Plasma cam machines

[N.B.E. Inc.]

I am looking into purchasing a plasma table. If you could tell me the pros and cons of this machinery. Also wanting to know what products to look further into and which to avoid. And also where maybe to find used ones. Thank you.

[TMT89523]

Give Torchmate a call or check out thier web site http://torchmate.com/ . The tech support is free and when updated versions of software there is no fee.

[N.B.E. Inc.]

As I read and investigate I am finding out that torchmate is a pretty reputable machine. I think I am leaning that way. Plus they dist. close to where I'am located. I want to thank all for your responses.

[Torchhead]

The good part of a Torchmate is that it uses conventional motor drivers and parallel port PC interface so you could elect to use some other software controller software (eg MACH3) and take advantage of all the built in plasma feature and lower cost THC options. They of course would prefer you buy into their total solution but at least there are options if you later decide you want something else.

Some offerings like the PlasmaCAM and DynaTorch are proprietary and you have to use their motion software/controller. This may not sound like a bad idea but then you find other third party options closed to you. You live with the features as they are or scrap the machine

It's kinda like buying a car that uses custom sized tires, battery, wiper blades, etc and having no place to get replacements but from the factory. When you only have one source you only have one price.

[Matt T]

I purchased a Plasma Cam 6 months ago, I have not had any problems with tech support. The table is on the light duty side, I have cut 3/4" on many occasions. My biggest problem is the way the torch is held: it is hard to get square and when the table sets the torch height the torch is pushed up in the holder. Also it uses a hand held torch. I have a Hyperthem Powermax 1250 which I am very pleased with and would recommend to anyone.

[Torchhead]

Matt: How does PlasmaCAM do their torch height control and initial height sensing? What about pierce control and arc sensing?

I guess as long as you are happy with the software and hardware solution that is all that matters. They have sold a boatload of those machines (much like ShopBot has routers) and it shows the power of advertising and marketing.

[N.B.E. Inc.]

Hey Torchhead I talked to the guy a Torchmate about a Demo and was totally impressed with it. I have a appointment he asked me some questions about what I wanted to do and with the machine and he worked me up a quote and for about the same price as the Plasma cam I can get the Torchmate table with a Thermal Dynamics Cut master 151 and lead. Since I have to look into a new computer they offer a Dell already configured to the table. I must say impressed. Thanks for your help and info.

[Torchhead]

Now, tell them you want to run the table with MACH3 and an integrated Torch Height Controller (for MACH3), You don't need their control software (Flashcam with proprietary card) and watch their hair catch on fire!!

[Matt T]

Torchhead: You enter the thickness of the material. The machine lowers the torch until it touches the material then moves up to the pierce height the operator specifies, once it starts cutting it uses the arc voltage to adjust the cutting height.

[bbq]

Anyone know anything about EZ-Router Plasma Sys?

[loscar]

Upss!!! I Think That I Have A Problem, I Bought An Old Plasma Table And Not Have Software, The Control Works Only Essi Codes "bad News", And Now I Need A Software, Exist Some Software That Generates These Codes? Can The Mach3 Work?

I Appreciate Your Comments!!!

[Torchhead]

Anyone know anything about EZ-Router Plasma Sys?

Yes. They build a rugged table, they have good customer support , they have good internal technical people , they use open components and software (MACH3, Gecko drives,etc) and they use the best Digital THC on
the market...ours

Tom Caudle
www.CandCNC.com