Best 4 x 8 Plasma Table - Opinions Needed

[howitt]

Im ready to purchase a plasma table budget between 20-30k. Am I better off purchasing a used industrial machine like a MG or ESAB or a brand new such as a dynatorch. I Currently outsource 50K+ a year in laser cutting and feel I if bring it in house via plasma for a significant cost savings and better lead times. I only run 1 shift and most material we plan to cut is 1/4"-1/2". usage would be abotu 40 hours per week. Is it worth upgrading to high-def plasma unit such as an inner logic or hypertherm? I look forward to any opinions

[PlasmaGuy]

Laser versus plasma. Laser cleanup is nearly zero while plasma can involve considerable cleanup. Please take this into consideration.

[howitt]

It must of been my laser cutter because I had to clean up my parts all the time

[Scratch]

I don't know what kind of cutting you're gonna do, but In my opinion... Plasma is not the ideal method for cutting "parts"
I mean, artsy stuff like signs and things where tolerance is not an issue are great. But I do alot of cutting for vehicles where the tolerance has to be a consideration and I hate it. I'd much rather cut the artsy stuff that has more forgiveness that the parts I cut. I feel I can't compete with the laser and Hi-def guys.

I've been looking at the Hi-Def plasma cutting systems and the difference in cut quality is huge.... of course so is the difference in price... for me anyways.

[howitt]

Well the quotes I got for a 100-200 amp high def unit is about $25k and when you can a table for 10k, 35k for a high def setup inst bad

[Scratch]

Yeah that's about the price I got too, but to me... it's a bit too high right now.

[PlasmaGuy]

Scratch, you hit the nail on the head on high def v. reg plasma.

Even with a fine tuned plasma compared to high defintion the prep work required is rather large. Time = $$$

And as Howitt mentions the high def is > $$$

The accuracy of your table is very important too. I would not even consider high def on my 6 y/o Torchmate.

[howitt]

Ive consider building servo / ballscrew table my self running mach 3 with the innerlogic setup. I would have between 35-40k in that setup.

[PlasmaGuy]

Innerlogic power source combined with the Dynatorch controls would make a nice match.

I have the Hypertherm 1650 and it'll cut like crazy but is definitely nothing when compared to high-def.

I believe fiber optic controls would be required due to the RF issues that come with the higher amperage machines.

I recall that Innerlogic and or Hypertherm are rather picky about the table on which there high-def equipment will be paired, i.e. the tolerances that the table can hold or not hold are directly related to cut quality.

[Scratch]

Also I've heard that with the Hi-def torches, you need a table that has two drive motors for the bridge, one on each side, or you will see every gear movement in the cut.

[Kanman]

howitt, take a look at Torch Mates web site. On their home page under Editorials > About Machine Accuracy > EXPLODING THE MACHINE ACCURACY MYTH. Was a pretty good little article to read. Here is a direct link http://www.torchmate.com/accuracy/index.htm