Hello from Suffolk

[Web Goblin]

Geoff,
for limit switches I would recommend proximity switches. Any dust created from plasma cutting would affect the bearings but you can get fabric bellow covers to protect them. Personally I would be more worried about the plasma fumes, they are lethal.
If you fit a decent extraction/filtration system this will also help to reduce the amount of dust escaping into the atmosphere.

Ian

[lockyg]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for the info - any chance of a link to somewhere that would supply the fabric bellows? As for extraction I am considering two different approaches. 1) pipe with holes around the perimeter of the work area and another hose attached at the cutting head, both attached to suction and filter. or 2) box the whole unit in the corner of the shop and extract to outside with a big fan, allowing it to overun before re-entering the work area. each approach will be accompanied by a water table to contain dross. What do you thinks?

Thanks

Geoff

[Jonathan]

I think the hose attached at the cutting head should be sufficient on it's own. You need some sort of barrier round the cutter to stop the swarf flying too far away. A lot of pressure is required to get the very small (and dangerous) MDF dust.

[Jonathan]

Sorry I didn't realise it was a plasma cutter! Forget what I just said...