Quote Originally Posted by gr8fun View Post
Hi all, I'm just starting out building a BUDGET small 4x4 plasma table. I had planned to actually make a start this evening rather than plan, but I've read a few posts on the internet that has caused me to question my plans.

I'm going to be using a "cut 40" plasma cutter and be predominantly cutting 3mm mild steel.
My understanding is that a plasma cutter CNC needs "less torque and more speed" as the head will (should) not come into contact with the work piece.
My plan was to use m8 threaded rod to move the x, y & z, BUT m8 has a standard thread of 1.25mm point to point.
this means the stepper would need to spin these rods pretty quick to get the head speed required.

So, my questions are
  • Does anyone have experience of using m8 (or other threaded rod) with a plasma cutter CNC table? and
  • What sort of approx head speed should I be aiming for to cut 3mm mild steel?


Any other advice you think may be useful to a newbie will be greatly received.

Regards

Danny
Ok I dont Usually post with as much confidence as some of the others on this site but on this occation I can, if you are only going to use the setup for plasma then use belts and pulleys, get yourself a THC like this one, Proffessional Compact CNC Plasma THC Controller ( Torch Height Control ) | eBay and fit it Just like it shows you in the ad.. end of story, Ive done 2 now and they work very well, Ive also seen them made with sprockets and chains, but had no experience of them..

Rick