Pertneer's Blog

Been a while since I did a write up for this blog. I guess it is overdue.

A couple of weeks ago I was trying to line up a sheet on the Plasma table and struggling to locate a part within a piece of material very close to the same size as I was planning to cut. I told myself, “Self you need to make something to help with this little issue”. I only talk to myself on very rare occasions. Stop being so judgmental.

I decided to take a trip to the hardware store to see what I could use to make a device to locate my sheet. First thought was a device that went off of the edge of the table but seams too simple. So then I though about using a laser to help locate the sheet. Sounded like a nice little project. So I went in search of some sort of laser line generator. Off to the laser level isle. I found a cheap little level that had a laser line that could be rotated for around 15 bucks. Was hoping for something a little cheaper because I would need two of these.

I started off with just purchasing one (tight budgets suck) to make sure it would work as I expected.

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I got my New Hypertherm Powermax 65 torch this weekend and finally got it hooked up. After a minor voltage divider issue I have it working satisfactory for now. I do have some intermittent issues with vibrations in the z axis that sometimes leaves a serated edge. I believe these to be from the excessive weight of the z axis. I am in the process of figuring what can be done to resolve these issues, but I need to cut myself a tray to hold the keyboard and mouse. Here is the design I came up with.

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It has been a while since I have posted on the progress of my CNC Plasma build. So I guess an update is in order.

I ordered a Powermax 65 and it should arrive sometime late this week. I have the water table and reservoir tank plumbed and ready to go, I ran a hard line for air to the plasma this last weekend and I am finishing up the last bits before the torch arrives.

I should be able to provide some HD videos at that time, since I also made a mount for my GoPro camera to shoot from atop the z-axis. Should be some interesting shots I hope. So far the video without the torch looks really good, but I guess HD should be, right?

I will have pictures and maybe video this next weekend if everything goes as planned. Stay tuned!

I spent some time today getting the computer stand portion of this project underway. I testing the machine with the computer just on a near by bench to make sure it was going to work before I got to carried away with the extra convenience items. With this design I wanted it to be able to reach most of the table while still having access to the controls. The design I came up with uses a swings arm that holds the keyboard and monitor, while keeping the computer under the table out of the way of splashing water. Water and computers do NOT mix.I will need to find a longer cable for the monitor but I have seen longer cables that it currently has on it, so no big deal there.

I spent to much time working on it today and did not stop to take any pictures. Sometimes I hate stopping the progress for a photo opportunity. I will try to get some as soon as I can. I just want to tidy up a couple of things before I take the photos. 🙂

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

After the holiday season you should see more activity on this blog with the projects that I currently have in progress. Stay tuned.

Every vehicle needs a routine maintenance plan and a Jeep is no different. A Jeep that is used off road is often in need of extra care. Depending on the type of offroad use the maintenance is only slightly different. Take for instance the difference between mud and rocks. With mud you would not believe the places this stuff can get into. I find that i go through an unusually large amount of u-joints due to there limited life span and ease of mud penetrating there critical parts. (more…)

So this morning I get this email from my ISP. “Great news! We’ve increased your Internet speed again! ” So I decide to see just how much it has improved. Being the Geek that I am, I decided to verify their claim. I start off with doing a before and after scenario. (more…)

I took a little Trip the past weekend to The Badlands off road park. Took some video and a few pictures from my phone. Not great quality, but here they are anyway.

After a struggle with getting some electrical bugs worked out with my Jeep I think I finally have it ready for the year of wheeling. Thinking i had a short somewhere that was draining the battery I spent a lot of time tracing wires to not find any issues. Come to find out the battery had a major issue.

Then I had the task of replacing my spare that had a slight major hole in the sidewall. Only to find out that the price of tires have been jumping faster than the fuel prices. Sheesh will it ever end. I put the father-in-law up to the task of locating a suitable replacement at the Jefferson, Wis spring swap meet. He found me one with a little less than half tread for a mind boggling $5. Yes only $5! What a find.

Just waiting for June and the fathers day run at the cliffs.

I needed some tools to make some calculation for certain areas of the build of my plasma table. I have decided that these tools may be of use to others also as they begin their journey building a CNC Plasma.

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