CAD Design Software - Computer Aided Design software allows you to sketch and design your parts before cutting them out.

Software - a few different types of software are required:.

I elected to purchase my gantry from Precision Plasma. You can source these parts individually or purchase a full gantry kit.

Gantry Assembly - this includes all of the bearings, gears, gear tracks, and structural components that make up the moving gantry on top of the table.

The main frame is built from 2in x 11ga square tubing.

Table Base - I custom fabricated my table base using raw materials.

This system included all 4 stepper motors and motor drivers in one complete package. I purchased my system from a company called CandCNC.

CNC Motor Control Package - These are the drivers and motors that control the movement of the Plasma Cutting torch.

I chose an Ingersoll 80 gallon air compressor which should have no issues keeping up with the air supply demands from the system.

Air compressor - Plasma cutters require an air supply to operate and cut through materials.

This machine is capable of cutting 1in thick steel.

Plasma cutter - I elected to purchase a Hypertherm Powermax 65 plasma cutter for this build.

Removable cutting surface - allows me to lift off the cutting surface and insert a water pan for an alternate method of smoke and dust controlīelow is a general list of the main components of a CNC plasma cutting system:.

Nozzle point suction system and water trap for drawing out fine particles near the cutting tip.

Down draft system for drawing out dust and smoke.

I also included a few unique aspects into the design:

Based on what I typically fabricate, I wanted the ability to cut through 1/4in thick steel at a minimum. For me, I decided to build a table that can accommodate a 4x8ft sheet of material (4x8ft is one of the most common sizes for raw steel plate). These two questions will drive the rest of your project.

What is the max thickness of material that I need to cut?.

How large of a CNC table do I want to make?.

Before beginning, I had to answer a couple key questions:

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