Upgrading table suggestions

[SacredOakD&F]

Hello all. I currently have a GoFabCNC 4x8 table. I have had my issues with the table but most have been user error. It has been a great entry table but I would like to upgrade to a 5x10 or possibly a 6x12 table. I am wanting something with much more accuracy but I don’t want to get away from plasma. I would like to hear suggestions from other operators who may have experience with some of these tables. Of course I want to keep the price as low as possible but I know for a better and larger table I don’t need to expect GoFabCNC prices. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[adbuch]

I don't know what your specific budget is, but I would suggest taking a look at the Plasmacam Sampson 510. This is a 5 x 10 table using servo motors and that great Design Edge software.

David

[acourtjester]

If you have the time build your own, lots of options and places to save money. Better software, (linuxcnc) electronics, and servos, will get you there. Making sure the table is rigid for its size and accessories. Right off you save shipping cost, parts markup, and profit margins that a vendor would charge. And the table will be configured as you want it for your needs. There are some DIY examples posted by member here, use the search function to find them. Segoman, RodW and others.

[Joe Jones]

I have used the Samson 510 table and DesignEdge software since 2012. I run both a plasma torch and a router on the table. I do like the table and I love the software. I know people poo-poo PlasmaCam, but I just cannot imagine moving to another table now where I would be required to learn G-Code, and use three different programs to cut a simple part. The PlasmaCam tables and software do it all, and more.

The company is a bit quirky, as we all know. Perhaps it is because everyone is trying to hack the PlasmaCam software. People complain about it, but then they all try to mimic it.

In a contest where several tables and software are set up in a large room, and a design is handed to each table owner, I am willing to bet that the PlasmaCam table would be the first to produce the part 99% of the time. Once you LEARN the software, it is actually fun to use.

Yes, there are a hundred different things that can go wrong with a PlasmaCam table and DesignEdge software, but I am betting that if everyone was HONEST, we would discover that ALL tables have these same gremlins. I have not yet found any software that lets me take a drawing, or a text description of a part and produce a cut ready DXF file faster than DesignEdge.

Joe