who owns a plasma table

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im going to buy a table looking on infohave 10 to 12 grand
Reply:check out torchmate. they sponsor a friend of mine's race team and he has a 10X5 it is pretty cool the software is propietary but it can convert from dwx. and you can pretty much customize the package you want if you want to build your own table. no matter what be sure to go with a downdraft water setup cause without it your shop will fill up with smoke and dust in a week. when I got my scotchman ironworker i couldn't figure out how i ever worked without one and after using my friends plasma table i can't wait to find some dough to get one myself
Reply:I have an older koikie pantograph with the electric eye tracer,   Its been a great machine for us for damn near 30 years at this point.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:My money goes to Toechmate.  Best support, dedicated technical staff, never had a problem.  I have a 4X4 TM2 that I bought new about 6 years ago and have had great service since I took it out of the crates and assembled it.  Took about 3 hours to get it together and cutting.  Make sure you get the AVTHC and you will be extremely happy and spend less than your budget too.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Do you have a plasma cutter already?If not, what max thickness material do you want to work with. Remember, the only plasma rating that matters with a CNC table is the pierce rating of the plasma machine.How big of a table do you want? A water table is a must if your working with thinner gauge material, it will prevent metal warpage and keep consistant torch standoff height by keeping the metal cool while cutting. A downdraft table will require you to construct a venting system to the outside of your building.The Torchmate systems are decent machines. The Plasmacam 4x4 machine is also very good and right in your price range. The real good plasma CNC tables have Z axsis (up and down). You can get some torchmate tables without Z axsis (x and y only). That greatly reduces cost. The Plasmacam has z axsis.Torchmate cad s/w exports to .dxf format. Then you use the driver s/w to convert the .dxf file to g code file and cut. The Plasmacam uses the same s/w for designinig (cam) and cutting.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I have a plasma cam that has always done right by me over the last 2 years.  I use a hypertherm PM1000 with it.  The combination has made 1000's of cuts with no issues other than my learning curve.  Software was easy to learn for what I do.  prety easy to improt stuff.  I couldnt do what I do with out it.  Jim Colt is active on a lot of these sites and is a awesome resource for hypertherm.  One thign I will say what ever you get MAKE SURE it has DHTC digital Height Torch Control.  I was back and forth with salesman a few times and one said gotta have one said only if I cut real thin stuff 18 gauge or thinner.  BS i cut a majority of 1/4" and would HATE the machine if it did not have the DHTC.  Absolutley a MUST HAVEHypertherm PM 1000 on a CNC TableMiller Maxtron 450 - S52A series feederHobart Handler Lincoln 155 (my sons he's 11)looking to sell or Trade a RFC-23A foot pedalCustom diesel parts fabricator
Reply:Built your own, if you want the best table,and value. You can also ditch most of the proprietary junk by doing so. My friend Just built one, and for 16 g, it will run with anything sold for 40 g or more. He could load a 5'X10'  two inch plate of steel on it, and never have a issue. Loads with a fork lift, because of the flat top design. Also will double as a work bench. All this you would not try on a plasma cam, because it would folds up like a cardboard box.This thing is a fantastic table, and no factory could give you anywhere near the quality of build/options for double the price. Price includes a brand new Hypertherm 85 and a rotary 5th axis pipe cutting setup/ water table too.(water bladder) Value/ quality!!!!!! Upgrades coming, like a interface for dynamic cutting. It Just keeps getting better and better!! He has the O2 setup, and air scriber to mount,and it's going to be able to really expand his capability. Tough enough to to router things too. Something a Plasmacam/Torchmate  could not do very well, if at all. When you build most of it yourself, you will understand how to fix your own table. All parts are easily sourced from outside vendors. Attached ImagesLast edited by Brand X; 04-07-2011 at 03:35 PM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Nice homemade machine. Problem is, when you figure the components you need to buy, as well as the fabricating time by the hour, you have just as much if not more money in the homebuilt!I have built two homebuilt tables, have owned two PlasmaCam tables (the original model 98z and the new DHC2), and have a new Torchmate with height control on the way.The PlasmaCam tables are extremely reliable and easy to learn and use...really nice software. There is really nothing "proprietary"   all the bearings can be purchased elswhere, as well as motors, encoders, etc. There is a control electronics box....but every type of machine has one of those! The software is CAD/CAM so you can draw and post process....no need to play with any machine code, and you can import any .dxf file if you choose to draw with other software, and the Torch Height System is very nice...automatically calibrates height on every cut...no need to mess with arc voltage settings. And, contrary to popular belief....the PlasmaCam machine can handle a sheet of 1" steel, I have done it.I have a 2 x 4 Torchmate on order with the water table and AVHC torch height control. I have had the opportunity to work with a few Torchmate systems over the last 6 months, and I am impressed with their simplicity, ease of use and learning curve with the software, and their factory tech support is second to none. I will post cutting results after the machine is up and running in my shop, next to the PlasmaCam.The PlasmaCam was assembled and running in two hours after unpacking it from the box. The Torchmate will likely go together a little faster. A do it yourself machine may be cheaper to buy, but will take longer to build......with the advantage being that your know the machine inside out for later on troubleshooting. They are all good!My advice....make sure that whatever you buy has a full function torch height control. The height control is essential for good cut quality and for consumable parts life with your plasma torch. With a height control you can program 100 parts and walk away from your cutting table and do other tasks, without it, every cut needs to be carefully supervised, and you will experience varying cut angles, varying dross, and dramatically shorter consumable life.And, last but not least...make sure your plasma system is of good quality, and sized properly for what you want to cut. If a new Hypertherm is outside of your budget....scour craigslist for a used one...you won't regret it. There is a lightly used Hypertherm Powermax1000 on NH Craigslist right now....for $1000. Sold new for $2495.Jim ColtLast edited by jimcolt; 04-07-2011 at 05:27 PM.
Reply:Problem is, when you figure the components you need to buy, as well as the fabricating time by the hour, you have just as much if not more money in the homebuilt!You are right, but none will handle two inch plate easy, and have anywhere near the toughness/ease of loading material, Also take a hit with a fork lift. Just is not there in the others designs. He has 50 hours build time and has a totally awesome unit. Water bladder/thin cutting aluminum/stainless- dust control too. Just try to find that much table from anywhere close to that price (from anyone)? It's not going to happen on this planet.  It has a THC that works too. You can also put a 1" plate on top and use for a layout table, Gantry parks out of the 5'X10' cutting area. You can pound on this thing!Last edited by Brand X; 04-07-2011 at 06:10 PM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Agreed. All depends on what your using it for!Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltAgreed. All depends on what your using it for!Jim
Reply:I just upgraded my PlasmaCam to the Powermax85.....Have only cut 1 3/4" piece so far at 85 amps.....but it was pretty nice...right at book specs. Here is a picture.Jim Attached Images
Reply:He cuts a lot of things like that. Mostly for Booms on fishing rigs. How did you handle the pierce on that cut. He cut something like 3/4 and the slag was more of a issue (torch wanted to hit the slag after the start point. Could he add some height to the cutting to avoid some of those issues. I think he might of used a wiggle lead-in? He is going to add his O2 torch alongside the Plasma, so it's not that big of deal, It really cuts nice also.It might of been thicker then 3/4, but he did say that is right where he feels is the limit to change over to O2 cutting.Last edited by Brand X; 04-07-2011 at 07:12 PM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:i like the torchmatewhat about the diy, gantry or bolt together kits.i looked on youtube but couldnot find any vids on how there put together. so as for options.avth control (wow $2400.00) what else is needed.looking at the 4x8 two gantry kit
Reply:With proper pierce height (height control function) the Powermax85 has no issue with piercing 3/4".....I used a .24" pierc height and a long enough lead in so there was no issue with colliding with the slag pile at the end of the cut. Another way to avoid a slag pile on thick material is to spray anti spatter spray on top before piercing....the slag just blows away.OxyFuel would take longer than the 1.4 seconds the Powermax 85 takes to pierce, and would cut the 3/4" at about 12 to 14 ipm, vs  24 for the Powermax85. I would use the 85 right up to 3/4" and then use oxyfuel above that.Jim Originally Posted by Brand XHe cuts a lot of things like that. Mostly for Booms on fishing rigs. How did you handle the pierce on that cut. He cut something like 3/4 and the slag was more of a issue (torch wanted to hit the slag after the start point. Could he add some height to the cutting to avoid some of those issues. I think he might of used a wiggle lead-in? He is going to add his O2 torch alongside the Plasma, so it's not that big of deal, It really cuts nice also.It might of been thicker then 3/4, but he did say that is right where he feels is the limit to change over to O2 cutting.
Reply:i forgot the most.important question if i invest (looks like 15k now) how do you charge your clients, by the hour + materiels
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltI just upgraded my PlasmaCam to the Powermax85.....Have only cut 1 3/4" piece so far at 85 amps.....but it was pretty nice...right at book specs. Here is a picture.
Reply:where to buy the pow. 85 ive allways buy my stuff from cyberweldthey dont sell them and what are they selling fori was going to rent a shop and pay for a hole year in advancethen my mom said she give the money to build a new garage(she hates to pay rent) so now i have a chance to get a contractfor a nation wide comany with a table but id have to give up the new garage.
Reply:I don't own a cnc plaz table, but all i can say is Jim Colt is the man when it comes to cutting. Here was some very small clips that i needed cut for my custom nerf bars. All i can say is i am amaized how well he was able to cut these out and there are no pirece marks at all on the slots. Im not sure what cnc table he used on these.  Our cnc plaz at work is nowhere near this accurate. Once again Jim, thanks for cutting these out, and i will buy a hypertherm when ever im ready for a plaz. Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltWith proper pierce height (height control function) the Powermax85 has no issue with piercing 3/4".....I used a .24" pierc height and a long enough lead in so there was no issue with colliding with the slag pile at the end of the cut. Another way to avoid a slag pile on thick material is to spray anti spatter spray on top before piercing....the slag just blows away.OxyFuel would take longer than the 1.4 seconds the Powermax 85 takes to pierce, and would cut the 3/4" at about 12 to 14 ipm, vs  24 for the Powermax85. I would use the 85 right up to 3/4" and then use oxyfuel above that.Jim
Reply:One last picture I found. He bought the Gantry kit to speed up build time. Attached ImagesEsab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:That looks like one of the gantry kits from Precision Plasma....they are very nice and save a lot of build time for sure. You can always find a distributor for Hypertherm products in your area. Go to www.hypertherm.com  and click on the "where to buy" tab at the top of the page...then follow the directions for authorized distributors. You can also google the product name (Powermax85) and you will get all kinds of hits for distributors that do internet sales. Personally I like to buy my products locally...the overall support is better, and often the local guy will get close to the internet price.Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltThat looks like one of the gantry kits from Precision Plasma....they are very nice and save a lot of build time for sure. Jim
Reply:We have a TM3 5 x 10 and it is the greatest thing since sliced bread.  No, I haven't used or owned any other tables, but researched a LOT before dropping the money for this one.  For my use, it was worth paying to have the table ready to go NOW, not spend the man hours building one.  Also the tech support is first rate when (not if) something does not work correctly the first time.Shameless plug for Hypertherm, our 1650 has been flawless with over a year of use and a coulple CNC newbs getting everything working.Good luck getting what YOU want, it's a big investment.
Reply:Yes, but what if you get paid to build your own table, and you get to keep it after your done? Seem like ordering one woulds kind of stupid don't you think?Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140iI had seriously considered building a table from a gantry kit.  When I priced it out it was a wash if you consider that our shop rate is $75/hr, and I would have to pull a man off of a paying job to build the table, so not stupid at all.  If you have the time then building your own is a great way to go.  Probably would if it were for my home shop.  To each his own I guess.
Reply:I still stand that for 16 g it has more features then any table worth 30 g plus. That's a whole lot of labor. His  labor is included in the 16g. Post a link to your table and cost, so we can compare apples to apples. I like to see how much 16 g buys with a $4000.00 dollar plasma cutter,  5th axis pipe cutter, water table with level control?Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Your friend has an excellent table, no doubt about it.For around $26k we gotTM3 5' x 10' with AVHC - CompleteHypertherm 1650 w/machine torchDell computer with all programs loadedTM cad programPlate market attachmentLocal distributor to build the table, set it in our shop, test, and give a couple hours of instructionUnlimited lifetime tech support, big plus for me, downtime = moneyLike I said, we were cutting parts the day after it arrived.  At the time, days mattered.  If I needed a second table I would likely get a TM1 kit or similar and build it how I wanted.  But things have to slow down on the paying jobs first
Reply:Nothing wrong with the table you got either. One table does not suit everybody's needs. I needed a bolt together table (80/20) because of where I installed mine. I just think things have progressed so much in the Home built kits, that there can be tremendous value in them.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:My 2x2 Torchmate is a good little machine but it does not have Z axsis height control. So it must be watched constantly. For $3000 it does excelent work for my metal art manufacturing. Very inexpensive and effective.For a first time CNC operator, I did not want to build my own machine nor would I ever have the need to cut 2" thick material.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I have a 4 x 4 PlasmaCam DHC2 with a Hypertherm Powermax85 in my home shop. I have a Torchmate 2x4 machine with water table and AVHC on order, scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I plan to use either the Powermax85 or a Powermax45 on the Torchmate machine. I am very familiar with the PlasmaCam....it has been a great machine, especially like the functionality of the height control. I will be in learning curve mode with the Torchmate....once I am familiar with the operation....I'll be happy to offer advice on either machine.Jim Colt
Reply:Jim,Now that you've had time to learn the 2 systems (plasmacam and TM) which one would you recommend for someone that has little experience with CNC?
Reply:Just bought 2pc STAR linear sliders with drive belt 2.30m and 1pc 1.40m for 300 euro's Cheaper and bigger than expected. Already got the CNC-software, break-out board, some stepper motors, drivers, electrics cabinet. Now lets do some drawing, get some iron,  time, electrics and other stuff and spend some time in the shed to get things rolling.
Reply:I started building my table in January, I'm doing it as a hobby and part-time at that, so its taking a while... Building a table is a lot of work, and it wouldnt hurt to have basic machining skills to build one..    As far as cost goes, I'm going to have right at $1000 in mine without a torch height control, and an inexpensive tb6560 driver board, and I will have a thc at some point, I might use the candcnc lcthc (low cost torch height control) or I might decide to splurge a little and get a digital thc, of course that will add to the final cost..  I also plan on updating mine with better electronics at a later date.  with the thc and good break out board and drivers I will probably be looking at around $1500-$1800 total investment..  I have sourced almost all the materials locally and all the extrusion I used was free, most fasteners were free, some miscellaneous items I bought.. My table measures 50x40.. I consider it a hobby table, I plan on maybe a maximum thickness of 1/2" plate.. I have by far more time in designing than I do actual machining and assembly.. Frame is 1 1/2"x1/4" angle with 80/40 and 40/40 extrusion table, its running a 4:1 gear reduction with gear racks ($150 worth of gear racks).. the way its sitting right now I can rapid y axis 800ipm, with better driver boards I'm pretty confident it'll go 1000ipm as I'm running at 75% power at the moment..link to my build here at welding web  http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=71531 Heres a couple shots of where I'm at on the table now.. I just got the gantry rail added tonight.. Attached ImagesLast edited by brucer; 04-13-2012 at 01:25 AM.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XHe has 50 hours build time
Reply:I like the looks of the trucutcnc machines http://trucutcnc.com/  Multicam has some nice looking machines also http://www.multicam.com/eng/index.htmltackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/