Plasma?

[Davo]

Any type of plasma attachment for a handheld on the Shopbot? I assume it would also need the proper electronics

Obviously the wood would have to go...

Or maybe a recommendation for a cheap plasma Cnc?

[Brady Watson]

You're better off with a completely separate machine. You need SB specific electronics to interface to the plasma, which are now unobtanium.

My machine started out as a dual head 5hp spindle/Hypertherm 1250 w/grid which I custom ordered. Do your research. There are none under $40k or so I'd recommend.

You also need a compressor with air dryer (auto purge + dryer) with at least 15 CFM, 25 CFM preferred. Otherwise you'll be custom programming because the compressor can't keep up with the plasma.

You also need some kind of smoke extraction in addition to a highly recommended water table. If you are residential forget it. Fire Dept will be coming out after getting calls about metal smoke...

-B

[Davo]

sounds like I would be getting in over my head financially on that adventure

Thanks for the info Brady!

[David Iannone]

Everything Brady said spot on of course..........but you could look at a 4'x4' Plasma cam http://www.plasmacam.com . They are excellent machines for the money. Dad started off with the 4'x4' then outgrew it after a few years, sold it and upgraded to 5'x10' Samson http://www.samsoncnc.com/ (basically a big plasma cam) He has had it about 12 years now. He made a downdraft table for smoke extraction. Dad says Plasma Cams Forum is not as good as the Shopbot forum but its not bad, and Plasma Cam has pretty good support also.

Dave

[David Iannone]

Our current project in Dad's shop in DE. I bought a set of boat plans from http://www.aluminumboatdesigns.com/stock/nimkish16inboard.htm

It includes dxf vectors to cut. We cut all the sheets out on the Samson and are in the middle of fabrication of my dream boat. Inboard Jet to be used on fresh water lakes and rivers in GA.

[David Iannone]

I travel up once a month for 3 days at a time. We only work on it when I get up to visit.

Dave

[Brady Watson]

Pretty cool, Dave. Thanks for posting the pics.

-B

[bleeth]

Nice welds. With that bottom it should fly!
Are the holes in the stern for the exhaust? How come not down at waterline?
V-Drive 350? Figured out how to prop it yet?

[David Iannone]

Davo, sorry for the thread highjack.....

Thanks Brady and Dave R.
Next visit is weeks away when we hope to cut in the jet and finish hull structure and bracing. Power will be a 4 cylinder Datsun Inboard motor with inboard hamilton 750 series jet to get the power to the water. Both pulled from an old Conqueror fiberglass jet boat. Hull was shot, got the motor, jet, and trailer in old hull for less than $500 in trade. Basically a big jetski with a center console. Dad rebuilt the jet a few years ago and got the engine running.

This is a link to a utube video of the same make and model of boat we pulled the motor and drive from........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D91uBd9dgf4
When I found plans to cut boat parts out to hold the drive and engine we had out of 3/16" AL for the hull and 1/8" AL for the sides, well......here we are building a boat.

Dave

[Davo]

No problem, I like jetboats, especially when it's a seadoo sportster

[willmorgan]

Very nice project! Keep us posted on the boat!!!!! A plasma would be cool but I am thinking a waterjet.

Will

[chiloquinruss]

I mentor at the local high school and we have a made in America left coast plasma table by ArcLight. Nice folks, great service, really fast and is really easy to use. Not affiliated, just like the company and product. Russ

https://arclightcnc.com/