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How to Convert a CNC Mill to Plasma Cutting

To convert a CNC mill to a plasma cutter can be done by adapting a plasma hand torch for use with the CNC mill. A plasma hand torch has a manual switch that you need to convert for use with a control box for the CNC mill. You can do this by first obtaining a CNC router table that you can modify to use for the plasma cutter.

Things You'll Need

CNC router table
Hypertherm plasma hand torch
Utility knife
Wire stripper
Soldering iron
Zip ties

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the casing from your Hypertherm plasma hand torch. Locate the trigger for the hand torch and pull it out. Pull the plug for the electrical wires out of the trigger. Set the trigger aside.
- 2
  Remove 1/4 to 1/2 an inch of insulation from the two wires connected to the plug with a utility knife or a wire stripper.
- 3
  Locate the 110 volt power line for a relay in the control box for the router on the CNC router table. Run these wires to the plasma hand torch. Strip 1/4 to 1/2 an inch of insulation from the end of the wires.
- 4
  Solder the electrical wires for the relay to the stripped wires on the hard torch. Use the soldering iron to solder the wires.
- 5
  Disconnect the router from other end of the 110 volt power line. Attach the AC coil relay switch on the end of the wires. When the control box sends power through the line it will close the relay and activate the hand torch.
- 6
  Place the wires back into the casing for the hand torch. You will need to make a notch in the handle for the set of wires. Run the wires down along the length of the cable for your hand torch. Secure the wires to the cable with zip ties.

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