Sorry it's been so long with no update...before I dive in I'll pre-appologize for the length. I do believe this is a completely fair and honest evaluation of Dyantorch and the system they sent me.
First let me address my issues:
I was given two options. First was to send the table back and have them fix it for me. The second was to give me a credit to fix it myself. The thought of tearing down the entire table and shipping it back (and being down for potentially weeks) wasn't all that fun. The deciding factor was that I'd have to crate it all back up and the crates didn't exist anymore...credit was accepted and I fixed it myself. This turned out well as I was able to be as anal as I wanted to and now it's
SUPER FREAKIN' square. I made a few jigs on the mill and it took me a couple of hours of drillin' and tappin'.
I identified a new issues after everyting else was fixed. The height control had some tapped machine screw holes that the "V" rails bolted to and one of the holes had a deviation of ~0.032 from square which made it impossible to get the v-roller bearings to slide up and down with even resistance. I called regarding this issue and their support again wasn't the greatest. I was told that it wasn't right but when I contacted whom I was supposed to get a replacement, they failed to send a new assembly. It's my understanding that they were in the middle of a facility move or something so I'll go easy but it would be nice if it were resolved ASAP.
My system is a Dynatorch. I previously had used their stand alone height control on my previous system so, out of stupid luck, I was able to take that entire assembly and replace the one they sent me. As a result my machine was put into service almost imediately but I can't sell the old system (I do have a buyer) until I get this new height control assembly.
My overall opinion of the system is as follows:- The software is completely configurable - neat features for arcs, corners, holes, height control, etc.
- The height control is fast enough to allow the correct torch height to get the optimal cut.
- There seems to be something funny about the height control under certain conditions. If you don't home the machine after startup (because you choose to define your own home) torch crashes are certain.
- The air handler table works well but not great. It works great if you're running a full sheet of material. When cutting a smaller sheet (much smaller than table capacity - a drop) is it's weakness. Also it works better at the center of the table than on the edges. I think a slight design change would enable it to work much better.
- The design of the air handler table and how it fits inside the table prevents you from cutting a full 5x10 (though it's sold as a 5x10 table). Because the torch doesn't sit in the X gantry's centerline (offset of about 10") it actually hangs off the front of the table 10". If the table itself (gear rack) were 11" longer on the far end of the table it would cut a full sheet barely (with an inch to spare). When asking Dynatorch about this they told me I had something setup wrong...even though I know I don't. It's true that it can cut a 5x10 but unless you think cutting 10" over the floor acceptable, you really can't.
- The air handler table moves some air. I have to open a door, large window, or let the A/C unit run on fan only when the table is on to bring in enough air to compensate for the air the table moves out. An excellent thing during the summer, not so hot (literally) during the winter. Not having to breath the dust is worth it though. My employees will just have to wear bibs.
- A turn-key table doesn't include feet. They say they're extra. I believe a turn-key table should have everything in the box so I don't have to go to the store. FWIW, if you want feet, you have to ask for them.
- After the table is ordered they'll tell you that they told you things during the sales process and, even though they may not have, blame most for forgetting - ex: Apparently they need dual serial ports for their system to operate. If you don't have dual serial ports then you need a USB adapter that they can provide. You can't just get any USB adapter as they only recommend one so make sure you ask about this when they don't bring it up.
- I was quoted 3 weeks from the deposit for shipment. My order took 5. If you need this machine for production you should probably expect twice what they quote for delivery. This didn't bug me too much as I had another table that was fully operational.
- Dynatorch's tech support isn't linked to production/sales. If you bring up an issue that needs to be resolved with tech support you will be asked to call the other number to have it resolved if it means replacement parts are in order. It is Dynatorch's weakness if you ask me. All of my issues have generated many more calls than I should have had to make to resolve such simple issues.
- I've not yet figured out how to define an exact IPM for the system. Out of the box it appears that I can increase/decrease IPM by 5% as desired. This may have something to do with me importing pre-ordered/nested DXF files. I believe that when you do so it assumes that the default speed is 100IPM - that or I don't know how to set the default yet. Not a biggie, it stays where you set it until you turn the software off so repeat cutting of the same material isn't difficult.
- The table slats are 3" center to center. I'd prefer 2". There's no mid-support for the table so the slats can move around. I had to build a mid-support so the slats could be curved. Simple mod, no biggie.
Summation:
I think some of these issues could have been resolved prior to me receiving the table in the first place - making them production/design issues. Outside these issues I do believe this system will do very well for us when it comes to cutting. I admit I have some issues (configuration changes) to deal with but even out of the box it improved our cutting quality and capacity quite a bit. If I had to order the table again I would order the system, build the table, and order the air handler.