I would like to buy a machine for making signs. I like the idea of being able to cut metal with plasma and then switch it over to a router to use on wood/plastic/aluminum etc. Does anybody have any input pros/cons on this type of machine. I don't know how long it will take to swap the machine from one to the other. The machine I am considering is dynamic plastics, dynacnc DLI. Has anyone had any dealings with them as a company. I am also trying to justify the cost and how long it will take to become profitable with such a machine.

http://www.dynacnc.com/dynacnc.htm

Where do I begin?

I can't comment on the DynaCNC plasma cutting arena but I can give you a well informed perspective and first hand experience with the company and the using of the machine. I bought my DynaCNC at the end of the summer with the stepper motor version. I liked it a lot but I longed for the accuracy/speed of a servo motor upgrade. I thought the upgrade would be a little out of my price range but I have been making consistant money with my machine and I could justify the cost. I spoke with Dave Cress(the owner) and he gave me the price and it wasn't near to what I thought it to be. He even mention that he could come out to my shop and set it up. Now that is customer service! After sorting out our schedules, he came in the shop for 1.5 days and I was up and running.(Speed gain: Steppers 500ipm to Servo 1000-1200ipm)

Another note on the customer service...before buying my DynaCNC I search the web and found many comments of the almost legendary help/knowledge of Dave Cress. I thought this to be a little far fetched until I experienced it myself.

My background: I have owned/made 3 machines and have exponentially gain speed and accuracy each time. My first MDF machine only did 15ipm, next my aluminum version did 30-40, bought one that claim to do 150ipm(never did) and now my DynaCNC(1000ipm). I use SolidEdge for CAD and output to MasterCAM for gcode.

What I cut: I've been routing out acrylic, delrin, PVC, HDPE, UHMW, MDF, ABS, and most recently aluminum(my favorite). Aluminum has been my goal to cut and I was apprehensive on doing it(was going to buy a CNC mini mill for aluminum milling). Belin O'flute bits are my favorite to cut plastics with and I used them on 3/8 to 1/2 aluminum with great success with no coolant except for a shot or two of WD40. I can send pics if needed.

I think it will be easy swap to change from router to plasma...at least with the mounts. 4 bolts in the front.

All in all, I'm very happy with my machine.

Bill