A WATER JET CUTTER FROM A inexpensive pressure washer

We’ve ended up being utilized to CNC mills as well as 3D printers ending up being staples of our workshops, as well as thanks to the wonders of worldwide trade even a moderate laser cutter is not beyond the reach of most experimenters. however there is one tool that has so far evaded all however either industrial operations or the extremely well-heeled, the water cutter. These machines utilize a high-pressure water jet, usually bring a stream of abrasive particles, to cut with the material put beneath them. From our point of view they are fascinating in that they can cut metal, something not normally possible with the laser cutters within our reach.

A water cutter is something you may believe would be impossible for an experimenter to produce themself, however [Applied Science] is on hand to disprove that notion. He’s taken a inexpensive pressure washer, as well as customized it to create a much higher water pressure for a water cutting head.

His extremely detailed description of the adjustments makes for an extremely fascinating watch, as well as we’ve put the video below the break. The higher pressure is accomplished by modifying the washer’s pressure on-off switch with a newly-machined sleeve as well as a stronger spring. The description of exactly how the washer switch works is fascinating in itself. then we are treated to a total teardown of a water cutting head, with abrasive feed, tungsten carbide tube, as well as ruby nozzle. This last element is surprisingly cheap. He then provides us a run-down of its design, especially with respect to selecting the size of the orifices to match the pump. lastly we take a look at his abrasive feed system, as well as the plastic funnel he utilizes to keep water flow back out of his hopper.

For now the cutter is static, however his obvious next step is to bring it to some type of CNC table. If this job brings water cutting one step better to the masses, we can’t wait!

We’ve featured more than one water jet cutter right here in the past, however nothing at this low a budget. A group of trainees developed one for about $5000, while there was a crowdfunding campaign for one at about $3500.

Thanks [varun s] for the tip.