torchmate verses plasma cam

[balto]

I'm going to buy either a, 4x4 torchmate with router attachment or a plasma cam. Can't make up my mind. I need advise on which one to buy. Please help.

[massajamesb]

I would personally lean more to the Torchmate machine myself if I only had those two to choose from. I say that mainly because I have seen some good customer support on this list from Torchmate, and I do not personally care for the PlasmaCam. I don't own either unit, though.

I will say that there are a number of other manufacturers out there that should not be ignored (DynaCnc,EZRouter,Dynatorch,etc), as they all make a very nice and very capable 4x4 machine as well.

Check with Mike from Torchmate on here, he has always seemed to be very helpful with any questions about Torchmates machines.

[balto]

Thanks, I haven't ruled out others, but being new to this, i'm haven't problems finding tables that handle both, plasma and routing. The plasma torch I bought is the, Hypertherm powermax 1000, with hand held torch.

[massajamesb]

That is a nice plasma cutter there!
Many advertise that you can do routing and plasma with their tables, I would have to say that you are probably looking at a machine that is meant mainly for plasma, but could be used for a light amount of wood routing. This is not a poke at any company, it is merely my opinion.

The drive systems and linear bearings on a smaller table like a 4x4 may not be strong enough to support heavy duty router work. Before purchasing, you should really decide on how much you will run the table, and what you will be doing the majority of the time.

I would advise you to be wary of big flashy catalogs that might mislead you. Those are made by people in marketing and advertising, who may or may not know anything at all about what they are really selling.

[balto]

Maybe I'd be better off buying a plasma table and building a table for routing?
I could use my plasa table as a pattern.

[Mike@Torchmate]

Originally Posted by massajamesb I would advise you to be wary of big flashy catalogs that might mislead you. Those are made by people in marketing and advertising, who may or may not know anything at all about what they are really selling.

I would agree entirely, and even worse off is the people who claim that their machines can do it and then fail to support that claim, or charge you to teach you how to utilize it.

What are you intending to route with the machine? This will play a factor in the table and what you need in order to make your application work. The material support bed on the 4x4 small shop machine, while set up for plasma cutting, doesn't have a very deep support bed. You may be interested in going with a kit form table so that you can build it to your needs and have various adjustable support beds or even two support beds if you plan to switch between plasma and routing often.

Also if you do call up and ask for a quote, be sure to get quoted on the larger 264 oz in motors which they should ask you for if you intend to do any routing with the machine.

-Mike

[balto]

Just got off the phone with, Torchmate. Nice people to deal with. Joe is working me up a price quote. I've about decided to forget the plasma router combo and build a seprate router table.

[PlasmaCAM]

Remember we are here at PlasmaCAM to answer any questions you may have. We have great support to get you up and going. Also if you are ever in the area please feel free to visit and see our operation and machine in action. Your satisfaction is very important to us.

[balto]

I bought the, Torchmate 4x4 table. Believe it or not but, I ordered it yesterday and it was shipped today. I did wire the money but was told it could be two week. I'm impressed, so far.

[Mike@Torchmate]

Originally Posted by balto I bought the, Torchmate 4x4 table. Believe it or not but, I ordered it yesterday and it was shipped today. I did wire the money but was told it could be two week. I'm impressed, so far.

If you need any help as far as the instructions go or setting up the table, feel free to call in. I know the 4x4 instructions are a little worse for the wear, but we should be able to help you in any way necessary.

[balto]

Thanks, Mike. I'll try not to brother you anymore than I have to, but probably will need some help. By the way, sense you now use, USB, will a laotop work ok for the PC? I have a Sony VGN620 with 80 gig hard drive and a external 500 gig hard drive, so it has plenty of memory. 256 ram.

[Mike@Torchmate]

Originally Posted by balto Thanks, Mike. I'll try not to brother you anymore than I have to, but probably will need some help. By the way, sense you now use, USB, will a laotop work ok for the PC? I have a Sony VGN620 with 80 gig hard drive and a external 500 gig hard drive, so it has plenty of memory. 256 ram.

Yes that Laptop should work fine with our USB signal generator. Like I said, anything you need don't feel bad to call on bother us.