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Ive always debating buying a plasma table vs using the plasma/laser shop I have been using. It sure is nice to just pick up the phone and have my material delivered to my cutter and go pick up clean cut pieces. That being said, delays and the desire to be more independent have me considering a 5x10 Arclight Dynamics. This is really alot of money to fork out but I want to be knowledgeable if the time comes. Plans are to cut 1/8" most often, some 1/4", and occasionally 3/8". Originally I thought getting the 45 to replace my 30xp might suffice for having a single machine for mobile and cnc, but now Im thinking a 65 might be the minimum and the 85 being probably more ideal. Would love some words of wisom from Jim or anyone who can help. Is it alot of work to get a table cutting right and trouble shooting problems?
Reply:While the Powermax45 is good through 1/2" on machines with good height control (Arclight Dynamics fits that need!), the 65 will have better speed on 3/8" and thicker...and the Powermax65 has a newer (Duramax ) torch design that provides longer consumable life and can use the Finecut consumables (Currently the Powermax45 does not use Finecut technology for materials thinner than 10 gauge (roughly 1/8").I'd say the 65 would be a better choice......probably no need for the 85 in the range you are planning.....however what are you going to be cutting 3 to 5 years from now?Jim Colt Hypertherm
Reply:Get the pm85, if you can afford the big table, don't limit yourself."The reason we are here is that we are not all there"SA 200Idealarc TM 300 300MM 200MM 25130a SpoolgunPrecision Tig 375Invertec V350 ProSC-32 CS 12 Wire FeederOxweld/Purox O/AArcAirHypertherm Powermax 85LN25
Reply:Go for the PM85 with the 5x10 table. I own this set-up.This weekend I cut 3/4", 1/2", 1/4" and 1/8" mild steel. Cut some 3/16" aluminum and finished off the day ripping through 2 sheets of 48oz. (.063") copper. You never know what's gonna walk in that door. The man who taught me to tig said, "find the biggest unit you can afford, then get the next size up" Nobody ever said "I wish I bought a smaller welder......"My 2cLast edited by 9er; 07-10-2016 at 05:25 PM.
Reply:Thanks for the feedback Jim and guys. I spoke with Arclight for a bit today. Im leaning toward the 65, but we'll $ee. I may start with their software and see how I like working it. My main concern is how much work maintenance and tweaking will be to use the machine.
Reply:You will probably be fine with a 65.. Quality cnc cutting starts with the lower amps then most people think..(even Hypertherm specs,IMO) I had a 120 amp machine with better duty cycle then a 85, and feel I have not really lost much capability with a 65.. O/A will do a better job consistently above what a 65/ 85 will cut anyway. If you are going to be cutting a lot of .750 plate, then get the 85.. Now a high powered plasma is awesome when you can use all the arc length you have on certain things..Victor A-120 was the best single phase machine for that..One thing,, other then the ease of piecing, I will bet you will like the overall cut using 65 amp consumables over the 85 nozzles on .750 MS Superior overall in cut quality with either machine.. Stuff is starting to cost enough to want the best quality you can get. I would look more to if you are going to need to bump up duty-cycle over the 65..PS,my home built/factory table/ has a lot of the same stuff Arc-light uses on their tables.. CNC router parts/ CandCNC Electrics/SheetCam/80/20 etc.. Plus they are about 40 miles away from me.. I had mine first though..
Last edited by Brand X; 07-14-2016 at 01:14 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:What do you look for in consumable use? On my 30xp I just look to see if the hole seems too large or if the tips have too much stuff stuck to them or are melted. Is there some literature somewhere or pics showing what exactly yo look for?
Reply:Open your manual up to this page for details regarding consumable use and inspection. Jim Colt Hypertherm
Originally Posted by scramblerj
What do you look for in consumable use? On my 30xp I just look to see if the hole seems too large or if the tips have too much stuff stuck to them or are melted. Is there some literature somewhere or pics showing what exactly yo look for?
Reply:I have a 45 and a 65.I look at it this way.Get enough Ooomphs to go as fast as possible on what you'll cut 75-80% of the time.If you cut 1/2" 20% of the time a 45 will be OK.No problem.If that number leans to 25 or 30% you'll wish you had the 65.Oddly my table runs the 45 and the 65 is hand held.I cut tons of 18 to 1/4 and the occasional 3/8(lift kit stuff) A piece for a backhoe bucket doesn't need the table.A straight edge and the 65,and a 7" Makita and its over in seconds.Let your wallet be your guide but, like welders, skip the coupon cutting. You can do that with hand held tools.Not with welding machines,plasma cutters,mills and lathes.Dont spent $1000 like an idiot when the solution was $2500. Hire it done until you can do it right from the start.Don't forget air compression ! 'morning James ;-)
Reply:Ordered the Arclight Dynamics 5x10 table. Wait time is 8-9 weeks. Since most my cutting is 1/8" and 1/4" I decided to run the 45xp I just got. Had to buy the machine torch and some other elec stuff I dont know what it is. Cpc or voltage divider or something. I figured it would be nice to have marking and gouging capablities from the 45xp and then maybe by the time I need a bigger machine theyll make a 65-85xp by then. I almost got the new arc max table they offer but after talking with the salesman it wasnt necessary for what I do. On to air compressors for this setup. I decided aganst the cheapest campbell hausfield they sell in hopes to get a Quincy. Debating 60 vs 80 gal and which model/retailer. I think the 60 gal Auincy is about $1200 and the 80 being $2k range. I also got the arclight filter setup. Sounds like I need a dryer for best quality. The salesman said 60gal would be fine. Also going to need a plate magnet to load big 5x10 sheets with my forklift. Lookin at the Magswitch product with remote. Seems handy. Any feedback appreciated.
Reply:Any advice on whether I need a dryer or not given that Ill have the arclight 4 stage filter?
Reply:If you live in a high humidity environment and your compressor runs often....and when you drain your compressor tank daily you get more than 1/4 cup of water from it.....then you need some sort of water separation system in addition to the one that is built into the Hypertherm plasma system. (there is an onboard particulate filter as well as a coalescing water / oil separator with an auto drain on the Hypertherm Powermax units). So....if less than 1/4 cup of water per day from your compressor.....you are safe to plug the plasma directly into the compressor output line with no other filters/separators/dryers.In reality....we at Hypertherm get more calls regarding plasma cutter error codes that turn out to be caused by "air starvation".......and most often this is caused by too many filters and devices on the air line to the plasma cutter! Every fitting, every filter, every valve, every separator, every dryer creates a restriction to air flow that shows up as a pressure drop under dynamic (air is flowing to the torch) conditions. Here is a quick list of the culprits"- Air hose too long or inside diameter too small, up to 50' length the ID must be at least 3/8", above 50' ID needs to be 1/2". Under no circumstances should the hose ID be less than 3/8".- Particulate filters clogged or saturated with water.-Multiple filters, fittings.....overkill in filtering! Always best to have one pressure gauge mounted at the source (compressor), and another hard plumbed directly on the plasma inlet. Start the air flowing at the torch and while it is flowing read both gauges....you will see that the one at the plasma reads lower than the one at the compressor....this is caused by restrictions in the entire air system. As filters eventually plug or saturate with moisture or oil you will see a bigger pressure drop. Often the pressure to the plasma will momentarily drop below the manufacturers specs...causing the plasma cutter internal circuitry to show an error, which inhibits the arc from firing.I cannot comment on the Filters supplied by ArcLight as I have never seen the specs on them. Arclight is a great company and I'm sure they have engineered the filters to work best for many applications. Jim Colt Hypertherm
Originally Posted by scramblerj
Any advice on whether I need a dryer or not given that Ill have the arclight 4 stage filter?
Reply:Thanks for the expert advice jim. Arclights filters are just campbell hausfield. Good food for thought that I might be able to eliminate the filters and not have to buy a water seperator. Hoping to pick up a Quincy 80gal soon and start getting electrical ready.
Reply:Spend a few bucks extra for an Auto Drain for the Quincy! Jim Colt
Originally Posted by scramblerj
Thanks for the expert advice jim. Arclights filters are just campbell hausfield. Good food for thought that I might be able to eliminate the filters and not have to buy a water seperator. Hoping to pick up a Quincy 80gal soon and start getting electrical ready.
Reply:Will do Jim. Went by the Quincy local headquarters and got the tour. They had a 7.5hp 80gal with an auto drain and an aftercooler to reduce temps/moisture. Looked awesome and they said it was their entry level industrial. It was sold. Waiting on prices on a 5hp 80gal and that 7hp version with auto drain and aftercooler. We'll see which one fits the bill. I think those options would really help as you said Jim.
Reply:I think Ive found my air compressor. Working on details with Quincy corp now. Its the 7.5hp 80 gal "Max" with auto drain and an aftercooler. Was only a couple hundred more than the basic 5hp with no options. Thanks for the tip Jim. I had never heard of an auto drain. Didnt know about an aftercooler till I toured the local Quincy facility.
Reply:Now Im on to searching for an easy way to load plates onto the table with my forklift. I had found a $800 magswitch product that had a remote but they said it wasntgoing to work on 1/4" or 1/8" which I mainly use. They recommended a different $1000 model magnet that had a manual switch and recommended I get two so the sheets dont bend and pull away. Anyone else have a more efficient way to move plates onto the table? I dont want to build a chain hoist setup due to my space.
Reply:
Originally Posted by scramblerj
Now Im on to searching for an easy way to load plates onto the table with my forklift. I had found a $800 magswitch product that had a remote but they said it wasntgoing to work on 1/4" or 1/8" which I mainly use. They recommended a different $1000 model magnet that had a manual switch and recommended I get two so the sheets dont bend and pull away. Anyone else have a more efficient way to move plates onto the table? I dont want to build a chain hoist setup due to my space.
Reply:Damn that setup looks handy as ****. I may try that but my only worry is if my plate storage is not within reach. Need to rearrange the shop. Thanks for the tip
Reply:@scrambkerj. I ordered my arclight table a week before you ordered yours lol. Same conversation about the max table I went with the 4x8. Got the gantry extensions the filter the marker option double slats and the hand pendent. Probably just get the router too before it's shipped out then I don't have to think about it any more I'll have all the options and no more money so it's done. I was going o go for the 45xp too but I just did the 65 was told consumables would be less over time and it was $800 difference figured with what I was spending a little more wouldn't make a difference. I already have a 60 gal compressor so just picked this up for it to keep the moister out....
. We should keep in touch and compare notes sounds like we are taking the same path here.... I just made a storage rack for plate sheets and am going to make a gantry with a winch to lift the sheets with a plate clamp.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Here is the clamp I was going to buy
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Reply:And the winch
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Reply:Nice man. Where you located? Ill pm you my number. Im excited to get it here. When I got my quote 6mon ago the wait was 6 weeks, then when I ordered it was 8 and my invoice says 9 weeks. Oh well, we're 2-3 weeks in already. I had originally quoted the 65 and then thought why not the 85, but never thought Id really pull the trigger. Then the 45xp came out and I sold my 30xp and got it with no plans to really get a table. Had been outsourcing all my cutting. I called to ask about the arcmax and I was going to get it but salesman said I didnt need it for my thin 1/4"-1/8 stuff and he let me know my quote would expire that week. So I pulled the trigger. Decided to run the 45xp since I already had it, and thinking they might release a 65xp or 85xp down the road. We'll see. Would love to compare notes and troubleshoot with ya.
Reply:Quincy compressor arrives today. Ordered two magswitch lifting magnets that should be here soon as well. They start my table next week so itll be here in a couple weeks Im assuming. Can't wait. Got a few jobs lined up for it already.
Reply:
Shot of the quincy
Huge motor. Fancy thing has the auto drain jim recimmended and an after cooler. Sorry pics are loading sideways.
Reply:Your'a rockin there brother !
Reply:Put half of everything it earns you in a cookie jar.Down the road decide a bigger plasma or a compliment ing machine to what you have...good bead blaster, Baldor buffing rig, anodizing, powder coat etc etc.
Reply:
Originally Posted by scramblerj
Huge motor. Fancy thing has the auto drain jim recimmended and an after cooler. Sorry pics are loading sideways.
Reply:For loading heavy plate I use my cherry picker. In fact the second thing I cut on my table was hooks for loading heavy plate.1" cut with a PM65
3/4" plate unloading after cutting.
12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Nice. Ive got two magnets on the way. Just need to draw up some rigging to use with my forklift.
Reply:Your table starts next week. Guess who's is being built right now lol.... I have a lot to do before it gets here but at least it's coming from the other side of the country about as far away from Florida as you can get....Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Sweet. Im traveling this week bt hopefully my electrician gets my plugs and compressor wired so Ill be ready. I think mine ships the week of the 13th. Shipped them my 45xp last week. Can you call or text me after yours arrives and give me some heads up on what to expect with unloading and initial hookup?
Reply:My Magswitch lifting magnets arrived. They seem pretty nice. Looking forward to building a forklift attachment to hold them for listing my plate. These are supposd to work on the thinner 1/8" sheets too. I think my table is done and should ship this week. Got my plugs wired, just need to get the compressor wired up.Hope that getting this thing off the truck with my forklift goes ok. Anyone unloaded an arclight dynamics 5x10 or similar?
Reply:Need to plumb my compressor this week. Any of you plasma table pros have any plumbing tips? Ive got the 4 stage filter that comes with the table. My 80 gal quincy has an aftercooler and auto drain.
Reply:Mine shows up in the morning. Just noticed it's not Mach 3 any more it's the Linux candcnc software which thankfully is almost identical since I watched about twelve videos on the Mach 3 lol. Also they said they ship with casters now should make it easier. Hope the 7ft fork extensions do what I needSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Sweet. Alright! I look forward to hearing how it goes. I was going to make some fork extensions too. Hope unloading isnt too bad. Mine is ready for shipping. Wuincy tech is coming by in the morning to help me figure out plumbing.
Reply:Woohoo.... it works. Now I have a lot to learn lol
Not bad for an 8 hour day......Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Nice! Pretty decent part turnout for the first day too. Now the fun begins!12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Sweet. Call and give me aome tips tomorrow. Mine delivers this weekend. Still havent gotten my compressor plumbed. Got it wired and fired today. May just run hose to a regulator for now to get goin. Id like to hear about your dryer
Reply:I'll pm you my number I always forget during the day u can call me Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Cut my fish out tonight...
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Reply:Nice thing about the Arclight tables is you can go to 80/20-Candcnc-and CNC router parts for upgrades or parts..Since it's 90% of their table..Mostly off the shelf parts on 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:Do we have a file sharing system here like plasmaspider? That would be neat!12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:This afternoons snook
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Reply:Sweet cuts man. What type of steel are you using and thickness? Hows the table running? I bout about 7500lns of plate yesterday to cut. My table is delivering tomorrow. Hope to get my compressor wiring fixed and final plumbing, unload the table and get it goin.
Reply:I didn't really have any metal yet to cut except for what I found scavenging around. Old monopole port cover; old crossing sign, old rusty steel piece from the scrap bin outside etc.... I've been walking around eyeballing stuff to chop up lol. Most about 1/8 to 1/4 but I tried some real thin stainless too. Playing with fine cut and regular consumables. Tables fine, I'm catching on quickly. I'm starting to manipulate the drawings too both scale and removing parts I don't want cut. Also separating different portions into layers and cutting them differently. Good thing we get to learn with the tables and software tools they have today I bet ten years ago it was a lot harder....Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:
Originally Posted by hog guts
Good thing we get to learn with the tables and software tools they have today I bet ten years ago it was a lot harder....
Reply:Unloaded the table with no issues. Going thru setup and realized they didnt include my consumable kit and the machine torch didnt come with anything on it. Are the hand torch consumables the same? I recall they had some different parts.
Reply:I believe its the mechanized tip that I dont have. I only have the drag cutting tip that came with my hand torch. Prob run buy one tomorrow to get by until my kit gets here. |
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发表于 2021-9-1 23:19:24