CNC plasma choice

   / CNC plasma choice
  • Thread Starter
#31  
Sounds like as long as I dont go over 1/4 to 3/8 My cutter will do the job. If I purchase a plasma table, I can see a upgrade for the plasma cutter in the near future. I'll definatatly be looking at the Hypertherm machines. How big a machine (amps) do I need to be looking at to cut 1in thick steel.

PlasmaCam just called me a little while ago and has located a couple of machines not to far from me, but it will probably be monday before he can contact the owners. I am looking forward to getting to see one of their machine work by a actual owner and not just videos made by people that are trined specificly on their machines.
 
   / CNC plasma choice #32  
You can edge start and cut 1" fairly productively with a Hypertherm Powermax85, however the maximum pierce thickness is 3/4". If you need to pierce 1" plate you will need about a 130 amp plasma system.....which gets you into industrial class plasma systems such as the Hypertherm HSD130.

Jim Colt


Sounds like as long as I dont go over 1/4 to 3/8 My cutter will do the job. If I purchase a plasma table, I can see a upgrade for the plasma cutter in the near future. I'll definatatly be looking at the Hypertherm machines. How big a machine (amps) do I need to be looking at to cut 1in thick steel. QUOTE]
 
   / CNC plasma choice #33  
Attached are a few pictures of a log splitter....all parts cut in my shop with either the Torchmate or the PlasmaCam....

Jim Colt
Log rest plates with my name cut....ensures when it is borrowed that it comes back home....the cyclinder trunnions, the motor mount....the ram and the wedge are all cut on my machine.

This has been on my to-do list for awhile, my yard, always last. This pic. isn't final look.
 

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   / CNC plasma choice #34  
Just happened upon this this thread and the capability of being able to convert over the a router is something I would want. Not sure who mentioned it, maybe Jim Colt, that for ~1k you could get the router option and software upgrade. I was thinking about a Torchmate but after reading this thread am leaning toward a machine with servos like the Torchmate. I have a small plasma cutter now (Tomahawk 375) that would have to serve for a while until I could upgrade. I'm sure that will limit my capabilities to start out but I can see about half my time being set up to use a router for woodworking projects. I just figure if I'm gonna dump this much money into amachine of this type for my home shop I want to be able to cut both metal and wood, so if anyone can add their thoughts on why this is a good or bad move would be appreciated. If a dual use machine is not the answer then I would go with something designed for working wood, plastic, etc for now.
 
   / CNC plasma choice #35  
Only thing I can suggest is to go with a unit that is designed for use with a router! And make sure the gantry is very stout! And has a motor at each end of the gantry! Remember a plasma torch only touches the material to find it, then backs off to a predetermined Z-height. Where as a router plunges, and whittles it's way through the material. I can only imagine the stresses that are applied to the gantry on a router unit.:eek:
 
   / CNC plasma choice #36  
I see that Torchmate makes a unit they call Routermate which can hang a router, a drill, and a plasma torchat the same time. It has greater Z axis travel and is available with steppers or servo motors. I'm scared to know what this lists for but I'm interested. Torchmates' site now says free lifetime tech support and a 3 year warranty IIRC.

My plasma is less than a year old and barely used, i think i would sell it and move up to a 625, or maybe a 1000.
 
   / CNC plasma choice #37  
I bought my plasma cutter about 11 or 12-years ago, so I'm a little out of touch on what is on the market. On my cnc table I always use the expanded metal option on the plasma. And I just love the scarfing option! I have a carbon arc torch, but hardly ever use it, the plasma is so much nicer to use! :thumbsup:
 

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