plasmacam/ torchmate

[Danny]

Any one using either of these that has an opinion ? Debating the plasma cam but still not decided ? Two things I am still looking into is weather I can run the same servo motors on one of my lathes and mill and basically use the same program. I like the Idea of PC based running. Before ya-all think I is ignorant, I know that its not just a case of mouting a few servos and run a program, but it may not be too far away from that, depends on a few things. Like does the plasma cam use only encoding at the motor to locate or does it run a scale to complete the loop ? Does that even make sense ? I never looked at a unit to see, and the pics on the web dont show me what all I want to see.
Also the plasma cam is standard 3 axis control, but what is the total travel of the Z ? And how rigid is it ? I would like to mill 6/6 nylon with it, I used to CNC a certain job, making a 100 batch, but one at a time. I am now thinking I may be able to set up a table with the p-cam, fixture a hundred , and use a roto zip with a end mill, along with a air blast to mill these out. But there would have to be about 2" of Z-travel to lift and move to the next part..
Also does Miller make a good plasma cutter to run with a CNC table ? I loved my 625 when I had it, now I barrow a hypertherm when I need one and kinda miss the 625, actually I wish I never would have sold it !
All things I would like to know before I really sit down and consider the investment.

[monte55]

You'll get more info on this at CNC.COM. I have been on there for about four months. I recently completed my 60X60" router/plasma machine I built. The
Z motor on the Plasma Cam is small and will not take much of a spindle. I believe the encoders are at the motor.

[monte55]

There is a guy on E Bay that makes CNC machines....machine,steppers,drivers,power supply,breakoutout board,PC,
Mach 3 and another program for as little as $3250 plus shipping and crating for a 20 x 30 " unit. He has larger. Go to E Bay and search with "cnc router"

[Danny]

One thing that scares me about ebay is no customer support and warranty applied in most cases. Even though a guy can save some bucks, it still puts a chill in my bones to think I could end up with a piece of equipment that just takes up floor space and creates a headache. I dont mind building a system but as far as the computer end of the whole system I want to make sure I can get technical support. I think the whole stepper motor thing will be out dated technology in the near future. It runs a closed loop circuit where servos are open. Looking at production equipment, everything is going servo drives, not a stepper to be found. Thank you for the reponses, I hope to hear more from others. I will check out CNC.COM .