CNC Plasma machines

entropy · #1 09-11-2012, 11:57 AM

Looks like I need to start doing some research on my options.
The size will not be less then 4x4 but really a 5x10 is likely the most practical capability's wise, then there is floor space, that pushes me to the 4x8 size.
Material thickness. A WAG on my part would say I'll not cut much over about 12.5mm in steel and the majority will be under 6.25mm (1/2", 1/4")
Power: it would be nice to have 220VAC SP thus requiring no converters etc.
Cut speed is not that critical but cut quality is!
The Software has to be both simple and robust, no muss-no-fuss interface with all major CAD packages from BendTech to whatever: nesting, etc....
I can buy or build the machine I can see ups and downs for both options.
I am not going to piece the whole machine togeather to save time so something like the Torchmate Gantry Kit (just for reference).

Those with machines what do you wish you had and what do you never use?

E

JaysinSpaceman · #2 09-11-2012, 12:22 PM

I'll chime in here real quick, as I have to get to work. But if I had to do it over I would have a 4' x 8' machine (mine is 4' x 4' and one day I will make it bigger). I would also have 3/4" cutting capacity, while I rarely cut over 3/8" I have had need to cut 1/2" to 5/8" fairly often and once in a while 3/4". As for software, the ease of the Plasmacam (PC) software has made the table 100% easier to use then the Torchmate (TM) software that I have used. I rarely do large runs of parts and have never (not once) needed nesting software using the PC software. That said the PC software will only run a PC controller and the open source TM software will run just about any CNC controls, but again I don't need my software to run other tools because the only CNC machine I have is the PC.

If I think of more I will chime in.

Jaysin

Scrambled · #3 09-11-2012, 02:48 PM

E

My table is a 6 x 12. This way I can drop a piece of 5 x 10 on it and have enough all the way around it to make sure the torch can cut across it, in all 4 directions.

I also have a water table for mine. I mostly cut 1/4 inch up to 3.00 inch.

The main thing I would do different is to not have the runway mounted to the water table. This way you do not have to be gentle when you load and unload steel. Just let it flop.

I would highly suggest you call Tom at candcnc.com I use their electronics and they work really well.

I would also suggest that you go with a Hypertherm 65 or 85. Both are 220 single phase.

I will try to get some pictures of my set up.

I also have some part to sell or trade if you are intrested.

Steve

Scrambled · #4 09-11-2012, 03:05 PM

here are some pictures

There is also a piece of 1/2 plate and1/4 plate that I cut

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/...4E9F820CBE.jpg

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/...4E8867A784.jpg

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/...4EA89DAB17.jpg

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/...4EB5ED80CA.jpg

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/...4D15082ED6.jpg

Steve

chloeedad · #5 09-11-2012, 04:11 PM

My table I built. The electronics come from candcnc and the gantry came from precision gantry. My table will do 3d routing and has rotary included. The table uses Mach as the interface and used sheet cam. I protest plasma cam. Take a look at candcnc as research. I promise it's worth it. I use the blade runner aio system with gecko drives.

chloeedad · #6 09-11-2012, 04:12 PM

[quote=Scrambled;122780]E

My table is a 6 x 12. This way I can drop a piece of 5 x 10 on it and have enough all the way around it to make sure the torch can cut across it, in all 4 directions.

I also have a water table for mine. I mostly cut 1/4 inch up to 3.00 inch.

The main thing I would do different is to not have the runway mounted to the water table. This way you do not have to be gentle when you load and unload steel. Just let it flop.

I would highly suggest you call Tom at candcnc.com I use their electronics and they work really well.

I would also suggest that you go with a Hypertherm 65 or 85. Both are 220 single phase.

I will try to get some pictures of my set up.

I also have some part to sell or trade if you are intrested.

Steve[/QUOTE

My thoughts exactly.

entropy · #7 09-11-2012, 04:27 PM

Separate the load/unload operation from the precision part of the machine.
A removable water table...
Good ideas!
I like the option of adding a Ox/Fuel cut head if needed.
I can really see the 6x12 but again floor space becomes an issue:

Never Enough!!

Keep it coming!

aggie91 · #8 09-11-2012, 05:53 PM

I sent you a PM, I have a ez Router brand. It is a good machine, with the features you are looking at. I would only recommend using a good simple CAD program for the layout of the parts as the drawing software that came with the machine is a little hard to use for me. Otherwise the the rest is Sheet CAM and Mach 3 that controls the machine and I picked up those quickly.

Karl

streetwerkz · #9 09-11-2012, 06:08 PM

Alot of good research info on plasmaspider.com

smw · #10 09-11-2012, 07:41 PM

I like bulltear tables from what Ive seen so far, I have to constantly wipe down the rails on my torchmate. Its not a big deal as its only a 2x4, the bulltear looks like it would be a bit more maintenance free with the way the rails are setup also looks fairly beefy.

bullnerd · #11 09-11-2012, 08:31 PM

candcnc,
Mach,
sheet cam,
gecko drives.
I've also been doing some research.These four names are very consistent in all my research.

SomeGuyFromOlympia · #12 09-12-2012, 09:55 PM

I have a Torch Mate (5x10),
I looked at the P-Cam, but wasn't impressed.

As fas as the table itself, you know what you are going to need to cut material wise, but go as big as you can.

TM tech line is worth its weight in gold when you need it, and it is a painless process.
(and free to every TM owner)

Y.O.R · #13 09-14-2012, 10:28 AM

Fastcut Cnc Table 4x8 Icon with water table ...... Worry free works great

entropy · #14 09-14-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smw

I like bulltear tables from what Ive seen so far, I have to constantly wipe down the rails on my torchmate. Its not a big deal as its only a 2x4, the bulltear looks like it would be a bit more maintenance free with the way the rails are setup also looks fairly beefy.

Which TM do you have?

entropy · #15 09-14-2012, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeGuyFromOlympia

I have a Torch Mate (5x10),
I looked at the P-Cam, but wasn't impressed.

As fas as the table itself, you know what you are going to need to cut material wise, but go as big as you can.

TM tech line is worth its weight in gold when you need it, and it is a painless process.
(and free to every TM owner)

You raise good points my plans for the new shop are modest I could likely do most of what I'll ever do with a 4x4 table which is why I'm thinking 4x8'. While the table foot-print is a factor there is also the ability to move/load the material and that is another space factor.
I'm rapidly getting to the point of buying the gantry and fabing the table.
The 2 piece table would have the ability to roll out the water table/grate to allow easier loading and maintenance.
Still looking...

bullnerd · #16 09-14-2012, 04:10 PM

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_pl...rjet_machines/

PRConnection · #17 09-14-2012, 11:32 PM

Fast cut cnc here also. Love it. No real issues to date. 4x8 water table with TD A120
I have a few vies of it at work on my site

www.westwindgroup.ca

Under the fab section

Dan

Txchevy18 · #18 09-15-2012, 02:10 AM

I built one from a percision plasma kit with candcnc controls and it works really well but has some short coming. Of course a few months later they released a new gantry kit that is very well desiged and think it takes care of almost all of my issues with rigidity. I would hesitate to buy the HD kit. Ron is a great guy check it out. He also works with Bulltear on their gantry and turn key setups from what I've been told.

http://www.precisionplasmallc.com/My...les/Page5.html

smw · #19 09-15-2012, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by entropy

Which TM do you have?

I have the 2x4 growth series.

ScooteK · #20 09-15-2012, 10:42 PM

You know my story. Im totally happy with all aspects of my Torchmate 4x4 and software/support. The AL frame is the $hit. Slaps together and will come apart fast when I move soon.

I wish it was 5x10, and I wish my plasma was bigger. Set it up away from sensitive things in the shop. Even with a water table the dust will cause issues, and ventilation is a must. Buy/build for the future. You WILL cut things you would not have planned for if you have the ability. MAKE room for the size you want, if you get a small one you will regret it.