Torchmate growth 4x4 or Torchmate 2?

admin

So I'm a little confused.  I would like a 4x4 cnc plasma, I'm pretty much going to go with a tunrkey system from torchmate as I just don't have the time to bother making one.  I'm puzzled between the differences on the growth series and the TM2 series.   The prices a couple grand more for the TM2 without watertable but the same options.What's better about the TM2?   I want a machine that will be accurate, and reliable.  In there Adds it says the growth is for "light" industrial and that the TM2 is a workhorse?  Great.... now why?   haha.  The differences I see are the TM2 has aluminium construction and gantry, no water table, one motor for the x and one for the y (drives other side with drive shaft), it uses rack and pinion drive (somewhat in the cut area, making it suseptable to grit no?) The growth series is steel (I think?) and uses two smaller motors for the X axis, they drive long lead screws that pull or push the gantry?  Is this proven?  does it wear and get backlash quicker?   the screws are on the outside of the table so maybe they're protected better from the plasma dust.  Basically I am going to buy one or the other, I just want the better one even if its a couple grand more.  Thanks for any help,Millermatic 252 w/spoolmate 200Miller 250 DialarcLincoln 180 mig pakLincoln mig pak 100Hypertherm Powermax 65Precision Plasma Patriot 4x8 CNC tableEverlast 250ex TIGOxy-acet rig10"x18" Modern BandsawModern 14x40 Lathe
Reply:The 4x4 growth series uses stepper motors, just like my 2x2, which I am not a fan of. Steppers are one way communication motors. Does the TM2 use servo motors instead of steppers? That would make me want to buy the TM2 instead. Servo motors (2 way communication) with rack and pinion drive = hardy system. You could build your own water table under the TM2.The lead screw drive has been flawless on my 2x2. Only problem has been the slippage of the stepper motors if the table binds or if the torch contacts a tipup piece of metal.Last edited by snoeproe; 09-08-2012 at 08:12 AM.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Questions begging to be asked:Why is one model called a "growth" system?  What upgrades are available?Are the servo motors compatible with the growth system?I.E. can the growth system be upgraded with servo morors later on?The migration path may or may not require replacing cables and perhaps a processor board..what are the possibilities?  These questions should be directed to the manufacturer.- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:The 2x2, 2x4 and 4x4 growth series machines are listed as such because you can upgrade from a smaller machine to a larger machine and reduce upgrading costs by returning the smaller machine to Torchmate. Thats a handy thing.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Honestly, the torchmate is a good machine. BUT I'm not a fan. It's restricted. Everything is papriatary (spelling) parts must come from them period. I would look for a more open machine. Torch hight control is not an option. It's required. Unless you plan on cutting 1/4 or thicker and NEVER anything thinner. I cut some 20ga the other day that warped over 2.5 inches. With the torch traveling at 150ipm. You cannot operate a manual hight control fast enough. Nor can you reach out to the 4 foot span to adjust it. My table can have a plate marker (engraver) added for $1000 if I buy all the parts from the mfg. I could build my own for probably $500. With torchmate your stuck buying there plate marker for something like $2000-2500 if I remember correctly. The tube cutter they offer is outrageous as well. I can add one to my table for $500. I can buy replacement stepper motors from anywhere that sells nema23's. Torchmate forces you to buy from them.Now here are things to consider. Using one stepper to drive two sides of your x axis puts strain on the motor. If one side binds a bit it can overpower the motor and loose steps. If the x axis is driven with two motors you have double the tq driving the gantry. And less chance of it binding. (it's still possible but the likelihood is reduced) let's talk about material handling. Will you be using a fork lift? Assuming you do a dropped rail will allow you to not worry about damage to the rail. Even hand loading a table the dropped rail is nice. I can load a full sheet of steel by myself without worry of damage. What does a 4X4 sheet of 1/4 inch weigh? About 200 pounds? Do you wanna have to worry about gently pushing it between the gantry rails or just slide it on the table and go?I am not bad mouthing torchmate, they make a fine machine. But it does have it's drawbacks. Then again so does any machine. Please spend 3-4 moths lurking around on different message boards. See the good and bad that people post about the tables they own. Figure out what you can and can't live with.Now I gotta plug my table manufacturer it's precision plasma (mechanical) And candcnc (electronics) precision plasma offers a bolt together 4X4 (almost turnkey) and the candcnc stuff is easy to set up IF you carefully follow the manual.To kill the "no one offers better tech support than torchmate" myth. Candcnc has a message board (you gotta ask to join, but they will add anyone) you will have access to them just about 24/7 7 days a week. You will also have the help of over 2000 other users. Can't ask for better support than that. Torchmate tech support is during business hours.These are just my thoughts. I do not get any kickbacks for plugging any company. I like torchmate products I just don't like some of the limitations they have. As my setup is not turnkey, I had it up and cutting after about 12 hours of getting it calibrated. Vs torchmate's 1-2 hours (if I remember reading correctly) but in my opinion I got a better table for the money. Research with an open mind. It's alot of money to sink into something you may not be 100% satisfied with if you jump in too fast.Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.