Torchmate and Design2fab software?

[kreb]

My shop is planning on taking the CNC Plasma plunge and we're leaning towards a Torchmate 3. I don't hear much said about the software however.

Shop use will include duct fittings and structural steel components (up to 1 inch thick). It'll also be used for my sisters copper craft business. We'll probably set up a water table to contain debris and smoke. We are a small volume custom fabricator, not a production outfit.

What do you guys think of the software options? I'm still relatively early in the fact-finding process. We don't need estimating software, and would rather not spring for the big bux stuff.

Thanks,

[jprobst]

we have a torchmate three, its okay, you get what you pay for, this machine will not hold anything closer than a +/- .030 tolerance which doesn't work well for us.

[kreb]

well one can't expect any tighter tolerance than that working by hand. Any other thoughts about the unit? How about software?

[jprobst]

software isn't bad, i use mastercam on a daily basis and to me the torchmate cad is a step backwards, but it's an okay program,

[jb_swampfox]

have you modified a mastercam post for the torchmate? I have got into the torchmate cad yet, I am much more comfortable with mastercam. I have been using the default router post and then editing my program,

[jprobst]

no i have the torchmate cad and driver, it works fine for what we do here

[steelest12]

Hi,
You can streamline your business in more ways than you consider right now, when using the proper construction estimating software.You can get more information from http://www.acecadsoftware.com/steel_estimating.

[steelestima12]

Hi,
The web offers estimating software for each component of the building that needs estimating. For instance, if you need to estimate the residential steel framing estimate of carpentry, you have TNE. There are other software that are far more sophisticated and designed with 3D visual features connected to the database you design. You can get more information from http://www.acecadsoftware.com/steel_estimating.

[steelsoftw12]

Hi,
You should always consider the inconsistencies of running a construction
business, before making a choice of which construction estimating software
program you should use. You can get more information from
http://www.acecadsoftware.com/steel_estimating.

[rosswell25]

Originally Posted by steelsoftw12 Hi, You should always consider the inconsistencies of running a construction business, before making a choice of which construction estimating software program you should use. You can get more information from http://www.acecadsoftware.com/steel_estimating.

I would agree with you in this context, it is pretty important to choose a construction estimating software program before starting construction. And I have been through the provided link, very useful and informative. Anyhow, thanks a lot for providing such a useful information. Hope u would continue doing this.

[Rbeckett]

Originally Posted by jprobst no i have the torchmate cad and driver, it works fine for what we do here

Takes a little learning, but once learned it does a fine job. Had my TM system for 4 + years and I love the little machine. Bought it for the same basic uses you describe and been very happy with results and capabilities straight out of the crate. If you go TM, get the torch height control, you will be much happier from the outset. Otherwise, never had an issue with hardware or software, and support is the best. Lifetime free tech. and
Mike is a really helpfull resource if you have an issue.