Pantograph Plans?

[FlashBlind]

Anyone know of plans or designs to build a cutting pantograph? I'd like to build a cutting table/ station to trace paper or patterns and cut 1/8"-3/16" steel. For now, I'll be using a torch with a small cutting tip. Someday a plasma cutter..

[Dave Haak]

FlashBlind,

Check this out:

http://www.torchmate.com/pantograph.htm

If you haven't already, you might look for setups for wood sign making, using routers. I have one by sears. It's been in the garage rafters for about ten years. You might be able to "pattern-off" something like the one's for wood working.

Dave

[FlashBlind]

Thanks Dave, I was thinking along the lines of a modified router type pantograph. Strong enough to support a conventional cutting torch (Maybe a straight cutting head instead of 90 deg)and capable of using my welding table to support it. I'll have to build a cutting table to sit next to the welding table, an overhead hanger to support the hoses and casters to support the cutting side of the assembly.
The link you sent was great, but that's a bit beyond my attention span (Yet).
More questions:
Will an 000 or 00 cutting tip cut cleaner than a larger tip?
I'm concerned that warping may be an issue. Can't justify a plasma cutter yet, so are there any ways to reduce warping?

[TonyL]

http://www.savvyhomeadvice.com/WW/salevideo/Episode16.htm

Take a look at this. Might be helpful.

[HELLTACO]

Originally posted by FlashBlind
More questions:
Will an 000 or 00 cutting tip cut cleaner than a larger tip?
I'm concerned that warping may be an issue. Can't justify a plasma cutter yet, so are there any ways to reduce warping?

Chu cud keeps et from warpin' by keepin' da heat affected zone as small as chu Ken. Eater juse the supper fast heat of plasma er juse water cooling right behind the torch.

Tip size chould be directly related ta da thickness of da base metal and pressures chould match the tip size but the cleaness of da cuttin' oriface and da travel speed has lots ta do wit it too. Chu gets it all right an' dare es da cracklin' good sounds, an'aint no slag ta clean or nuttin'.