Do-it-yourself metal cutting machine: diagram and procedure for assembling a homemade product
While carrying out work related to cutting steel, many craftsmen begin to realize how much easier it would be to do this using a special cutting machine.
Agree, using a regular grinder, you will never achieve a perfectly straight cut line. But there is one problem - a factory-made product costs a lot of money. That is why the best solution would be to make a metal cutting machine with your own hands, based on the step-by-step instructions presented in this article.
The content of the article:
Cutting machine device
All components of the structure are made of steel alloys, which ensures more uniform operation of the machine. The platform has a rigid metal base, which gives the structure the necessary stability. Thus, the installation will not overturn when the abrasive wheel comes into contact with the material being cut.
Depending on the design features, the machine can be stationary or collapsible (removable). In addition, some types of designs are equipped with a vice for more reliable fastening of the metal product when cutting.
The most suitable material can also be used as the basis for the cutting machine. ordinary grinder. But be careful, this installation will operate on the principle of a circular saw.
Making your own installation
Today, even with minimal plumbing experience, anyone can make their own circular saw for metal. Since the cutting machine involves rotating the cutting element at high speeds, it can be dangerous for the operator.
That is why, in order to build a truly safe installation, it is necessary to take into account all the design features of the disk device, as well as make calculations before starting assembly.
In addition, making homemade products has its own procedure:
- preparing casings for the drive belt and cutting disc;
- installation of the motor and connecting belt;
- manufacturing a shaft to secure the drive pulley;
- mounting the disk and making a shaft for fixing the pendulum;
- construction of a frame for installing a cutting machine;
- installation of the pendulum on the frame and installation of electrical wiring.
Next, a test run of the installation is carried out, during which you can configure the tool yourself.
The success of the launch directly depends on the correctness of the calculations, as well as compliance with the sequence during the work.
Often, during the process of cutting metal, a problem arises - the nut that is secured by the cutting disc gradually comes loose. To avoid this situation, the drive pulleys should be located on the left side, and the disk itself on the shaft should be installed on the right.
Disc based cutting machine
The quality of the future product also depends on the materials used, as well as tools and special devices.
Therefore, before starting work on building a homemade cutting machine based on a disk, you need to prepare the following:
- channel, drill;
- welding machine;
- electric motor;
- bearings, starting chain;
- shaft, coil;
- wooden shield;
- steel sheet;
- box for electrical circuit;
- switch.
Once everything you need has been purchased and prepared, you can proceed directly to assembling the cutting machine. So, first you need to build a frame for the base of the installation.
All parts of the structure are measured, then cut with a grinder and welding begins. The finished frame is fixed on the vibration supports of the legs, which will greatly facilitate the operation of the machine.
The resulting table is equipped with a channel, which in this case plays the role of a guiding axis. In other words, it will become the basis of the design for connecting the cutting part of the machine to the engine. Next, all the main parts are attached directly to the channel.
At the next stage, you will need to weld another frame - the base for mounting the motor and cutting blade. In this case, the power of the electric motor should be about 1.5-2 kW. The best option is an asynchronous motor, characterized by reliability and durability.
It is important to note that a higher power electric motor provides not only a decent speed of work, but also a more even cut when cutting metal. Such a detail must be taken into account before starting the design of the cutting installation.
As for connecting the shaft to the structure, it does not matter which method you choose.If the motor is properly connected to the shaft, the machine simply must work correctly. However, this is only possible with a V-belt.
All support bearings are fixed on the upper part of the frame (on the channel). Regular bolts and nuts are used to secure the motor and shaft. The operation of the electrical circuit is ensured by a box with a switch, which is mounted at the bottom of the frame.
The vertical posts are connected to the shaft using a sleeve. To prevent it from slipping, the shaft and bushing are connected with a small gap. Next, the rocker arm from the channel is attached to the bushing.
A rigid spring is installed near the engine, which must be securely fixed with bolts. The electric motor is located on the side of the smaller section of the rocker arm, and the shaft is located on the opposite side. The movement of the shaft is ensured by a belt drive.
Among other things, it is important to take care of the installation of the emergency stop button. In this case, the motor should be connected through a box and a three-pole circuit breaker, and the stop button leads to a connection directly through the network. This will ensure maximum safety during operation of the homemade structure.
To begin with, the operation of the homemade installation is checked at idle, and only after making sure of the reliability of the design can you try to cut soft metals. So, it’s worth starting with aluminum in order to correct all the inaccuracies in the operation of the device.
The work surface is usually made of metal, but if desired, you can also use wood or a material covered with thick plywood. For additional fixation, you can secure the metal product in a vice.
Installation from a regular grinder
First of all, you should make a frame from a pipe, which also serves as a comfortable handle. On the one side cross bar is welded, equipped with holes for an angle grinder. A movable shaft is placed on the same base and fixed on the desktop. On the other side, a spring is installed, thanks to which the angle grinder can return to its original position.
Also, do not forget about the reverse impact of the angle grinder, which occurs when the disc jams. This situation can lead to serious injury, so it is important to prevent it. In this case, a closed casing is installed to minimize the consequences.
The design is also checked without the participation of the material being processed. Only in this way will the technician be able to detect and eliminate all inaccuracies in the operation of the device.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
In this video you can see step-by-step instructions for making a cutting machine:
From this video you will learn how to make a simple installation from an angle grinder and a door hinge:
Based on the instructions presented above, you can make a cutting machine without outside help. All that is required of you is to decide on the type of structure, select materials and prepare a basic set of tools.
The article presents a step-by-step process for constructing a machine for cutting metal products, which will allow you to quickly understand the nuances of design and proceed directly to making a homemade product.
If you have previously made a similar installation for cutting metal, then please share your experience in the comments below the article. Perhaps your story will help other readers avoid mistakes in the process of constructing a cut-off structure.
