Shop Bot CNC Plasma

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Anybody familiar with the ShopBot plasma machines?  There is a guy selling one locally that is apparently a dedicated plasma machine that ShopBot made in the early 2000's.  Now it looks like they mostly specialize in routing setups.  Any information appreciated, thanks!Craig MontgomeryM&L Fabrication, LLChttps://www.facebook.com/pages/ML-Fa...8228829?ref=hl
Reply:ShopBot tools has been in the router business for many years.....for a few years they tried to get into the cnc plasma business....as their basic machine design was similar to plasma cutting. They built some pretty nice small machines for plasma.....and I'm sure they still support them. I would suggest contacting ShopBot directly and ask them some questions about the particualr machine you are looking at. Ask if parts are still available....is the cnc control and software still supported, etc.Plasma and routers requires some different performance from the machine. Plasma needs a wide speed range of about 10 ipm to 350 ipm, and little torque.....while routers are happy at speeds under 100 ipm with high torque. Plasma needs an arc voltage feedback height control.....routers (if they are 3 dimensional) need a full z axis that is controlled by the cnc. Plasma needs fume control....in the form of a water table or downdraft.....routers need a vacuum table or a method of clamping the workpiece.If the machine you are looking at was designed for plasma by ShopBot, if they still support the product, and if the price is reasonable...then it may be a great system.Jim Colt Originally Posted by montgoc3Anybody familiar with the ShopBot plasma machines?  There is a guy selling one locally that is apparently a dedicated plasma machine that ShopBot made in the early 2000's.  Now it looks like they mostly specialize in routing setups.  Any information appreciated, thanks!
Reply:Thanks Jim, I was hoping I'd see a response from ya.  Will give them a call, and go from there.Craig MontgomeryM&L Fabrication, LLChttps://www.facebook.com/pages/ML-Fa...8228829?ref=hl