Plasma cutting track DIY
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- Опубликовано: 3 янв 2019
- This is a simple DIY Plasma torch cutting track that I feel anyone with a plasma torch and shop should have!
It basically works like a chop saw, it has a fence to butt metal up to, adjustable stops for 90 & 45s the torch holder also tilts to do beveled cuts. I used a simple PW controller
Here's a affiliate link to the pulse width controller I used to control the motor amzn.to/2SLviuS
I also used mini limit switches to control how far the torch travels
here's a like to them amzn.to/2M3k16A
Here's a link to the small toggle switch I used to turn the torch on and off amzn.to/2UGIDoG
Here's a link to the CUT 50 plasma torch amzn.to/2AEvYej
I you need the consumables for the torch amzn.to/2C7YIw1
I highly recommend anyone that works with metal to build a plasma track torch It's a extremely useful tool, plus it’s compact! 
Хобби
Wow. What an ingenious way to integrate a hand plasma torch! I'll definitely be keeping this in mind for the future.
Nicely done! Using all-thread as your lead screw=great idea. Inexpensive build, without sacrificing strength or quality, Good Job. This is on my list of projects, now.
I know I’m way late to the party but those goggles are the beginning! Awesome!
This will take my plasma cutting to a whole new level!! Thanks for this video.
I was just thinking how much I need a plasma torch, figured id search your channel, low and behold everything I need! Awesome stuff dude!
They're REALLY nice to have.
love watching people build cool use full stuff.
Dude that was awesome. That’s the closest thing to a CNC that I think I could actually build after watching this. Definitely subscribing and looking forward to more of your videos!
Right on Joe! I appreciate it 🙂 this simple tool is definitely a helpful tool for any shop and I recommend building one. Take care
Epic build brother. I feel the inspiration creeping in
Very impressive and clever tool. Well done sir.
That is AWESOME man. Great job!
Lots of good parts made with that old photo eye. Especially good for one- off hand drafted products
Awesome project. Very useful tool.
Thks. Great idea
Looks awesome, Michael! Nice job as always!
I actually have seen a drill chuck like that before. It's pretty easy to fix by taking it apart and adjusting the springs that keep the jaws in place (IIRC).
What a great project, no way you can get a finish like that without the steady speed of cut. I will have to make on now. Cheers.
Thanks for commenting! It’s definitely going to help me out in my shop, funny thing is I got spoiled with nice plasma cuts about 3 years ago when my friend and I went in on a CNC plasma table, I bought this el cheapO plasma torch a few years back for my shop but didn’t use it much because the free hand cuts didn’t look like the CNC. The problem is if I wanted a clean cut on the CNC I would have to drive about 15 minutes to my friends place and sometimes it’s nice to keep moving on a project when your inspired, now I have the possibility to make nice clean cuts at my shop! Thanks for checking out my project!
You're a genius Mike ! I wish I would have your skills !!
Hey thanks for your nice comment :) I really appreciate it! Take care
outstanding design, Mike! Well done!
Thanks for checking out my videos 👍🙂
Thank you for sharing. You have given me great inspiration in the cutting track I am going to build.
Right on 🙂👍
Just what I need for my powerplasma cutter.
This is great. Thanks
Pretty cool idea. I used to want to make something like this back when I was in school for welding. As time goes by the want or need has diminished. There are a few reasons. Time is money. That set up takes time to build and time to operate. All the variables. Speed, angle, metal thickness, consumables, air pressure, etc, change so much and you are changing yourself so much it would hamper the cut. Grab a straight edge and go. As you get more practice the cut will be like almost like it was sheared and then longer cuts you won't even use a straight edge, YOU will be a machine.
This was just a fun project to build, I have given it to a friend including the plasma torch. I now own a CNC plasma 👍
Great job I'm impressed, congrats
Nice build, man. Good stuff.
A really impressive build, Mike! Love your ingenuity, functional designs, and "make-it-yourself-ness". Onward!
Thanks Douglas 👍
Great video! Like your detail and easy to follow teaching.
Thanks Jim 👍🙂
That is cool. You come up with some great stuff. I was thinking about trying to put something together with an old radial arm saw. Now you've got me thinking again. Thanks
Thanks Bill! your on the right track, If I had a old radial arm saw I would have modded it, but I gave the old finger chopper away years ago, I still have all my fingers :) If you have one I would say it's got just about everything you need there! Take care
Hey Mike, Cathy told me about your site. Took a look the other night, and was BLOWN AWAY. GGOOOOODD JOB>
Thanks Curt I really appreciate your comment! It’s been fun building this channel, my main focus is to work with what I got and to salvage when you can and most of all to encourage others to build cool stuff! Take care ps don’t forget to subscribe ;)
Great video. Lots of good ideas to copy. Thanks.
Awesome project build
Fancy CNC is great. but this Simple and fast build is what i need. No coputer and stuff.
Wow! very smart!
I love the concept. I might modify and make one for my everlast plasma cutter. I'm always looking for ways to make it more useful for me.
Pretty cool. I like the plan man
This one had me chuckling. You have a good sense of humor! 😁
Glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍
Very impressed with that Build. I am definitely gonna have to build on of those myself. That was a great idea, and so simple.
Also, for a little "cheapo" Plas.a Machine, that thing makes some very nice Cuts. I mean that 1/4" you cut was as nice of a cut that I've seen with machines that costs thousands of dollars.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for checking out my video Phillip! Yes I was quite surprised how good the cuts turned out! I just upgraded to a small CNC plasma table! Take care
awesome build
Thanks 😊
Thats a handy bit equipment mate nice, your like me still rocking the old school drill press!! There built from heavy gauge and there work horses! I love mine
Great job👍
Mike,
I bought the latest version of the same Zeny CUT50 plasma cutter. Sold on Amazon this time as the “Superdeal” brand. The actual plasma cutter arrived but was labeled as F2C (Factory 2 Customer). Out of the box I cut 1/4” hot roll flat bar. It worked great. The ground cable is too short and it needs an upgrade.
Bill
Very cool, Michael!
Thanks Jim!
You are one creative dude....nice job
Thank you!
I need that for my plasma, building BBQ pits, awesome 😎
it's good to see someone build something using American measurements and not metric.
Very nice Mike! luv the HF plastic ammo box,housing the controller! Im sure the clean cuts save some grinder clean up work.I usually end up cutting a slight angle top to bottom of cut on 1/4" or thicker when hand cutting.Nice job!
Thanks! Yes the HF ammo boxes are real useful for a lot of projects around the shop. Thanks for checking out my track torch Jeffery :)
This is sweet!
that works great good idea
Wow I like this! Awesome 👏
Thanks, I appreciate your comment! Take care:)
Very good video! Super smart and clean build 🤙
I got inspired to go out to my own shop and do a projekt after watching this.
Thank you!
Great idea I have to build one
Like Your creativity and appreciate your skill set
Good ole American ingenuity
Thanks Ulf! I’m glad I inspired you to get out and go work on a project! Take care my friend :)
Thanks Allan! Right on I’m glad you enjoyed this project!
Good job
Nice job
Man this is awesome. Very informative.
Thanks!
Thanks for getting me off my ass and to work on my shop. That chuck that was FOBAR looks like it fell off the bench. Anyway thanks and keep them coming!
Very nice
Show parabéns Eu aqui do Brasil trabalho com mecânica e eletricista automóveis Fasso minhas invenção , você é o kara..
excellent!
Nice idea for smooth consistent straight cuts. I'd like to expand this idea to allow for tracing curved parts (a manual pantograph...think of it like a manual CNC cutter) so that would require an X and Y axis (search youtube for plasma cutter pantograph or "tracing" jig) but would like to retain the power feed for making the smooth straight cuts when needed.
If you've ever worked on a metal lathe, many have a power feed, but that feed can be released with what's known as a "half nut." Flip a lever, the feed engages the drive screw, flip it the other way and it releases to allow the carriage to travel freely. I think with a half nut, you could engage it for the power feed for straight cuts and release it to use it in the pantograph mode.
Also, concerning the cheap chinese cutters, many are now available with "pilot arc" which is much better than the high frequency start. You can cut through paint, rust, and pierce into the metal directly. It does make the units a little more expensive due to the slightly more complex torch needed. There is a ground wire that runs to an electrode inside to initiate the arc inside the torch, which in turn ionizes the air forming a lower power plasma arc, then the air blows the arc out the tip (appears as blue flame) until the machine detects the arc electrically connecting to the work piece, then it kicks in the full cutting amperage. It is that pilot arc that quickly burns through paint, rust, and crud that makes it so handy. High Frequency start machines tend to have issues with dirty metal. Also, HF start torches/machines can't be used on CNC tables as the HF interference is too high and will cause issues with the computer equipment (or any other low voltage electronics nearby). The pilot arc technology found on chinese machines still requires an HF arc to start the pilot arc, so it still creates some HF noise, however, since the distance between the anode and cathode inside the torch can be controlled, i.e. made very short as opposed to needing to create the arc between tip and work piece like an old HF start torch, the HF EMI is greatly reduced, but still present to some extent. These can be used on CNC tables, etc.
The pilot arc found on pretty much all plasma cutters that aren't the Hypertherm brand use this older technology. Hypertherm has created a newer pilot arc design (still under patent I believe) known as "blowback" where the anode and cathode are in contact with each other when not cutting. When the trigger is pulled, the full cutting amperage is initiated and the air flow "blows" the anode and cathose apart a slight amount, instantly igniting the pilot arc without the need for high frequency.
The extra cost for pilot arc on the chinese machines isn't significant, usually around $50-$80 more vs it's HF start brothers. Since pilot arc requires that extra wire running to the torch, you could easily wire in a foot pedal to control the arc strike and cutting while using both hands to guide the stylus while in pantograph mode.
There are literally hundreds of different "brands" of the chinese cutters, but I think most of them are pretty much the same machines with different styles and colors of case. Some have the air regulator and filter internal, might have air pressure gauge on the front or rear. I've even seen some with a switch that lets you control how long the air post flow operates after cutting (usually 2.5 or 5 seconds). What tends to vary are the torches they use, so this matters when it comes to consumables (tips, cups, and nozzles). Pilot arc consumables are a little pricier than those for HF start, but if you don't abuse them, they will last quite a while, especially if you aren't cutting a lot every day with it. Still, for what they can do, even if you have to spend $60-$80 for a 10 pack of consumables that will probably last a year in heavier use (or several years for casual use), they're still well worth it. You'll spend for blades if you have a band saw, so unless consumables are super expensive, I don't really factor them in that much (but I have ruled out a cold saw for metal cutting simply because the blades are expensive, typically $75ish + dollars a pop and they don't last as long).
Some of the chinese brands have garnered somewhat of a popular following, such as the LOTOS brand, but there are other brands just as capable and basically the same machines for slightly less. Surprisingly, Home Depot now carries several of these brands, such as Amico Power and even LOTOS. So, if any kind of return policy concerns you, just order one from Home Depot instead Amazon and you have a local store you can return it if you don't like without much of a hassle. You'll still have to deal with the chinese company for warranty stuff if needed, but even there, it seems many of them are seriously working to up their game. I've read several reports of LOTOS and Amico Power owners having good experiences with warranty claims. Still, a 50AMP plasma cutter with pilot arc for $350-$400 is well worth the risk for home or hobby users even considering the potential issues or hassles when an equivalent Hypertherm is going to set you back around $2000+. If you're a professional that relies on your tools to make a living, then definitely go buy the Hypertherm.
As for me, I'm seriously considering the Amico Power APC-50HF. 50 amp cutter with pilot arc, $379.00.
Thanks for checking out my video! I have a metal lathe so I definitely get what you are talking about with the half nut idea! I definitely recommend building one, especially to be able to trace other shapes. I just got a new plasma torch recently, it’s from Harbor freight, it’s the Titanium plasma 45, it’s a pilot arc machine, I also just bought a small CNC plasma table! I’m learning the software and have already cut some stuff on it, but the simplicity of this track torch is definitely a great thing. Let me know when you finish your track torch, I would love to see what you end up building! Take care
Great Idea!
That’s a great idea
Awesome!
Let's just say - "Your abilities are slightly more refined than mine!" Quiet impressive, Sir!
Thanks for checking out my videos Chris 🙂👍
Great idea. Nice step by step. Thanks for sharing your design, I was worried about a "motor" to drive it and viola you solved that question..
well done , great job and awesome, man here u r congrats
This is perfect 👍🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿 good job
Thanks!
That is genius. I need to stop watching your channel you keep giving me idea for things to make.
Keep it up.
Haha 😂 Thanks Shaun! I actually just gave this table and Cut -50 plasma torch away to my friend the other day.
It was time to pass it on. Paying it forward 🙂
My friend Norm is really excited about it. Take care
@@Mikefestiva that’s awesome. I totally believe in paying it forward and random acts of kindness.
Damn good work
Really cool take on this type of setup. a lot more versatile than I've seen before. If you haven't checked out the Made in Poland channel I recommend you to do so. That guy is creative in very much the same way you are.
Thanks for your great comment! I have seen that channel and he makes some cool stuff, I made a sawmill about 4 years ago and I noticed Made in Poland made a bandsaw mill in the last year or so and I’m always excited to see how others go about building a bandsaw mill, definitely a great channel! Take care :)
BADASS . I LIKE
Thanks 😊
Nice build
Thanks!
That is pretty cool stuff. I'm thinking about buying an Everlast plasma cutter and this would come in handy.
Thanks for checking out my project! I definitely recommend picking up a plasma cutter, they are extremely handy to have around the shop. This cut table has been a great additional tool, clean cuts every time! Take care :)
What kind of projects do you build/ work on at your place?
Nice
Nice video! Very inspiring... thanks👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you! I just used it the other night. I was cutting some 3/16” plate for a motor mount for a 6.5hp motor on a up and coming video project. It’s definitely nice to get clean plasma cuts ever time! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike festiva thanks Mike hopefully I’ll build one soon...
wow this is rad! definitly going to be building something like this soon. What air compressor do you recommend for the shop and running a plasma torch. I just got a torch but still need a compressor setup
Great video Mike. I only have an oxygen/ace torch, but this setup is cool and I might have to steel😁 some of your ideas.
Thanks for checking out my project! I think it would work great with a torch too. Take care
Nice job! I need to make me one.
Thanks! I definitely recommend building one. I posted a video about wiring up pulse width controllers to limit switches, in case you are interested in that subject. Take care
Great idea and just the kind of track I want to build. I followed all the links in your description and all I got was “ Sorry we can’t find that page “
It’s a old video, I’m sure all the links are expired by now.
Dude totally stick with the RUclips video thing... this is the best video I have seen on RUclips in a long time. honest and to the point and you did not make it into a infomercial.
Right on! I appreciate it :)
Красавчик. Я также сделаю.
NICE👍👍
While the build is great, the video is ok - as it leaves a lot of unanswered questions and A LOT of unshown mysteries. Good job and now you have a very useful tool.
👍 Bravo!
I have considered building something like this for one of my plasma cutters for quite some time. I think I would use it. But I've really mastered using a good old torch guide. I made multiple length drag guides out of 1/2" steel flatware and baked on a high heat coating to prevent arcing to the guide. But your video has inspired me to move forward with the idea. Impressive build!! What exactly do you do in your business? Because I would hire you in a heartbeat for my welding/fabrication company. New subscriber here. Keep up the good work sir!! You also motivated me to improve my video editing skills for my YT channel. Thank you.
Awsame idea!
You can get acme threaded rod and brass nuts designed specifically for linear motion drive (often used for 3d printers) on eBay, in long lengths, for cheap. It works better than all-thread from the hardware store, which is designed for fastening stuff.
I was just working with what I had.
@@Mikefestiva Eh... the comment was more directed at others who might want to build one and had some time to order stuff. ‘Course, you could always upgrade it and make a new video... 😉
My Milwaukee drill chuck did this twice.
Nice work again Mike, I've never played with a plasma torch....looks like it could be useful and did build a CNC rig with stepper motors a few years back ...but never put it to use :)
Thanks for checking out my video! I took a gamble on that plasma torch, it was about $250, so far it works great!
Do you have a video of that CNC you build? If so I would love to see it! Ps how’s your mill? I’m hoping to build a roof over my mill this Spring so I can feel more inspired to mill year round. Take care :)
@@Mikefestiva Hi Mike, the CNC build was just the controller, lead screws and steppers, (got it working on G code?) never finished it as far as using it for anything. Just got a centrifugal clutch for the mill, about to fit.....but they may be building a 4 lane road through my woods....soon? :(
I just subscribed to your page and I love it. You have some great ideas. I was wondering if you had any more videos/ direction on how you built your plasma track. I have the same plasma cutter and when I saw this video I that it was great and would love to build one of these. Thank you in advance.
Hey Curtis thanks for subscribing and checking out my videos! I really appreciate that :) This is my only video I made on this plasma track, it works quite well, the only thing I would recommend is to build or buy a bigger stronger hinge, the one I used was a little loose and flexed a bit. Other then that I would follow what I did and see if you can make one even better. It really helps that cut 50 to make some really clean welds. If you have any questions feel free to ask :) Take care
Love it,can you make another one for sale
Very nice project... This is the most simply and affordable way i found to make one. I had to watch several videos and i found the best one for my need with yours.
Did you use some chart for cutting with your plasma cutter, i mean metal thickness/amps/air pressure.
Thanks for all your videos, i follow you .
Do you only clamp it on the table side with a vise grip or you weld it ?
👍👍
Hi Mike, loving the channel, we have a lot in common. I know a plasma is in the near future but with my house build going on I cant tinker on stuff and repurpose that much at the moment. A track torch cutter cuts up to 30 inches a minute, so is that fast enough for running a plasma through thin material if machine settings are a little dialed down? With those cheaper track kits being under $300 on ebay it looks like a good thing to adapt and be able to use a plasma or a oxy torch with it.
Hey Mike - I don't see where you sourced the grate used on the table. Any thoughts on what to use or where to get that part?
Love it!!! I'm gonna build one.
Any video on the electronics aspect?
Home button, limiter set up, power source?
Miles What Nots I think you will like a tool like this 👍 it’s easy to build and functions quite well. Here’s a video I did over wiring up Pulse width controllers to Any DC motor and how to wire up limit switches. I had interest in making more videos on subjects like this but no one seems to watch them so I decided not to produce more in-depth stuff like this.
If you have any questions I will try to answer them. ruclips.net/video/GpMXzgwXXYc/видео.html
Great job! Gonna try and make one! Can you provide a wiring diagram on all of please! Thx
Do you have a video about the table itself?
Neet video brother
Thanks Antonio :)
Hi Mike, the project looks great and I am really looking at building it. The only issue I have is that I don't have a spare motor so I will need to buy one. I can almost work out the size but can you let me know what output speed the motor needs to be. Thanks
I've been looking at that little Cut 50 plasma cutter on Amazon for small stuff. Would you recommend that as a smart purchase for a home gamer DIY type?
Good questing on the cut 50. I have owned my cut 50 for about two years, but I have only used it a bit when I first got it, and just recently I started using it again.
( I tried it out after I bought it, around that time my Son was born and for the most part I just forgot I had it, I mean I know it was on my shelf but I just was in a habit of using my other tools to cut metal)
Just the other day I got it out to cut some thicker metal and I forgot how much faster it was then my metal cutting bandsaw, that's when I decided to re visit this plasma track idea and build it.
So back to the cut 50, All the research I did originally before buying it I found the people that had a lot of problems were people that ran them maxed out on 110 volts, ( they can be ran on 110 or 220) I decided to wire mine up right off the bat on 220 volts to not stress the electronics, It's never given me any problems so far, and the high frequency always seems to work when starting the cut.
The second problem I have heard was some of the units that have the air pressure gauge on the front panel can develop a air leak and you would need to take the top off and re seal the air fittings, (not a big problem but worth mentioning)
A good thing to note is the cheap torch ( which works fine) has common consumables that can be bought on Amazon and Ebay for cheap and they fit a wide range of these cheaper plasma torches so not to worry there not preparatory to only this torch.
I have not honestly used mine enough yet to give a 100% positive on the cut 50, time will tell and In a few more months I will have a better feel for how it holds up because I will be using it a lot more on projects with this plasma track.
I would say if you have a air compressor and a extra $250 that you can spend on a tool like this, try one out, look over the reviews from buyers and order from a seller that has better reviews your probably going to be fine.
I think as long as these are trouble free, people like you and me will benefit by having a plasma torch around our shops.
I hope this helps, Take care
How do you control the switch on n off?
Is there a video on how you made your cutting table, looks like a re-purposed item, i'm at the point of wanting away to keep all the slag and cuttings contained. One more thing you need to add to your reviews is how loud are the DC inverters for the power supply's in the welding units and plasma cutters, thanks