I have wanted to build a scale model V8 since the 8th grade! Seeing this video reminded me how cool it is. I'm pretty sure this is from the guys at Weber Precision.

I have a fascination with abrasive water jet cutting. I think its amazing that water and sand can cut multi inch thick steel. I have experimented with the basic technology at relatively low pressures. Building my own intensifier and playing around with 20,000 psi water just sounds (and is) a bit too dangerous for me. A practical, low-cost, water jet system has not been a reality until now. The guys at WardJet just announced their M-Series retrofit kits.

M-Series retrofit kits transform practically any CNC machine, including milling and turning machines, lasers, routers, robotic arms and oxy-fuel or plasma cutters, into waterjet-cutting systems.

I don't have a dollar figure for this system, but my guess is in the $10-20K range. Almost in reach for serious hobbyist and a real bargain for small machine shops!

I've been screwing around with building an abrasive waterjet for cutting sheetmetal. The concept is fairly simply, accelerate abrasive particles (garnet or silica sand) to a high velocity using water and slam them into the material you want to cut. A useful site for understanding waterjets is the Waterjet Web Reference

So I did some calculations and built a cutting head for use with my 1400 psi pressure washer and 40lbs. sand blaster...alas it was not enough water pressure to accelerate the particles adequately.

Here is a picture of the head I designed and built:


Here is a picture of the finished unit: