Just purchased a Torchmate

[vicalma03]

I have been looking at these machines for a couple of weeks and ended up going with the Torchmate 2 4x8 kit. It should be shipping out today and hopefully I'll get it within a week or so. I bought it with THC, torchmate cad module, torchmate machine interface for plasma, thermal dynamics cutmaster 101. Do you guys have any info that will help me on building the table. What to do, what not to do and what to add if needed. I want this table to be very sturdy as I am going to cut up too 3" in the near future. Thanks again for any info!

Vic

[millman52]

Originally Posted by vicalma03 I have been looking at these machines for a couple of weeks and ended up going with the Torchmate 2 4x8 kit. It should be shipping out today and hopefully I'll get it within a week or so. I bought it with THC, torchmate cad module, torchmate machine interface for plasma, thermal dynamics cutmaster 101. Do you guys have any info that will help me on building the table. What to do, what not to do and what to add if needed. I want this table to be very sturdy as I am going to cut up too 3" in the near future. Thanks again for any info! Vic

For thick material like the 3" You'll have to use Oxy/Fuel. That would be one thing to study on. How to make your torch holder quick change. Or even better piggybacked for permanent dual mount. For a quick change, arrangement you'll have to think about Oxy/Fuel hoses as well as the plasma torch lead routing through E chain or overhead.

If it were me, I think I'd also install the software on the computer I was going to use. When not working on the actual build, be learning the software.

On building your table frame just be careful you don't warp your frame rails when welding up. It's really easy to "over weld".

I don't know what their plans call for as far as thickness on the box tubing but if you want the table more sturdy. I'd opt to go up in wall thickness of the tubing rather than larger size square.

Another thing that comes to mind is height of the table. Again I don't know what their plans call for but you may want to think about short legs to lowering the bed height to make loading & unloading the table easier.

Even though You will have a set of plans, & I'd try not to modify them any more than necessary. Look & read through others build logs. You'll get lots of ideas there.

Here is a link to a TM 1 build log. Yours is a 2 & gantry is pretty much pre built but there will most likely be lots of other similaritys. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32058

Welcome & good Luck.

Neil

[vicalma03]

I also ordered a oxy/fuel torch attachment and a cable carrier. I've seen a couple tables and have thought of modifying the table a bit. I'd like to build a 2ft table rather then there 3ft table. I am also building a water table to take care of all the dust its going to make. As soon as I get the metal and the plans in I'll post pics up. Thanks for the info!!

Vic

[millman52]

Originally Posted by vicalma03 I also ordered a oxy/fuel torch attachment and a cable carrier. I've seen a couple tables and have thought of modifying the table a bit. I'd like to build a 2ft table rather then there 3ft table. I am also building a water table to take care of all the dust its going to make. As soon as I get the metal and the plans in I'll post pics up. Thanks for the info!! Vic

Just trying to give you a bit of food for thought. If you have spent or will spend the time necessary to read most of the build logs in the Plasma,EDM, & waterjet section. As well as rhe router table scetion. You can avoid lots of mistakes as well as gain much valuable knowlege before you begin your build.