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I've been thinking about buying a small cnc plasma cutter. Anyone had any luck with them? Which brand is the best? Do they work as good as their advertisement videos?
Reply:I own a 4x8. Over the years I've added and upgraded. Here's the stuff I'd look for. A good THC (Torch Height Control)! This is a must. Mine came with THC and it was a selling point for me. If cutting anything other than gauge materials you'll get better consumable life with shielded consumables. This was one the best upgrades I did and allowed me to add an ohmic touch. You also need good software that can add lead-ins and nest. A fume extraction system or water table. I use a down draft table and it works great. I'm sure others can chime in on their list of features that make life easy.
Reply:I'm going torchmate when the time is right.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I just built a self contained fume control system and installed a 2 x 2 GoTorch (made by PlasmaCam) on it. I upgraded the GoTorch with advanced software and full height control functions. This unit will be used to demonstrate low cost entry level cnc plasma cutting at trade shows. Here is a video link to the first cut on the machine. Notice no smoke, and no water splashing up on the metal!I use a Torchmate and a PlasmaCam in my home shop. They both cut metal, however I prefer the ease of use and the cut speed and quality on the PlasmaCam. You need a full function height control and speed capability to at least 350 inches per minute in order to get the most from a plasma system in terms of cut quality and consumable life. Oh....and It is strongly suggested that a Hypertherm plasma is used!Jim ColtLink to video:
Reply:The Gotorch is $3k. I think the torchmate is the same price for the gantry only, no?But the have refurb units on sale for $2395. If i had the cash I'd get one yesterday.http://torchmate.com/2x2_dealshttp://www.ebay.com/itm/TORCHMATE-2x...item51b240ee88Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:This is what you get for $3k with the GoTorch-Basic software that imports .dxf files (no CAD drawing package)-No height control, upgrading is about $2k (Torchmates height control upgrade is over $4k)-Just the basic gantry (see attached picture)PlasmaCam advantages over Torchmate:-servo drives as compared to steppers-stable cutting speeds to over 400 ipm (Torchmate is about 150 ipm) To get dross free cuts on thin material you need high speeds (16 gauge requires about 250 ipm)-Motorized Z axis, up down control with a pushbutton switch. (Torchmate has a knob you turn to set the torch height)Jim Originally Posted by GambleThe Gotorch is $3k. I think the torchmate is the same price for the gantry only, no?But the have refurb units on sale for $2395. If i had the cash I'd get one yesterday.http://torchmate.com/2x2_dealshttp://www.ebay.com/itm/TORCHMATE-2x...item51b240ee88
Reply:Thanks! |
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