Paul:
Thanks for posting the videos. The guy burning his hand was a hoot. I think the aluminum sheet was so thin and light that it wouldn't take much to move as it did.
As the blogger wrote, PlasmaCAM needs to use something more modern than a parallel port. To me, a laptop would be ideal for space savings.
Regarding CorelDraw and AutoCAD. I have both on my system at home, and I hate CorelDraw. I only bought it when I was looking at starting a laser engraving business. CorelDraw is an illustrator's tool, and is not accurate enough in my book for machine parts. I've used AutoCAD since Release 9 in the late 80's. The current release is 2011 (Release 18.x) and is better suited for accurate parts. CorelDraw would be fine for artistic metal work as Jim posted.
I haven't looked at PlasmaCAM's web site in a while; but they were using stepper motors for the carriage. I hope they've upgraded to servo motors, or at least offer them as an option. Servo motors provide better accuracy than stepper motors.
Here are some links that may be of interest while you research the products.
CNC Control Software | Flashcut CNC
Torchmate CNC plasma cutters, CNC cutting systems, CNC plasma tables, and CNC Routers.
ShopSabre CNC Routers | CNC Routers | CNC Plasma Cutters | CNC Laser Cutter | CNC Wood Router | CNC Machine | CNC Router | CNC Router Tables | ShopBotTools CNC Routers|ShopSabre CNC Router|
Metal Bending Fabrication Equipment | Shop Outfitters Related to PlasmaCAM
CNC Plasma Cutters Resource Site, DXF Art for CNC Plasma, Clip Art for CNC Plasma Cutting. • Index page Just what you need...another forum. :laughing:
Epilog Laser Engraver - Engraving Laser Cutting Marking Machines Systems and Equipment FiberMark Laser The laser engraver manufacturer I was going to go with.
If you get serious about a PlasmaCAM, etc, let's talk about AutoCAD and how we can help each other out. Lord knows I could stand to make a buck from the stuff.