menniej wrote:Thanks for geting back to me with your help.
If you dont mind could you answer a few
for me on your PC ?
After getting the info packet with DVD and order form . Is the machine really that easy ? I was looking into getting the 4x4 with Advanced height control and then for the software upgrades was goin to get both Advanced Design and advanced machine control and for the Specialty add`ons get the Full 3D Capability . and after adding all that up you start talking alot of coin
LoL , I guess 4 the money will I be getting a machine that will last for years to come with out that many problems with it and ezz to use ?
Thanks Again .
Jason,
Admin is correct, you should check them all.
There are several good machines out there to toss around.
I have found plasmacam to be great software.
As far as the software upgrades and torch height upgrade, I don't have them.......Wish I did but you know how it goes, it all adds up ($$$$$$$$$) when trying to get into this.
I have the DHC unit.
As far as software, I have not found anything I cant draw, design or cut with it.
After talking with many plasmacam owners we all seem to do things differently but the same.
I can draw up parts and designs when others say it is not possible. I guess it just depends on how you jump into it.
I would love to upgrade to the newer software and DHC2 when I can.
After using their software for a few years it is like second nature now and every time I open the manual I see another way of doing something.
I guess that what happens when you get to where you can draw your parts and art, you just keep going.
Then, you get a different job and say "how is this done" you end up constantly learning and it is a learning process.
But with my experience with plasmacam you can have an idea in your head one minute, one paper the next and in your hand fast.
They are all the same to an extent...........Set up needs to be done correctly, torch height setting is very important,
speed is just important and torch settings too.
It's funny how I will have a problem and then someone else will have the same problem with a different machine (same monster in a different skin).
I will say to someone wanting to get into to this is.........Cutting is the easy part, finishing, powder coating, welding and all the other stuff deserves the same amount of homework as well.
Just look at the knives WSS and Plain Ol Bill did.......Anyone can cut a knife out but to be able to finish them like that is a entirely different story.
Plain Ol Bill does his by hand and I will say no machine will do that for you (beautiful).
I would love to be able to layer steel like bill does and come out with that at the end, that's craftsmanship.
Same with WSS, you can cut a knife blank out but to have it look like his in the end is a work of art!
I have found that the machine is only a small part of it, the rest is truly learned from trying.
The patinas and metal finishes from Steel FX look like a great product. I have never used his but some like it.
The nice thing is he offers some advice and he sells a book on finishing too, the others do not.
You will never find the advice on machines because everybody will keep your head spinning with mine is better, no...mine is better and mine is better than all of them............
I have had friends buy the ones the Admin was talking about and they like them too.
Just go with what feels right for what you are going to be doing and look through the posts for all the info we have all had issues with.
Then there is the big chore of how you will be selling the stuff you cut out! Totally different homework there........
The machine is the small part of the equation.......... But if you start out with a good one the rest can come together well.
As far as getting a machine with no problems................Not going to happen but most are from user error for sure (learning curve). but yes, plasmacam is easy to use and I am happy with it.
I think I am going to extend my cutting surface to a 4 X 8 (add track and extensions).
I have seen it done and it works great. Gives it more usable surface.
I cant stress enough about finishing your pieces and finding a market for them.
Remember.........there is a lot of metal art for sale out there, just look at ebay. It is swamped with it.
Find a niche and cut the heck out of it with another on the back burner.......This is what keeps you up at night designing and creating new stuff!
Oh yea one other thing..........the people you will find on this site can help when all else seems lost.
There are some fine people here and most are willing to help you out in a crunch
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask
. What im looking for is a well built machine that I can cut out designs and parts and not spend all day designing . Looking into getting the hypertherm powermax 1650 for the bigger stuff and we already have a smaller miller plasma at the shop 4 the smaller stuff. Im Looking into spending around $16,000.00 as we already have the industrial air compressor/dryer , all wiring and ventilation fans . The machine will be goin into my familys machine shop http://www.mennies.com/. Can anyone help me out on the best type of machine to get ? And has anyone have anymore info on the trucut cnc machine , I could not find any feedback on that machine but it does look well built and for the price It has me thinking on it .. 
