CNC plasma table....

I have a friend that has way to much money. He is interested in buying a 4x8 cnc plasma table. He mainly wants to use it for personal use but would like to try selling axle tabs, notches, brackets and one off stuff. My question is, does anyone have any experience with these. Is anyone using these to make parts. Thanks. I'm kind of pushing him to buy it because he would let me use it anytime.

check out the tables from torchmate. nice, affordable stuff. torchmate.com

Yeah he looked at a couple of those. He really likes the tables made by PracticalCNC. You can get one with the router and plasma option.

I was using one before i got ahold of a lazer. Theyre nice for simple stuff and you can get somewhat detailed after fine tuning the amperage, speed and curve speed.

I know the laser kuts better than the plasma but how much better is it.

if he's got money to burn get a water jet machine

We've had one for years and hardly use it anymore, from Torchmate. Really good machine but as with any plasma you have to have your machine set up perfectly for it to perform at cutting small stuff like tabs and brackets, cutting small holes with a plasma is useless, when you cut with plasma it bevels the edges, setting up your machine properly can solve this but you will always have it there somewhat. We use a different program that helps with the beveling problems and we also have the height control on it which helps, I'll cut a tab with it and try to post pics of it when I'm done to show the outcome

Edited: 8/29/2006 6:00:42 AM by waylowwhitey

I built my own table. I can use oxyfuel or plasma. Torchmate is ok,but over priced for what you get but stay away from Practical CNC. Their controller program is junk. Right off the bat you will need a different controller program, and generally you will wind up needing new motors and drivers. If you absolutely have to buy and don't want to build, go with Dynacnc. And yes, plasma leaves a horrible bevel (about 5 degrees-7 degrees)when cutting anything thicker than 3/16 or 1/4. This is why I have oxyfuel capabilty as well. I can cut up to 6 inch thick plate with no problem with oxyfuel. Plasma is best on thinner stuff. I have looked at many different cnc tables, and finally decided to build my own. I probably have 1/10 of the money in my table that you would spend on Torchmate model 3. And Laser is the best you can get, but is expensive to own and operate.

Originally posted by thacru78



I know the laser kuts better than the plasma but how much better is it.



Edges are dam near perfect. On the 10ga stainless pieces i do the edges look polished.