Hi, I want to build a CNC plasma cutter for something like 4x8 foot panels.

But theres very limited information about building the entire thing with local parts ... everyone with any information isnt very complete...

I really dont want to buy a 3000 dollar set to build which i could probably build for $300 + a plasma torch itself which is actually pretty cheap from the guy im getting it from.

Anyways any information any of you guys could hand out would be really helpful id really appreciate it.

Thanks.

I thought the kit prices from places like http://www.torchmate.com/ were good in themselves - if anyone knows how to build a 4 x 8 CNC machine for $300, now that would have my interest!

[gonzo]

The information in general assumes you have the knowledge about CNC. To start, you need to decide what software to use. Then, depending on the hardware, what interface to connect it through. The programing alone is more than $ 300.00. Industrial equipment run in platforms other than Windows which is unstable and unreliable. That means that it may be necessary to translate from one to the other too. However, Windows may be adequate for a small operation.

[duluthboats]

The stepper motors, the drives, and the controller will likely run more $500.00 alone. Here is a links page that will give you lots of ideas.

CNC for DIY

Gary

i can get all the software and hardware for free + (go me and my

extreme amounts of using computers over the years) only thing i

need to buy is the metal for the platform + torch + motor gears.

hence very cheap atliest in my mind.

Thanks for the link

Check out this http://cnczone.com

[rol1]

Since you are the do it yourself type, check out epanorama's info on stepping motors.


http://www.epanorama.net/links/robotics.html

http://www.yty.net/cnc/

http://www.linuxcnc.org/links.html