Machine Torch Questions

[TAProwler]

I have a line on getting a gently used PowerMax 1000 and now my next step will be to install a machine torch in the TM1 table.

This brings up several questions for me:

Who makes the best machine torch?
How interchangeable are they between manufacturers?
Who makes the best consumables & are they interchangeable?
Why are machine torches so expensive to purchase new?
Do the leads fit into the roll-up cable guides?
What's the method to run them thru there (take ends off)?
Can machine torch leads (air and wires) be spliced to add length?
Can you purchase just the torch head and run your own air lines and wires?

I suspect that sheilding of the conductors is a concern, so taking care to keep the integrity of the sheilds would be important.

Any insight that you could give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[jimcolt]

Todd,

I work for Hypertherm so I will have to say....and I will stand behind the statement 100%...that Hypertherm makes the best torch and consumables. We have over 85 engineers that are devoted to design and quality control in our Hanover NH facility....all of our pproducts are of our own design...as opposed to many aftermarket consumables that are copies. Our consumables and torches are not the cheapest to buy...but prove to be the cheapest in use with better cut quality, longer life, and free technical support that is second to none!

You can purchase just a torch head. There is no shielding required with a Powermax1000 torch as there is no high frequency. Adding length will affect performance of the torch in terms of starting, life of the consumables, and cut quality. There are a few manufacturers that manufacture torches that will fit Hypertherm units. They may be a little less expensive to purchase...but you will have a torch with less safety features...and lesser performance and shorter consumable life. Over time it will not prove as inexpensive!

Jim Colt

[curlyweld]

I also have a HYP 1000 and ordered it with a machine torch. When I was first shopping around for machine and torch I wanted to go with Hypertherm and the torch price did seem a little high,still it seemed the right thing to do.I ordered the machine and torch set up and have never looked back. Have been very happy with consumable performance.Middle of last week I recieved my parts to convert over to the fine cut set up. Now I'm having fun just seeing how small of cut outs I can make.Before I made my first fine cut I called Hypertherm tech just to make sure I was set up according to hoyle.We double checked my set up and was cutting in five minutes.When I called for a tech I got one,no phone routing or nothing, the guy that answered the phone was my tech.I wish more companies had that kind of service.That's my Hypertherm story and I'm sticking to it.P.S--I still believe you get what you pay for most of the time.Hope this helps,,,,,,,,,,CURLY

[TAProwler]

Jim, Curly - thanks for the candid (and quick) replies. I do appreciate your insight.

One of my reasons for asking about splicing is that I have a 4x8 table that I would some day like to expand to a 4x12. I really don't need a 50ft lead, but 25 won't quite be enough. Can it be ordered a custom length? If so, how do I still deal with next item below?

The second reason I ask about splicing and wiring my own is that I really want to get this stuff thru the cable guides. I'd hate to pay the $$ for a really nice new torch and lead and then have to disect it all to get it to fit in the guides. Any suggestions?

Sounds like I will go with the Hyperthem line. I am very encouraged by both of your comments about cutting thin materials and small holes. I hope to be able to use this system for cutting aluminum in the .032 to .160 range and also cut fairly precisely placed tooling holes in the pieces that I cut. But then I also need to be able to cut some Chromoly steel up to about 3/8".

Thanks for the helpful input and advice.

[jimcolt]

Hypertherm makes 35' torch leads for that very reason. They are not shown in the brochure...but are available.

Most of the cable tracks made today have plates that eoither hinge or pop off....so that leads with big ends fit through easily. If that is not the case....the torch end of our Powermax leads comes apart easily.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help with...its all a big investment...you want to get it right the first time!

best regards, Jim

[TAProwler]

Perfect!

My cable guides require a fish tape. I guess I'll have to learn how to take the leads apart.

I'll start researching the purchase, saving the $$$ and bribing the wifey - AGAIN!

Thanks Jim.

[jimcolt]

My wife has horses....which gets me all kinds of stuff like a Kubota tractor and all the attachments.....need it to take care of horses. It's a little tougher convincing her when I need a new piece of equipment for my shop. I made some great horse name signs to hang over the stalls....as well as all kinds of metal brackets and railings and fences around the property....so the cnc plasma and much of my equipment gets justified! If only I could get her to understand my needs for a Bridgeport and a lathe......

Jim

[TAProwler]

Thanks for all the good info.

[TAProwler]

That's easy!

Home-made horse shoes! Accutate to .0001" and without all the mess and noise of blast furnaces and hammering.

.....Did she buy it??

[Torchhead]

The second reason I ask about splicing and wiring my own is that I really want to get this stuff thru the cable guides. I'd hate to pay the $$ for a really nice new torch and lead and then have to disect it all to get it to fit in the guides. Any suggestions?

OOOOHHHH! resist the temptation to run your torch leads through the cable guides! They will get lots more flexing and bending at sharper angles. The plasma cutting process still has inherent noise (arc's generate RFI) that can crosstalk to adjacent parallel wires. HF Start is not the only source of EMI and RFI in a plasma system. Unless you have the proper engineering background and test equipment (like spectrum analysers) to hunt and find the sources of interference then it's best to avoid situations where it could occur.

You have high current flowing through unshielded wires at hundreds of volts next to wires passing logic level signals.

A better approach is to suspend the torch cable overhead on an arm and it will allow you to use less length and keep the high current signals away from the CNC control signals. Since you can position the cutter in the center of the long axis of travel it basically cuts the needed length in half.

TOM CAUDLE
www.CandCNC.com

[millman52]

My wife has horses....which gets me all kinds of stuff like a Kubota tractor and all the attachments.....need it to take care of horses. It's a little tougher convincing her when I need a new piece of equipment for my shop. I made some great horse name signs to hang over the stalls....as well as all kinds of metal brackets and railings and fences around the property....so the cnc plasma and much of my equipment gets justified! If only I could get her to understand my needs for a Bridgeport and a lathe......

Jim

Jim, you need the BP & Lathe to make better hinges & latches for all the gates. You can be darn sure they need fits bored for bronze bushings or ball bearings. They are an odd size so you need the lathe to turn the pins.

Sooner or later that Kubota is bound to need pin fits repaired!!!!!

[jimcolt]

I'll give that a shot!

Jim