I'm in the process of installing a CNC vertical mill.

Had an idea to build a simple 2"x2" steel tube "arm" that I can clamp to the table that will hold a plasma torch. Then I can just use an extra M code to operate a relay which controls the torch. Put some steel on sawhorses in front of the mill to cut brackets, tabs, hangers, etc.

Anyone given this a try?

What feed rates do plasma torches usually run at?

Depends on thickness but 40-100+ IPM

You can do that but you want to make sure it doesnt follow the ground through the cnc table. One guy did this with a machining center only to have it eat up his ballscrews.

Jeep, thanks for the info.

MC, Wise words of caution for sure.
I've heard stories of people destroying the spindle bearings their lathes while welding parts.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=346710&highlight=mill

Brad, thanks for the link. All my searches turned up threads related to tables and kits.

In that thread he put the material on a table and put the torch in the spindle. Many people commented on the sparks and swarf getting into the machine. I wouldn't risk a CNC Machine in that way.

I intend to use a piece of square tubing as a "Torch Arm".
I will machine a piece of 1" flat bar with a key groove and some holes for T-bolt studs. The Torch arm will be welded to that flat bar at one end. Then I'll bolt it down to the center of the table between my two Kurt vises. The Key groove and T slots will give me a repeatable alignment each time I install the arm on the table.

My machine is not huge by modern standards, but it will go 30" X axis and 16" Y axis. I'll probably build some kind of simple table that will index against the machine and allow for a reposition of the table or sheet for larger parts.

I just remembered the thread and found it.