Doing Due Diligence in Nassau

[OleIslandBoy]

Hi Folks,

My name is Edward (Tony) Claridge aka OleIslandBoy, a 55yr old half-bake Grandpa of 1, semi-retired and stroke survivor since Oct 17th 2001.

I'm the latest "Green Horn" around here and I live in Nassau Bahamas, I'm seeking your help with practical answers or opinion about the aspects of starting a Plasma Cutting and Fabricating business (bending items at first, for I know not how to weld...will have to take a course) at this juncture of my life.

Here's what I'd like to get into (1) Small Metal Art works for our tourist and local markets. I want to make practical items too, like “Key Hangers" etc. from suitable metals from 1/8" up to 1/2" thickness. What metal types would be best...according to your collective learned experience?

And (2) 3-D woodcarving with a CNC Router.

In my research I've come across 3 possible candidates (machines) that might produce this work; (1) Torchmate CNC plasma cutter, (2) Plasmacam and (3) Epilog Laser. Of the first 2, they seem to have more practical uses than a tidbit Laser...not knocking the laser mind you, only making an observation as to "Job Load Capacity" etc.

I lack experience and working knowledge of these machines and only know of them from what I've read on websites or from the short video clips on Youtube, hence I need your honest assessment.

On the Torchmate site they tout the prowess of using a Co2 Laser as a cutter for more definition in smaller pieces under 3 inches in diameter, as shown here>>> Torchmate with LASER but the big draw back here is...according to Melanie Galvin; the expense of the operation. If this is so then for the present I'll have to look at the Plasma Cutter!

Have you any knowledge or opinion on the plasmacam?

I see this as a strong candidate because it comes complete with a table, as I understand, with the Torchmate 4x4 I would have to have a table fabricated for it; am I right on this and what else am I overlooking?

And finally, why did you choose a Torchmate over all the competitors out there?

Many Thanks for your insight!