PlazmaCam

[Scott V]

Because on Daves table it has really high quality parts.
The rails/ bearings and motors are super strong. The torch height
control is is top notch. Look close and you will see a
huge difference in quality.
I also love the open type software that has great
free support. I have the same setup on my practical
table SheetCam/Corel/Bobcad/ Mach 3/ CandiCNC
I like the idea of a 5'X5' table option too. Look at
the torch holder, and see it is for a machine torch
not some mickey mouse hand torch.
and can run a heavy router. A PlasmaCam would burn
up trying to even lift a router.

The other tables top load without top rails in the way.
I am going to upgrade my table, even though mine
works great now. I'm going for Daves fully outfitted,
or one of these two (at this point)

Do yourself a favor and see both machines before you buy.
Don't take anybodys word and buy a plane ticket if necessary.
You will thank me on that last bit of info.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=7603039853
http://www.koike.com/
http://www.koike.com/products/cuttingmachines/g_monomill.asp?CatID=201|monograph

[katiebo]

Scott,
Your in sight is appreciated. You added another machine to my list for consideration.

[Scott V]

Scott,
Your in sight is appreciated. You added another machine to my list for consideration.

Here is some more. This is some of the open type software that is
on Daves table. Download SheetCam and I could sent you some files
to play with. Do the same with Mach 3 although the screen will
be different with Daves, You can design your own screen if you like.

Just with a cheap copy of Corel 9 or 12 and SheetCam you could learn
quite a bit about how to setup and run a table. You could
be way farther along then most people and it would clear
up things when you did get your table.
The second link is Tom Caudle yahoo torch height control site.
He is also a expert with Corel anything and helps that way too.
All these guys are working separate but also together,
which is very cool for adding new cool things all the
time.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sheetcam/?yguid=82702294
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CandCN...yguid=82702294
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mach1m...yguid=82702294
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CncMan...yguid=82702294

[sstec]

katiebo

sstec, are you suggesting that the smaller plasma cutters are easier to dial into the ideal amperage needed to create fine detail?

Yes and No.
What I am saying is, for the most part a smaller amped machine has a finer kerf for cutting fine detail.
On my 375 I do not see much change in the kerf size no matter what I set the amps at.
On my 2050 I do see a change from low to high the kerf does open up.
Now we are talking +- .01 here.
But if you are wanting detail and repeat performance, these are things you will need to consider.
I always save my programs before I convert them to a cut path and then again depending on which machine I'm using to cut and the amp setting.

There are some job that I would never do with the 375 and some are not for the 2050.
When I first started out I only had the 375. I made it work for what I was doing but cutting 1/4" + steel you start to really slow down. I would have never even tried 1/2' or bigger with it. The 2050 does this very well and fast.
Now cutting very fine details in 12 ga. or less cold rolled steel the 375 out performs the 2050 hands down.

As Scott V stated, spend the time and money look at everything you can find, drive it before you buy it. The internet is great but you never know who's who's and what they recomend.
Open software is a plus as long as you can get cross support for your use.

There are a few others out there now who have reverse engineered some of plasmacams software and have some time saving add ons for different settings as far as switching material thickness, cut speeds and voltage setting for the height control.

Scott V. next time I'm in WA I'm going to look into http://www.dynamicplastic.com/
Looks like some interesting stuff.
The 5 x 10 would be a great add to my list.
sstec

[katiebo]

On a software note, I do own BobCadCam. Would this software be suitable for getting machine code from artwork?

[sstec]

software

As far as Plasmacam software goes.........
It does not "do all" it will import the following file types;
.bmp
.dxf
.pcm
.csv
and g-code.

The best type I have found is any "vector" type drawing, next would be BMP of 600 + dpi.
.pcm is plasmacam software file.
.csv are spread sheet files like g-code.
Basic parts are easy once you get into the software.

Pictures and art is like asking a lady what color something is....a never ending sea of colors ...not the basic black, white, red, blue...............

I use all kinds of software to create, import, scan and tweak some more. I'm always looking for a better way.
There are even some people out on the web who are selling their services to convert images to cuttable programs........they are doing the samething and keeping a tight lip on "how" they do it. Since it is how they get paid......
Don't stop looking and trying stuff.
Again, all this is how I see it from my corner of the world.
JMO

sstec

[alha]

Thanks for all the input, it helps us newbies a bunch! Quick question, if someone were to come upon a PlasmaCAM with a torch in the 3k range used but working, supposedly in good shape, would that be considered a good deal?

[Scott V]

On a software note, I do own BobCadCam. Would this software be suitable for getting machine code from artwork?

You are way better off taking the drawing into SheetCam to set
all the parameters. SheetCam is $150.00 and is the only reason
I still have my table. It came with bobcad 19 and it was too much
work to get it to work right. It can work but it's insane to use it
for a code generator, when SheetCam is around. You can take your
BobCad drawing into SheetCam easy enough.

I think SGV files are where Les is going to go with SheetCam,
At least Tom has been pushing him that way.

[sstec]

alha

Thanks for all the input, it helps us newbies a bunch! Quick question, if someone were to come upon a PlasmaCAM with a torch in the 3k range used but working, supposedly in good shape, would that be considered a good deal?
as long as it's a DHC in working order.
Also know that Plasmacam will charge you $500 bucks to"transfer" ownership in the event you need support and or parts......
The downside of private software......
sstec

[katiebo]

sstec,

You mention clean dry air and was wondering what you recommend for starting out. Is a refrigerated dryer required? Will a big 2 stage compressor with an 80 gallon tank (without a dryer) be suffiecent? I'm just trying to plan accordingly.

Thanks for your input.

[budman]

Apples to Apples

ScottV,

What is the cost of the Dynamicplastic table, full up? Is it in line with the Plasmacam? I was going to run out to CO to see the operation, and didn't really see a price-similar competitor. This is good news if there is one.

Budman

[sstec]

air and dyna

katiebo,
Hit this link to an old thread about CDA and cut quality. I posted a bunch of pictures then, with and with out CDA cuts and dross.
Should help answer some questions

http://www.millermotorsports.com/mbo...ead.php?t=3432

budman,
I called them yesterday about pricing.
They are going to give me a price on a 5 X 10 table with no plasma cutter.
They said they normal supply everything turn key. I told them I did not want their plasma cutter that I have my own Millers and I am quite happy with and that I would do the hook up and cross connection with my equipment.

Therefore , they will need to figure out a price.
So as soon as I get it I will pass it on.

By the way;
Where are you located?
There are several Plasmacam forms out there with lots of user. One may be closer to you and willing to let you stop by and look at their set-up.
Just a thought.

sstec

[budman]

Don't mean to hog in on this thread. sstec, I am located in Fort Worth, Texas. I talked with the folks in CO, but they made no mention of an opportunity to see the machine/setup locally. Thanks.

budman

[sstec]

budman

send me a e-mail through the board and I'll give the name/number/websight of a guy not to far away from you that has one. I'll check with him today to see if he's willing.
Plasmacam will not give out names of owners.
Which is OK by me.
I know at least 6 around Dallas/Fort Worth.

sstec

[alha]

Thanks for all the input, it helps us newbies a bunch! Quick question, if someone were to come upon a PlasmaCAM with a torch in the 3k range used but working, supposedly in good shape, would that be considered a good deal?
as long as it's a DHC in working order.
Also know that Plasmacam will charge you $500 bucks to"transfer" ownership in the event you need support and or parts......
The downside of private software......
sstec

sstec, thanks for the advice. Yeah, kinda a bummer to have to pay the manufacturer for the privilege of buying their unit used...

But, it is a DHC, is only 2 years old, and comes with a torch unit to boot, and I was told that it has had the latest updates to the unit from PlasmaCAM, so it seems like a good deal. I guess I was wondering if it was _Too_ good a deal? Is that price in the ballpark for what I described, or is this one that may be too good to be true. I thought they cost around $10k all set to go?