Torch Table Build

Proposal

See proposal at http://openfarmtech.org/Lawrence_Proposal.pdf .

You can also see the working agreement,Lawrence Kincheloe Contract

The purpose of this project is to enrich both the participant and the Factor e Farm project. The scope of this specific project is to build the seeds for a MegaRap, which is a modification of the origional Torch Table designed to expand the range of build materials and capabilities. This is in the spirit of the RepRap project, but at a larger scale and lower precision. The initial goal is to design and build a torch table that can be added on to in the future but is still functional in its own right.

Design Rationale

• Rack for x motion - cheapest, most robust solution for precise motion
• Spring-loaded x and y motors

Bill of Materials

Bill of Materials 5172T12$2.50 per Pack

Item	Number	Cost	Further Info	Purpose	Aquired?
Computer	1	$300 or less	http://www.linuxcnc.org/	To run Linux cnc IBM Laptop	Xylotex Stepper and controller	To provide motion control and movement precision Yes	V-Groove Bearings 3/8 inch	12+(spares)	$9.95 each, $119.4 + (S&H + spares)	VXB V-Groove bearings	To provide low friction linear motion	Hot rolled steel 2"x1/8" plate	3 feet		4ft 1 $10.00 $10.00	Early MechMate photo	Metalsdepot	To provide material for motor mounts	Hot rolled steel 1"x1" square tubes 16 gauge	35 feet	MetalsDepot	To provide structural support		Standard Steel Specialty Track for linear motion	3 x 1/8 inch cold rolled Plate	35 feet	MetalsDepot	To provide material to make rails		Bolts 3/8 inch, 1 1/2inch long	12+(spares)	$7.46 per Pack of 50 McMaster	For attaching V-Groove Bearings		3/8 inch threaded rod 6 inches long 8 + (spares)	McMaster	for connecting the top and bottom carage	3/8 inch nuts lots	Part Number: 90473A031 For locking threaded rod in place	3/8 inch washers lots	Part Number: 90126A031 For locking nuts and for spacers	1/4 inch washers lots	McMaster for holding against stepper motors	1/4 inch nuts		McMaster for spacers and such	Bolts 1/4 inch dia. , 1 3/4 inch long	less than 100		McMaster	gear rack		3/8" Bore	3	$15.37 Each	$46.11	McMaster	Attaches to stepper motors and interfaces with gear rack	5172T12		1327K113				Part Number: 5912K12		6412K11	Total Ball bearings	Part Number: 6655K12 /	Nylon	Part Number: 2797T1 allows the motor to swing freely	sleeve bearing	connect between the stepper motor and the gear, will also add a bit of |adjustable length	Number: 2938T14 support gear	10 gauge bolts	$7.78 per Pack of 50 Part Number: 92610A245 stepper	10 gauge nuts	$1.54 per Pack of 100 90480A011 stepper	Washers	100	$2.50 per Pack Part Number: 95601A330 Holding bearings	Grease	1 cheap	For greasing rails	returns z axis head to safe position			cutting lubricant	Kerosene	1/2 gallon	$10	Wikipedia Cutting Fluid	Tapping holes and such, might not be needed					2	$9.95		Total 1 Approx. $1582	Torch Table Wiki	one torch table, sans stepper motors, tools, and torch

Working Concepts

X axis

Y axis

Z axis

Blender Concept

File:Factor e Torch Alpha 3.blend

Torch vs. Plasma Cutter

• Comes down to initial cost versus long-term cost
• Plasma cutters - consumables cost $20 for 5 new electrodes and nozzle heads
  • Electrodes are rated for 45 minutes to 60 minutes for 1/2" steel
  • More expensive versions state they last 4 times longer - are heavier and have better temperature control
  • For anything above 1 inch, torch is better

Team

• Deep in the continental US underground...