torchmate 1 or 2 ?

[weller_welding]

I'm going to buy one or the other. I'm also looking at the thermal dynamic cutmaster. Do i need the automated versions or will the standard version be fine? I don't plan on cutting more than 3/8" steel. Which cutmaster do i need?
Any info would be appreciated.


Jim
Weller Welding
jim@wellerwelding.com

[balto]

I bought a torchmate 2, 4x4 last june and really like it. Be sure and get the
torch hight contol. I didn't at first, but ordeed it a short time later. My plasma
is a, hypertherm powermax 1000. It does a great job, but the thickest metal
I've cut is 1/4".

[Mike@Torchmate]

The standard version of the CutMaster is what we normally would use. If you aren't planning on ever cutting more then 3/8, I would probably recommend a CutMaster 101. It is always good to plan ahead, in case you ever may get a job quoted for thicker materials.

Either table is a good choice, a Torchmate 1 is quite a bit more production work on your part, to save some money. Black hollow's build would show you what exactly is involved, and a few upgrades he has made would be something to consider if you go that route.

[superbee]

This will be my first post on CNC Z but I read a lot of the threads to gather opinions on the different tables and cutters. The site has been very helpful, Thanks to all who post. I purchased a Torchmate 2 5 x 10 bolt together and am very pleased with the decision. I originally intended to buy the kit and build my own table but the cost of the steel added to some labor costs to weld it turned out to be more than the bolt together.The kit went together very easily with myself and one helper and the slots in the extruded aluminum have allowed me to design a simple water table for the unit. Good Luck!

[ivel83]

good day sir....
I am new to this as well, so this is my first post....I also got a torchmate 2 bolt together recently and has surfing around looking for ideas on watertables and downdraft apps. I'd love to see some pics of what you built for yourself and why did you decide to go with a watertable over downdraft. personaly i'm leaning towards downdraft but i'd appreciate your opionions on the matter.

[LenMcC]

i think down drafts require either super high flow, or a clever design to make the down draft zoned, so that only the portion of the table under the torch is pulling air. I don't know what kind of flow is recommended, but I know for some other dusty booth-type operations 100-120 linear air feet per minute is recommended across the open area. so for a 5x10ft table, that'd be 5000-6000cfm. so you'd need a high-pressure blower that could handle probably 7000-8000cfm (to account for losses), a filtration system of some sort, and you'd still have to build an enclosure under the machine.

[Mike@Torchmate]

i think down drafts require either super high flow, or a clever design to make the down draft zoned, so that only the portion of the table under the torch is pulling air. I don't know what kind of flow is recommended, but I know for some other dusty booth-type operations 100-120 linear air feet per minute is recommended across the open area. so for a 5x10ft table, that'd be 5000-6000cfm. so you'd need a high-pressure blower that could handle probably 7000-8000cfm (to account for losses), a filtration system of some sort, and you'd still have to build an enclosure under the machine.

You are correct, typically we recommend multiplying your total surface area by 125 to get the CFM numbers for how much flow you need for a downdraft system. A 4x4 table has a surface area of 16 sq. ft. multiplied by 125 gives you a recommended fan volume of 2000 CFM. Larger tables usually accommodate the increase in surface area by 'zoning' off the suction to only work in the area directly beneath the torch.

[Med-Pac]

Good afternoon fellow Torchmate users,

Here are a few pictures of our 4 x 8 table, we are running a 1000 hypertherm, AHC, witha downdraft table. We have successfully cut .50 stl with a +/- .03 tolerance. I don't have any plans/prints drawn for our downdraft, but I can definately send more detailed pics if you'd like.

We decided to go with downdraft because we heard that cutting alum. with a watertable would potentially develop an explosive mixture. Not sure if it's true, but I'd rather not be the test subject for it. We've never had any issues with excess smoke in the shop, if you do.....geta bigger fan!

Mike

[ben88ner]

Any idea where I would find a link to Black Hollows build on the Torchmate 1. I just recieved all the pieces for my Torchmate 1, and would like as much help, direction ,and photos of others TM1 projects as possible.
Thanks
Ben88ner

[Mike@Torchmate]

Any idea where I would find a link to Black Hollows build on the Torchmate 1. I just recieved all the pieces for my Torchmate 1, and would like as much help, direction ,and photos of others TM1 projects as possible.
Thanks
Ben88ner

Here is the link to Black Hollow MFG's build thread.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask, or if you need some specific pictures, just ask and I can email you some.

http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32058

-Mike

[ben88ner]

Here is the link to Black Hollow MFG's build thread.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask, or if you need some specific pictures, just ask and I can email you some.

http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32058

-Mike

Thanks Mike ! I'm sure I'll be talking to ya soon and often. I have some Ideas for changing a few things to make the table more accomadating for my shop and use. Mostly about material to be used for the gantry and table, etc.
Thanks again !
Todd
Phoenix, AZ