Plasma Cutter's Functionality Enhanced with Skateboard Wheels
In the world of DIY fabrication, creativity often knows no bounds. Two makers, [JohnU] and [paulvdh], recently demonstrated an innovative approach to modifying a plasma cutter for more precise tube cutting, using skateboard hardware. This unconventional solution, showcased by [The Fabrication Series] on Hackaday, offers a simple, low-cost mechanical solution that could revolutionize the way plasma cutters are used for complex tube cutting projects.
The origins of skateboarding might seem far removed from the realm of metalworking, but the two worlds have more in common than one might think. Skateboards began as surfers attaching roller skating hardware to wooden planks, and today, skateboard hardware is finding its way into various projects, even the modification of a plasma cutter.
The skateboard wheels used in this modification serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they facilitate smooth rolling of the pipe under the plasma torch, which is mounted on a CNC machine. Secondly, they provide the necessary stability for the tube to rotate smoothly on the cutting table, enabling the CNC-controlled plasma cutter to perform complex cuts like miters and notches efficiently.
The process involves creating two pivoting arms, each fitted with two skateboard wheels. These arms are positioned so that they apply downward pressure on the tube, stabilizing it and allowing it to roll along the table as the cutter operates. With this setup, the tube can be held and rotated with precision, enhancing the plasma cutter’s ability to cut complex shapes on round stock under CNC control.
Before the modification, the cutting of tubes was a more complicated endeavor for a machine like [The Fabrication Series]'s plasma cutter. However, this ingenious solution, inspired by skateboard hardware's robustness and bearing quality, eliminates the need for costly custom parts.
The workflow includes modeling the pipes in CAD software, such as Onshape, converting the model for sheet metal/CNC use, and fine-tuning cuts via test runs to accommodate the moving tube. This ensures precise and complex tube cuts, even with the added complexity of the rotating tube.
In summary, integrating skateboard wheels via custom pivoting arms provides a simple, low-cost mechanical solution to hold and rotate tubes accurately during plasma cutting. This setup not only enhances the plasma cutter’s ability to cut complex shapes on round stock under CNC control but also opens up new possibilities for DIY fabricators and makers.
References:
[1] [The Fabrication Series] (n.d.). Skateboard Wheels for Plasma Cutting Tubes. [Online Video]. Available at: https://youtu.be/-qz_sHvQQsU
[3] [The Fabrication Series] (n.d.). CNC Plasma Cutter Setup. [Online Video]. Available at: https://youtu.be/KR6s5dG8fQ4
Technology seamlessly bridges the gap between sports and hardware, as demonstrated by the integration of skateboard wheels into a plasma cutter setup. This unconventional use of gadgets, originating from skateboard hardware, offers a simple, low-cost mechanical solution that could revolutionize the way complex tube cutting projects are approached in the realm of technology and DIY fabrication.
