https://ps-wiki.dns.t0.vc/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Operation_of_Kyle_Paavola%27s_CNC_plasma_cutter 2026-06-25T03:43:01Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.39.6 https://ps-wiki.dns.t0.vc/index.php?title=Operation_of_Kyle_Paavola%27s_CNC_plasma_cutter&diff=1857&oldid=prev 2015-12-18T11:53:44Z

<p>Ian Oliver moved page <a href="/Standard_Operating_Procedure" class="mw-redirect" title="Standard Operating Procedure">Standard Operating Procedure</a> to <a href="/Operation_of_Kyle_Paavola%27s_CNC_plasma_cutter" title="Operation of Kyle Paavola&#039;s CNC plasma cutter">Operation of Kyle Paavola&#039;s CNC plasma cutter</a>: made it less generic</p> <table style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122;" data-mw="interface"> <tr class="diff-title" lang="en"> <td colspan="1" style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;">← Older revision</td> <td colspan="1" style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;">Revision as of 11:53, 18 December 2015</td> </tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="diff-notice" lang="en"><div class="mw-diff-empty">(No difference)</div> </td></tr></table>

Ian Oliver https://ps-wiki.dns.t0.vc/index.php?title=Operation_of_Kyle_Paavola%27s_CNC_plasma_cutter&diff=1302&oldid=prev 2014-09-22T03:30:09Z

<p>Created page with &quot;= USING THE PLASMA CUTTER = = August 2014 = == Quick guide == === Convert a drawing to GCODE with SheetCam === Start SheetCam. Open your DWF file. Select a tool correspo...&quot;</p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>= USING THE PLASMA CUTTER =<br /> <br /> = August 2014 =<br /> <br /> <br /> == Quick guide ==<br /> === Convert a drawing to GCODE with SheetCam ===<br /> Start SheetCam.<br /> Open your DWF file.<br /> Select a tool corresponding to your material thickness.<br /> Run the postprocessor.<br /> Save the GCODE file (.tap extension) to a USB thumb disk.<br /> === Run the Plasma Cutter ===<br /> Clear off old stock<br /> Ways are clear and unobstructed<br /> Electrical cables under the ways are clear and untangled<br /> Consumables are in good condition<br /> 208V cord is not an underfoot hazard<br /> Load new stock, from the narrow end only. Check that end is past stops. Preferably, the stock is slightly below the water surface.<br /> Attach torch with electrical tape<br /> Tape down the trigger<br /> Connect 208V using the adapter for the TIG wilder<br /> Connect air hose from the compressor to the plasma cutter<br /> Power up the air compressor. Let it run until it stops. Pressure should be 125 PSI.<br /> Switch on the power bar. The computer and THC should power up.<br /> Load GCODE file using socket on keyboard support. Remove USB stick.<br /> Don eye protection<br /> Power up plasma cutter (switch is on the back)<br /> Check plasma cutter status<br /> - ground cable is attached<br /> - power is on<br /> - no yellow lights are showing<br /> - air pressure is at the arrow<br /> - mode switch is in the middle<br /> - current is about 45A<br /> - torch cable is clear and can run for the length of cut<br /> If the stock is somewhat rectangular, square it with the table<br /> - using the torch head<br /> - using the stainless steel panels<br /> Run MACH3<br /> - load GCODE file<br /> - manually position torch to (0, 0). Reset X=0, Y=0.<br /> - manually position torch nozzle about 2 mm above material. Set Z=0.<br /> - regenerate toolpath<br /> - check that your audience is protected<br /> - start cycle<br /> Debug your cut, repeat as necessary<br /> Power down plasma cutter<br /> Switch off power bar<br /> Switch off air compressor<br /> Unplug 208V cord, recoil it, and hang it up<br /> Remove leftover material and scraps<br /> <br /> == Appendices ==<br /> <br /> == Safety ==<br /> <br /> === Electrocution hazard ===<br /> === Eye Protection ===<br /> <br /> == Creating GCODE ==<br /> - SheetCam (sheetcam.com)<br /> - accepted input formats<br /> - tool selection<br /> - dimension is material thickness<br /> - create a tool path<br /> - right click on Operations<br /> - leadout must be less than leadin<br /> - run the postprocessor<br /> - save the GCODE file (.tap) to a USB stick<br /> <br /> <br /> == CNC details ==<br /> Units<br /> Precision<br /> Material thickness<br /> Kerf<br /> Cutting speed<br /> Tool height<br /> Corners<br /> Small holes<br /> Starting, stopping cuts<br /> <br /> == Plasma Cutting ==<br /> - What materials can be cut<br /> - Flood cutting<br /> - Steel versus aluminum<br /> - Consumables<br /> Should last 3-5 hours of torch time<br /> Underwater cutting is slightly harder on consumables than cutting in air<br /> Air Liquide part numbers<br /> HYP-220669 electrode<br /> HYP-220718 nozzle<br /> Plasma Cutter System<br /> Table<br /> - water consideration<br /> - beware of drain plugs<br /> - periodic cleaning (every two months?)<br /> - ways<br /> - do not pile anything on the ways<br /> - lubrication<br /> <br /> - coordinates<br /> <br /> == Plasma cutter ==<br /> Hypertherm Powermax 45<br /> The manual (https://www.hypertherm.com/Xnet/library/library.jsp?file=HYP109170)<br /> Torch Height Controller<br /> Air compressor<br /> Power requirements<br /> Capabilities<br /> Max pressure<br /> Max airflow<br /> == Computer ==<br /> Mach3</div>

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