@72Pony Thanks for the information. That will definitely be helpful.
@ChelanJim Lets try this again…what a Greenhorn.
As my user name indicates, I’m new to CNC plasma cutting. The things this community offers is awesome. ChileanJim; can you tell me what the key pad is used for when it comes to running the CNC table?
The keyboard arrow keys are used to jog the machine around the table. I jog my machine to the lower left corner and set work home… then using the visualizer in fire control, I jog around to make sure the design fits inside the material. Your process may be different if you have the limit switches installed. I have the kit but have never installed them.
There are other hot keys… there is a list of them somewhere. Space bar stops the cut.
You can use it as a remote to your computer to move the torch in FireControl. Page up/down moves the torch up and down. “2” moves the torch/gantry in the -y direction, “8” moves the torch/gantry in the +y direction and so on. That way you can get your torch where you need it over the spot of metal. Notice the arrows on the number keys.
Oh, I see my friend Eric has already answered. Good show!
Thank you guys for your prompt responses. I love the wealth of knowledge that is offered here.
Here’s that list of hotkeys----->
Do you have a link to that collapsible silicone bowl?
Craig, @holla2040 here is a topic that discusses and gives links to the silicone bowl:
Edit: On that thread, the first link takes you French Amazon site and the item is a silicone mug. I would imagine it is more durable than the silicone funnel that is also referenced.
I found a similar listing in the U.S. Amazon:
https://a.co/d/9Y2cq5m
Edit #2: After cutting a bunch of 14 gauge aluminum last week, it makes me think, something like this would be worth trying. Since the title of this thread is [Tools and devices I have tried that work], I can’t really say that I have seen this work.
Thanks, I’ll try it and let you know. I’ve seen these on people’s torches and didn’t even know what they’re called.
holla2040, I do not. Just found it hanging on an endcap one day. It has since worn out and I am now using a “pinch bowl”. Not quite the same coverage but much more durable.
These are them. Used one and gave the other 3 to the wife.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00080FPZM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks, I’ll get some.
Maybe I looked right over it, but has anyone tried using a bluetooth connection between the control box and their laptop? To avoid using the USB cable? I see some of you use a bluetooth keyboard for jogging, but I’m wanting something to allow full firecontrol… control…
The control board only supports a USB connection.
the mainboard gets power from the usb cord so there’s no way around NOT having the computer tethered to the table.
Here is how Tin describes setting up his system.
But you don’t have to get that complicated. If there was a way to direct the table from wireless means, I would be concerned of chances of lag in the signal. Sometimes you really need that hard connection to eliminate issues.
Since those coupling nuts are out of stock on amazon, these are what I used for my table. Far better material (esp for the threads) than the ones that ship with the table.
which coupling nuts on the McMasterCarr website? Is it this one: https://cdn.zappy.app/5f07291c785eaeece3595ae12fa5a038.png
You’ve chosen the Stainless Couplers, where as @apynickel identified the Steel ones. The Max Torque for the Steel ones is almost 3 times the Stainless, plus the Stainless is almost double the price.