CNC Plasma Cutter

Post by **Rossco** » Tue Nov 26, 2013 4:42 pm

Just a heads up but I'm looking at adding a CNC Plasma cutter to the workshop.

The particular one I'm looking at has extremely powerful software which allows cutting programs to be done from thumbnail sketches in a matter of minutes. Basically it's aimed more at prototyping that mass production but can be easily used for mass production runs.

Once I have a few more details I'll let the forum know but in the meantime as a favour to the forum I'd be looking at offering cutting for the cost of materials plus £35 plus VAT to all forum members.

kev_the_mole · Post by **kev_the_mole** » Thu Nov 28, 2013 9:49 am

How clean a hole would it leave? I need to fit an extra headlight bowl in two of these

Cheers,

Ian

stevieturbo · Post by **stevieturbo** » Thu Nov 28, 2013 10:03 am

Plasma does create a lot of splatter, as will any hot cut.

For cleanliness, waterjet is the best.

But dont forget, the jet will cut anything in it's path.

For some stuff, patience and manual cut is the only option.

Post by **Rossco** » Thu Nov 28, 2013 12:58 pm

Ian

I cant giove you a definitive answer on that at this time. All I can say is I've also invested in ensuring that the machine is capable of producing cuts that require the minimum of clean up after.

Stevie is right.......even if that sounds like I'm doing myself out of a potential customer.

More info......the machine is capable of cutting up to 20mm cleanly.

kev_the_mole · Post by **kev_the_mole** » Thu Nov 28, 2013 3:03 pm

Ok waterjet it is as I also need the bezels trimmed so I can get 2 on each plate. I just would rather use a forum member but if I ever need any 20mm tank armour I'll PM you

gelmonkey · Post by **gelmonkey** » Thu Nov 28, 2013 3:29 pm

Ian
Why can you not use a large hole saw for the extra light bucket?
Bit of wee with one of those and a cordless.

P

stevieturbo · Post by **stevieturbo** » Thu Nov 28, 2013 3:36 pm

Looks like fairly large diameter ?

Holesaws of large diameters on metal....rarely go well.

With patience and a small thin cutting wheel, it wouldnt be that hard to cut with a grinder.

gelmonkey · Post by **gelmonkey** » Thu Nov 28, 2013 4:23 pm

Steve
We regularly use 6" hole saws and a cordless on slow speed to cut through metals and other substrates without too much bother at all.
Have used hole saw with pillar drill as well no problems.
An air hacksaw would also do the job very well.

P

kev_the_mole · Post by **kev_the_mole** » Fri Nov 29, 2013 9:49 am

I'm going to need the waterjet because I need to take a slice off each edge of the bezels to make them fit. In case anybody is wondering it's for this

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Post by **Rossco** » Fri Nov 29, 2013 5:22 pm

i want one!

unstable load · Post by **unstable load** » Sat Nov 30, 2013 5:35 am

The plasma should do the big hole perfectly satisfactorily.
Cut the bezels by hand with a fine tooth hacksaw and you will be good to go.