educating about cnc