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Pantograph Plasma Cutting Machine Build

Tmate

Tmate

Well-Known Member
I fabricated this pantograph shape plasma cutting machine for duplicating steel brackets and other hardware. A variable speed knurled rotor moves around an overhead mounted template. The plasma torch tip, directly below, duplicates the shape in steel up to the thickness capacity of your plasma cutter. Shapes that would fit in a 16 inch circle, and straight lines up to 36" can be cut.

The frame of the machine is constructed of aluminum extrusions from the 8020 Company. The rest was fabricated from square tubing and cold roll steel bar. A model railroad transformer and small gear motor provide variable speeds in forward and reverse.

For those interested, I have made a free set of plans for building this unit available for download in pdf format at:

 

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Just found this post. That is very interesting. Well done! I have experimented with simple gizmos to assist with cutting curved shapes and beveled straight lines. Only moderate success.
The link to "a free set of plans" is not working for me. Can you send or re-attach it? I'd like to see more pics or better yet a video clip of it in action. I'll PM you my email if that's easier. Thanks
 
Great - that link worked - but would still like to see a short video of it in operation.
Thanks
CW
 
CWret said:
Great - that link worked - but would still like to see a short video of it in operation.
Thanks
CW
Click to expand...

Can't help you with that one. I don't use the pantograph machine any more, and it isn't set up. I have used CNC plasma tables for some 25 years now.

A pantograph outfit is better than cutting by hand, but doesn't compare to CNC. Cut quality is just as good, but it can't cut complex shapes due to the necessity of a template.
 
OK Thanks
I bought a Hypertherm 45 less than a year ago & am just learning about plasma cutting -- thinking is dangerous but - I'm thinking - where are you located? - are you interested in selling your inactive pantograph?
 
CWret said:
OK Thanks
I bought a Hypertherm 45 less than a year ago & am just learning about plasma cutting -- thinking is dangerous but - I'm thinking - where are you located? - are you interested in selling your inactive pantograph?
Click to expand...

I'd like to hang onto the pantograph. I also have an early pantograph I made back in 1979 (1st picture below). I live near Annapolis, Maryland in the U.S.

A word of advice: Depending on where you are located, it wouldn't be difficult for a small CNC plasma table to pay for itself in a year or less. I am constantly approached by people wanting me to cut things out for them. and I don't want the business.

Once you spend the $5K or so for a decent CNC set-up and learn how to use it you will never look back. The possibilities are limitless.

Here are a couple of earlier pantograph builds:
 

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I’m near Toronto (Canada). Good advice about the CNC table. I’ll give it some thought.
Picking up a new (1,000 pound) bench top mill next week. My first mill so also had to buy lots of tooling. All my fun $ spent for awhile.
Thanks for the pics.

Craig
 
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