ArcDroid accuracy experiences needed

[Corn]

Hi,

I’m looking for some CNC plasma cutter and due to space challenges, I’m thinking of the ArcDroid. However, as it’s expensive I’d like to hear your honest experiences about its accuracy. YT videos I’ve seen, many look like the holes meant to be round were cut oval. Then read in the support forums that it’s not capable of making straight cuts etc. I haven’t found any specs telling the repeatability or accuracy of that thing. When thinking of the construction, you have one axis which has that arm attached. Torque, long arm and the movements, so even a slight play will be exponentially visible at the torch. Can’t wrap my head around to see this could possibly make accurate movements. Compared to linear X-Y rail construction which is naturally accurate. I understand that plasma cutter is not precision tool, but is this ArcDroid within the limitations of the process accuracy? Do you get round holes and straight cuts with it? Please give me honest experiences of its accuracy? If I’ll decide to spend that much money on a device that has end results “roughly there”, I’d be ****** off to myself.

Thank you in advance

 

[sako243]

I just recently came across JD Garage's mini part 3d printed plasma and it looks tempting for something you could stick down with magnets onto a bigger sheet to cut out small brackets etc.

 

[galooph]

That definitely looks handy!

 

[Redsailor]

Just looked at the video and the machine looks impressive in its operation, looks a fun build too. Not too sure about how you programme it to cut your required design though, assume it will require a computer set up similar to commercial plasma tables.

I already have a manual plasma, cannot justify £5k on a cnc one, this looks very affordable.

 

[sako243]

Not too sure about how you programme it to cut your required design though, assume it will require a computer set up similar to commercial plasma tables.

I've seen references to a GRBL controller - which specific one I don't know but that'll just accept G codes. So if you have a DXF then something like SheetCAM to convert the DXF to the G code required.

My GRBL controller on my PCB mill will accept a microsd card with the files on it (the G code) or you can plug in something to control it via a serial port. Something like the open source GrblCandle will allow that.