"Dynatorch users"

[magma-joe]

Mat T, if you are looking to upgrade I think the dynatorch gives alot of options. You can buy just the gantry and build your own table or buy both from Dynatorch. I looked at the Plasmacam and all the others before choosing Dynatorch. I wanted to be able to cut a full 5x10 sheet without indexing the sheet so that ruled out the plasma cam. I decided to build my own table and used their gantry. I also liked the Dynatorch FREE lifetime tech support. Any questions I have had were quickly answered. I can't comment on how well it performs as I am about 2 hours away from finishing it although before I decided to purchase it I went to a local shop using a Dynatorch 5x10 with the air handler system to cut 28 gage galvanized for HVAC. The owner said he had been using it about 6 hrs a day 5 days a week for the last year with no problems, and liked the machine. Servo motors with planetary gear boxes, FREE lifetime tech support, all steel tables in all sizes including dropsides, these were just a few of the things that I thought separated Dynatorch from the other players in this price range. I have learned a great deal from others on this forum so I thought I would include some pictures of my table to share with others who might be interested in building a table also.The frame is 3" x 8" X 3/16" tubing. I bought the leg levelers at ENCO. I built an 8" deep water tray inside of the frame from a 6' x 12' sheet of 12 gage. The guide rails are 3" x 3" x 3/16" square tube. I then mounted 3/4" x 2" cold rolled bar on top of the square tube for a straight and rigid mounting surface for the gear rack and v rail. I also had one edge on each bar surface ground before installing them so they would be as straight as possible.. As for the table slats I am going to try out the pointed tips versus no points on the slats, thats why only half of the slats are pointed. The computor cabinet started life as a Sears gladaitor tool box, I just added a hood cover for the monitor and a table extension to hold the Dynatorch box and the keyboard. Since this table is not a drop side I bought some 8' fork extensions for my forklift. These work good for light gage material, I just slide the material on and off the top of the forks. For heavy gage I plan on using 2 permanent lifting magnets. Since this is my first table I'm sure I have overlooked something but its probably a little late now? Thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum as I have used many ideas I read here on my table.

[PlasmaGuy]

Magma,

Well Done ! I have a seven year old Torchmate that will be replaced with a Dynatorch. Your photographs are excellent! I second your comments about Dynatorch too.

Tom

[LeonD]

Magma,
I did notice one issue that you may have to address later. The Plasma power supply is suspiciously close to your PC. Even when in a metal cabinet, there is a possibility that the plasma electrical feild will interfere with the PC. Distance is your best freind. We recommend a minimum of 5 ft between the two units. If you get errors when the plasma fires, try moving the two apart. While it is convinient to place them close together, the PC and the Plasma are not good room-mates. The PC will loose out every time. Just a thought. Other than that, you have a fabulous table frame. I don't think anything will ever affect it.

Leon

[magma-joe]

Hi Leon, thanks for your advice on the distance between the plasma power supply and the computor as I was unaware of the possible interference within 5'. It is hard to see in the picture but lucky for me the cabinet has wheels so it can be moved any direction up to 10' away. When I built it I was'nt sure where the best location for the cabinet would be so I made it mobile. My shop ventilation air travels across the table lengthwise to exhaust out the door and I wanted the cabinet (and me ) to be in the fresh air side. Thanks for the feedback Leon and Plasmaguy!

[kcir]

Thanks for sharing the pictures of your table. That is an excellent looking table. I am sure you will get many years of use from it.

Rick

[Torchhead]

Originally Posted by LeonD Magma, I did notice one issue that you may have to address later. The Plasma power supply is suspiciously close to your PC. Even when in a metal cabinet, there is a possibility that the plasma electrical feild will interfere with the PC. Distance is your best freind. We recommend a minimum of 5 ft between the two units. If you get errors when the plasma fires, try moving the two apart. While it is convinient to place them close together, the PC and the Plasma are not good room-mates. The PC will loose out every time. Just a thought. Other than that, you have a fabulous table frame. I don't think anything will ever affect it. Leon

Distance only works to reduce radiated noise (RFI). The heaviest point of radiated noise is at the arc. Good grounding and sheilding at the plasma unit and galvanic isolation (opto or relay isolation) of signals between the PC and control will go farther in reducing problems. In newer plasma units there is no electrical "field" of any distance around the unit. The source of most noise that can cause computer or controller errors is in the form of conducted noise (noise that travels on a common connection).

The biggest challenge is to use a HF start unit close to the motor controllers or the PC. It can be done and within a couple of feet if the grounds are not allowed to be connected or there is a low impedence (to earth ground) central "star" ground that everything is tied to individually. (one or the other).

[magma-joe]

Originally Posted by Torchhead Distance only works to reduce radiated noise (RFI). The heaviest point of radiated noise is at the arc. Good grounding and sheilding at the plasma unit and galvanic isolation (opto or relay isolation) of signals between the PC and control will go farther in reducing problems. In newer plasma units there is no electrical "field" of any distance around the unit. The source of most noise that can cause computer or controller errors is in the form of conducted noise (noise that travels on a common connection). The biggest challenge is to use a HF start unit close to the motor controllers or the PC. It can be done and within a couple of feet if the grounds are not allowed to be connected or there is a low impedence (to earth ground) central "star" ground that everything is tied to individually. (one or the other).

Torchhead, thanks for that information. After reading your other posts I realize that you are the only one who could correct the manufacturer on their own machine.

[edwardpic]

I havent been on here much lately, but anyone who wants to call and ask any questions is fine. I love my machine and havent had any real issues other then a small learning curve.

727-639-1411 or whome124@aol.com

[Matt T]

magma, thanks for the info and pics, thumbs up for the great job on the table. I believe I will go with the dynatorch.

[PlasmaGuy]

You'll be glad you did... And I don't even own one... yet

[PRECHTEL]

Fellas,

Sent my deposit check today for the DynaTorch 4 x 8 Drop side, Air handler, and 1250 Hypertherm with sheetcam. Hope I made the right decision. Now the hard part begins, the wait.

Tom

[edwardpic]

Tom,
You will love the machine, and yes the wait can kill you. You want to start cutting now!!! We are here as Dynatorch owners and we can help along with the guys from Dynatorch. We all have shortcuts and some settings already for certain thicknesses of metel. Look on this thred for previous posts and print out any information you need. Cant wait to hear your cutting!!