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? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 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...
