Bought a Turn-Key plasma: What should I accept for quality?

[Torchhead]

The challenge in the past for the DIY builder has been the electrical/electronic side of the equation. Since a large portion of people interested in the Home Shop CNC are more from a mechanical background, it's understandable that the electrical side presents a problem. We started out selling a THC controller and then introduced the lowest cost full Digital Torch Height Control on the market. We added in a lot of general interface electronics in the DTHC box that actually handled the motor signals and Input and Output from MACH. While that helped simplify the electronics there was still the issue of the Drive and power control and lots of wiring in building a table.

We did a few custom turn key electrical/electronic packages and the response was positive enough to help us decide to offer a fully integrated solution for all of the electrical and electronics for plasma and/or router applications. We see the choice of servo or stepper as a user decision based on cost and the job requirements. The stepper world has seen technology enhancements like the 740 Oz-in hybrid steppers we use in our packages, and better microstepping drives like the new Gecko 203 Vampire series. Servos have come down in price and we designed in differential encoder drivers/receivers to eliminate any potential noise problems with longer encoder wires.

So our PlazPak and RouterPak series of complete electronics lets a builder concentrate on the mechanics of the project. We even color code the motor cables and input plugs so you mount the Drive/Power electronics and plug in the Control Head with the Digital THC (on plasma models). No soldering,no wiring, ....no sweat! We even provide a remote interface card to plug in all of the table switches (Homes, Limits, E-stop) right at the table. Packages even include roller type Home switches with cables.

I know from building my own tables what caused me the most time and frustration was the controller wiring and hookup and I am an electronics nerd!

Look carefully at the different offerings. Don't fall prey to hype about technology or the claims of servos are better than stepper, or steppers are better than servo's. Much like Diesel VS Gas engines, they both have advantages and disadvantages for a particular application.

If you are worried that you won't have enough challenge in building your table if you buy a canned electronics solution, then just wait until you start using the table and software and have to figure out how to develop artwork and cut files!!

One thing about it. If you build your own table, and the quality of your mechanics and table are poor, you have noboby to blame but yourself. (:-)


Tom Caudle
www.CandCNC.com

[millman52]

Being able to purchase a package (or at the time I decided to build at least a near package deal) on electronics. Was the final touch that made the decision to build easy for me. The fact that I have been watching Gecko develop over the past several years made going with gecko drives a no brainer. Other software like mach3 also came into my decision.

Even with repeatedly looking over the Torchmate, Dyna CNC, Dynatorch, & others out there. I would have never purchased anything but possibly the gantry & electronics package from one of them.

For my application I just didn't feel that anyones table was really built for industrial usage. I'm not saying they are not good products. I'm just saying I wanted heavier.

I have been a machinist long enough to know that in EVERY case when it comes to stability, long usable life, & accuracy (once adjusted staying adjusted) There is just simply no substitute for heavy..... To me a CNC torch is in every way another machine tool

[PlasmaCAM]

Originally Posted by rpage PlasmaCam, 3 years! That is awesome! We bought ours coming up on two years ago. Safe to assume I could have a year left? My comments before where based on all the reading I have done, not personal experience with support. Good to hear you have this straightened out! The machine is awesome and has been a great purchase!

You should not have any problems if you need tech support in the next year. We are happy that your table is working good for you are are here for you if you need anything.

[thkoutsidthebox]

Originally Posted by Torchhead .....to help us decide to offer a fully integrated solution for all of the electrical and electronics for plasma and/or router applications.... Tom Caudle www.CandCNC.com

I just visited your site, Im very impressed. My cnc plasma is min 12mths away, and god knows what other products you'll have by then, but I'll definately be very interested. Possibly for my next router table also, which will be before the plasma....we shall see.

As a general comment to businesses, it REALLY REALLY irritates me when a business doesn't give any sort of guiding price on their website....Im happy to see CandCNC has prices.

L8rs.