Newbie- Anyone running the PlasmaRoute CNC "Blaze2" machine?

[Alleykat]

Hi,

My name is Alex and im in the dilemma of buying my 1st plasma table.I have been doing as many comparisons as possible with machines in my price range.At 1st the plasmacam caught my eye but there is sooo many mixed reviews on it.It seems to be a real hit or miss.I liked that the software LOOKED easy to use.In some reviews it describes it not nearly that simple.The next machine im looking at is this "Blaze2" by plasmaroute cnc.

PlasmaRoute CNC - Blaze2 Water Table Turnkey Package

I did a search on here and haven't found anything on this particular table.I did find a user that has bought from them.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_pl...e_ordered.html

He hasn't been online so if I message him for an update its just gonna go unanswered.

Anyone else have long term experiences with plasmaroute all together?

Some basics about me and what im looking for...

-Machine will be in a light use environment with 1/4 inch steel being prob the thickest being cut.

-Im not a computer wiz,easy to use software is a must.

-Trying to keep it around $10k thats why the blaze2 is in my eye.

Any info/help is appreciated.

Thanks,

-Alex

[herrmc]

The "New Table Ordered" link you posted from me..... and I won't let it go un-answered :=)

I have nothing but good things to say about my table, I have been vey pleased with it's operation... and the support from TorchHead, and Plasma-Route have been exceptional.

The only problem I have experienced was a massive Lightning hit close to my house which blasted much of the electronics in my home as well as my shop.... It took out $2,000 of electronics in my son's pickup... (melted the tip of the antennae)... my plasma unit/computer everything was unplugged, but still got blasted.....
Tom (TorchHead) either repaired or replaced everything for me FREE OF CHARGE... way beyond expectation!!! and Steve and his guys at the shop were very helpful to me all the way getting it back running.
As I have learned to use the machine, Steve has been very good to help me out with "how to's" along the way as well.

My table has a Thermal Dynamics plasma unit.... (80 amp).... I purchased a second unit (60 amp) for use around the shop.... when the plasma tips get a little sloppy for use on the cnc, I throw them in a bucket and use them on the hand plasma....
Overall I have been happy with the Thermal Dynamics units... but the only complaint has been tip (nozzle) life.... a lot of that has been learning curve, I also bought a refrigerated air cooler that has helped.... but were I to purchase again from scratch I think I might opt for the HyperTherm instead of the Thermal Dynamics... here is why... Hypertherm has good representation here on this board thru Jim Colt... not sure how much of that is just "Jim"... and how much is Hypertherm... but it is good representation nonetheless..... lot's of good info on what to try here and there etc.... I did finally get an email address for a tech support guy at Thermal Dynamics, and he has been very responsive, with good answers when I ask.... but seeing the community ask questions... and the answers right out on the blog is much more educating....

Hope my rambling helps you, any more questions just ask.

[Alleykat]

^^^ Thanks for your reply!

I actually also got ahold of another plasmaroute user and he is also very happy.He hadn't logged in so I emailed him to the website listed on his profile.Both of you guys have been very helpful.A company can tell you endless things about their machines but I wanted to hear from long term customers.

Today I did get a callback from Nikki and we chatted about the blaze2.Im very excited to hear back from my bank about a loan since I only have $5k cash at the moment.If all goes thru sooner or later I will definitely post a detailed description of everything.

-Alex

[hailrazer]

I have a Blaze2 being built for me right now. Ordered it with a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster A120. I should have it in 4 weeks or so.

I got a call from Nikki a few days ago saying I am getting the newest revision. sturdier and better built with 2x6, 2x4, and 2x2 tubing, with a grate system that allows for indexing.

When it comes in I will be sure to get a lot of pics and videos of it in action.

[Alleykat]

Originally Posted by hailrazer I have a Blaze2 being built for me right now. Ordered it with a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster A120. I should have it in 4 weeks or so. I got a call from Nikki a few days ago saying I am getting the newest revision. sturdier and better built with 2x6, 2x4, and 2x2 tubing, with a grate system that allows for indexing. When it comes in I will be sure to get a lot of pics and videos of it in action.

Looking forward to hearing back from your experience.Many thanks in advance,

-Alex.

[Alleykat]

Originally Posted by hailrazer I have a Blaze2 being built for me right now. Ordered it with a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster A120. I should have it in 4 weeks or so. I got a call from Nikki a few days ago saying I am getting the newest revision. sturdier and better built with 2x6, 2x4, and 2x2 tubing, with a grate system that allows for indexing. When it comes in I will be sure to get a lot of pics and videos of it in action.

Any updates?

[hailrazer]

Originally Posted by Alleykat Any updates?

I am still waiting for it. They had a lot of commercial orders to get done by Jan 1st and now they are working on mine.

They said I should have it in a few weeks.

[Alleykat]

Originally Posted by hailrazer I am still waiting for it. They had a lot of commercial orders to get done by Jan 1st and now they are working on mine. They said I should have it in a few weeks.

Oh wow didn't expect to get an reply so quick.I'll be looking forward to when you finally get it.

[millman52]

I don't own a PlasmaRoute table but If I were going to buy one They'd be on the top of my list of entry level tables.

I have a DIY table of 5 X 10 size. Had PlasmaRoute been around when I built it, I may very well have bought from them instead.

Their design is pretty straight forward & not a lot to go wrong or nickle & dime you to death later. Once leveled & tuned up it should stay that way unless you are awfully hard on it loading & unloading materials.

[hailrazer]

Just got a message that it will be shipped next week.

Now I have no metal or experience.

Soooooo it might take me a bit to get some results. LOL

[Alleykat]

Originally Posted by millman52 I don't own a PlasmaRoute table but If I were going to buy one They'd be on the top of my list of entry level tables. I have a DIY table of 5 X 10 size. Had PlasmaRoute been around when I built it, I may very well have bought from them instead. Their design is pretty straight forward & not a lot to go wrong or nickle & dime you to death later. Once leveled & tuned up it should stay that way unless you are awfully hard on it loading & unloading materials.

Good to know.

Originally Posted by hailrazer Just got a message that it will be shipped next week. Now I have no metal or experience. Soooooo it might take me a bit to get some results. LOL

Well not having any experience might be a good thing.That way we can see truly how easy -OR- difficult it really is to use.User friendly software is one big thing im looking for.Not trying to take a course in autocad just to make a circle shape cutout.

[hailrazer]

It shipped today

I'll have it next week. Probably do an unboxing and setting up video to show how easy/hard it is for a beginner.

I'll let you know when it arrives.