How to Build a CNC Plasma Cutter

Building a CNC plasma cutter involves several steps, including designing the machine, selecting the necessary components, and assembling and testing the machine.

First, design the machine and create a 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This will help determine the size and shape of the machine and the necessary components.

Next, select the necessary components, including the plasma cutter, stepper motors, linear rails, and control board. These components can be purchased from various suppliers and should be compatible with the design of the machine.

Once the components have been selected, assemble the machine using the CAD model as a guide. This involves mounting the components onto a frame and wiring them together.

Finally, test the machine to ensure it is functioning properly. This involves setting up the control board, calibrating the motors, and testing the plasma cutter on a test piece of metal.

Overall, building a CNC plasma cutter requires some technical skills and knowledge of electronics and mechanical assembly. It can be a rewarding project for those interested in DIY fabrication and machining.

Plasma Table Components: https://dflo.info/Plasma-Table Plasma Cutters for CNC Tables: https://geni.us/Plasma-Cutters Supplies & Equipment: Common tools and supplies: https://dflo.info/Amazon Social: D-Flo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.dflo/ D-Flo's Website: https://www.drdflo.com/ Video Description: Building a CNC plasma cutter at home is as awesome as it sounds, albeit a little dangerous. Plasma can reach temperatures greater than 25,000C, and no metal in the path of this inferno stands a chance. In this build, Dr. D-Flo will show you how to control the motion of the plasma torch through linear actuators to achieve automated and precise cuts. This video will cover topics such as the operating principle of plasma cutters (high frequency versus low frequency plasma cutters), specialized components required for CNC plasma cutting like the floating head and water table, how to generate tool paths for plasma cutting, and many other topics. This DIY plasma cutter (known as the LEAD plasma) is based off the OpenBuild’s LEAD Machine 1010 (Paid Link: https://geni.us/Lead-CNC). Dr. D-Flo received a BETA version of the lead plasma kit for review. Due to receiving the kit for free, this video is contains paid promotion, but Dr. D-Flo has used parts from OpenBuilds for several years now. Extra Resources: - Project page for this build: https://www.drdflo.com/pages/Projects/CNC-Plasma-Cutter.html - CNC-compatible plasma cutters: https://www.drdflo.com/pages/Guides/Plasma-Cutters-For-CNC.html Related Videos for Lead Machine Assembly: Mechanical Assembly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k12o0TdIp-s&t=678s Electrical Assembly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LY1KcPJ4s4&t=3915s Table of Contents: 00:00 - Intro 02:21 - Parts and Overview 03:57 - Mechanical Assembly 09:12 - Floating Head 11:12 - Stand Assembly 12:15 - Electrical Wiring 13:55 - Blackbox Motion Controller 15:31 - Firmware and Control Software 17:54 - Water Table 22:05 - High Frequency Noise 29:20 - Cutmaster 40 33:25 - OpenBuilds CAM 37:17 - Cutting Speeds 40:13 - Power and Air Requirements 44:19 - Fusion 360 CAM 49:39 - Heat Resistant Holder 51:03 - Cutting Fusion 360 Parts 53:00 - Projects