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Who says you can't put a CNC plasma cutting machine in your house? Roy Mackey of Flamingsteel.com did just that!
Of course, it helps that Mackey's current living situation is in a live/work studio which is relatively
fireproof. Regarding his situation with the machine Roy said, "This is really good if you love metal work since you get
to actually sleep in your shop so to speak."
Mackey's setup includes clear industrial, vinyl curtains to keep plasma dust from entering his living quarters; a dual
fan exhaust system; and a custom computer work station that also houses the plasma cutter.
As for the exhaust system, Roy said, "There are two exhaust fans in my upper window. The lower one hooks
up [to the base of the machine] to act as a down draft for the table. I boxed in the sides of the machine using cement board.
It is completely fire proof and cheap. I painted it black for looks. The top fan sucks out any smoke and fumes that rise up
to the ceiling. It is mounted up high for best effect."
The same care went into creating the custom computer station. Roy also talks about his early design ideas for the
work station. "Originally I had the plasma cutter, a Hypertherm Powermax 600 on a separate stand but decided to combine the two. This has worked
out very well. It keeps everything combined in one neat package and is easy to roll around when needed." Of course, no work station is complete
without the custom 1905 cast iron tractor seat mounted to the newer office chair base with quick height adjust.
One of the first jobs Roy cut with the CNC plasma cutter was for window guards for the famous La Cucina del Diavolo
restaurant in Vancouver (appropriately named "The Devil's Kitchen"). Roy says about his plasma table, "Yes, this machine is a real
thing of beauty to watch running! Having this machine opens up all sorts of possibilities with metal fabrication." Mackey also adds,
"I would have to say it is as fun as it looks!"
To see other creations by Roy Mackey visit his site at:
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