Most user friendly table or software?

[Fntugger]

Deep in the research process of purchasing a new CNC plasma/oxy table. Our current table is approximately 35 years old photo-eye machine (trace paper pattern) with a couple dozen presets with changeable parameters.

I say all that to ask is there a particular CNC software or table that is more or most user friendly? For example simple enough you could teach a 60 year old fellow who types with one finger to run basic presets and run files already tee'd up?

Thanks

[acourtjester]

It is not that hard no virgins in in the volcano needed, I'm 81 and I do all my own stuff, drawing to cutting. There are some companies that offer tutorial videos and maybe even their location training. What your asking for load files and cutting operation maybe 4 to 8 hours your off and running.


https://www.youtube.com/@Arclightcncplasmatablesystems

[Joe Jones]

I say all that to ask is there a particular CNC software or table that is more or most user friendly?

I will of course suggest the new PlasmaCam GENESIS cnc plasma table and DesignEdge software. There are those who love it, and those who hate it, just like every other make and model.

The software is very user friendly and capable. You don't need to learn G-Code. you just draw your shapes and the machine cuts them out.

I train on DesignEdge software (see my banner above) and I also train in person for those who want a more personal one-on-one experience.

I also have around 500 You Tube videso showing you how to use DesignEdge software.



Where are you located?

The answer to your question hinges on what you will be cutting out. Brackets and gussets? Most tables can do this with their software, once you learn the program. For the more artistic stuff ... "Metal Art" ... it is difficult to beat the PlasmaCam tables.

Joe

[BTA Plasma]

Acourtjester they no longer use that software. The best non propietary software for control at this level are CommandCNC (Linuxcnc) or Flashcut. Flashcut comes at a premium and is suited better for parts than art. CommandCNC utilizes all the advanced functions of sheetcam. Both softwares have what it takes to cut a part and control all the dynamic situations of plasma cutting. Because a lot can happen. There are a few propietary versions of LinuxCNC out there, a polish company controller called Myplasm and of course the above mentioned that is propietary to the above tables. Both CommandCNC and Flashcut are available on Star Lab tables.

[tcaudle]

I do not envy you on your quest. There are dozens of plasma table makers . It's really hard from reading their web sites exactly WHAT you are getting. Just because something is "easy" to use does not mean it will accomplish what YOU and your company need; (think training wheels on a motorcycle). Every vendor will tell you their system is the easiest to use. If your gaol is commercial use and low down time with good support that may not align with "easy" . Sometimes easy comes at the expense of flexibility and options you might want to add now or later. Example: a lot of tables are based on a controller and software form a place in Eastern Europe. If ALL you ever want to do is cut flat material with a plasma torch then it might be a viable choice. If , however you would like to have an integrated plate marker or switch to oxy-fuel for thick cuts, you are SOL. Its nice to have the actual provider of the controls and software (not just the table builder) be in the same hemisphere if not the same time zone..

There is a lot happening in the plasma CNC market . There are too many vendors and too few buyers . Even some of the big vendors are going though painful transitions . It's happened before years ago and quite a few players ended up gone.

So look past "easy" and look for "value" not price. Value means reasonable cost for the features you want.
Things have come a LONG way from the old "eye tracer" tables .

Is it as easy as the ads claim? Just scan a drawing , punch a button and it cuts out? Ask the users here,

Tom (acourtjester) has me by a few years but not many! When you stop learning you start dying.

[adbuch]

I do not envy you on your quest. There are dozens of plasma table makers . It's really hard from reading their web sites exactly WHAT you are getting. Just because something is "easy" to use does not mean it will accomplish what YOU and your company need; (think training wheels on a motorcycle). Every vendor will tell you their system is the easiest to use. If your gaol is commercial use and low down time with good support that may not align with "easy" . Sometimes easy comes at the expense of flexibility and options you might want to add now or later. Example: a lot of tables are based on a controller and software form a place in Eastern Europe. If ALL you ever want to do is cut flat material with a plasma torch then it might be a viable choice. If , however you would like to have an integrated plate marker or switch to oxy-fuel for thick cuts, you are SOL. Its nice to have the actual provider of the controls and software (not just the table builder) be in the same hemisphere if not the same time zone..

There is a lot happening in the plasma CNC market . There are too many vendors and too few buyers . Even some of the big vendors are going though painful transitions . It's happened before years ago and quite a few players ended up gone.

So look past "easy" and look for "value" not price. Value means reasonable cost for the features you want.
Things have come a LONG way from the old "eye tracer" tables .

Is it as easy as the ads claim? Just scan a drawing , punch a button and it cuts out? Ask the users here,

Tom (acourtjester) has me by a few years but not many! When you stop learning you start dying.

Very well said!! Thanks Tom.

David

[Rockchucker]

Hi y’all. Little bit older thread but hope this helps. I bought a complete flashcut retro fit for my used table. The software is unbelievably easy to use and intuitive. CAD CAM CNC is all in one. I mostly do heavy industrial stuff in my welding shop but I have messed around making signs and stuff for my buddies. Seems to do both tasks very well. This is my first kick at this and I’m NOT a Computer guy but I was off a running in no time. Highly recommend.

[adbuch]

Hi y’all. Little bit older thread but hope this helps. I bought a complete flashcut retro fit for my used table. The software is unbelievably easy to use and intuitive. CAD CAM CNC is all in one. I mostly do heavy industrial stuff in my welding shop but I have messed around making signs and stuff for my buddies. Seems to do both tasks very well. This is my first kick at this and I’m NOT a Computer guy but I was off a running in no time. Highly recommend.

Thanks for that! I went to their website to request a demo version to check it out. I tried several times and the link was not working.
David

[Rockchucker]

I believe you need to run their controller setup. Mine dynatorch crapped out and no parts available so I had to replace the brains

[Rockchucker]

Fab-cut is the dealer that I went thru. Excellent service and support

[ROKCRLER]

I believe you need to run their controller setup. Mine dynatorch crapped out and no parts available so I had to replace the brains

I'm curious about what crapped out on your Dynatorch and which parts are not available.. I've been able to get any replacement part from Russell without any issues. Granted, all I've replaced are bearings and 2 servo motors.

[Rockchucker]

The main pcb was burnt on it when i got it. I spent hours researching the best way to fix it including talking to Russel,(awesome guy and super helpful btw ) those board s are custom made by an outfit called logitech if i recall correctly but when dynatorch went belly up they ceased production. i coulda got it repaired likely but starting out with an obsolete machine just wasnt the direction i wanted to go. Got a complete retro kit from fabcut basically from the PC to the gearboxes. I got the table cheep so the 20k CDN retro kit was still in the budget. On a side note i still have all motors and drives so if you need parts dm me

[acourtjester]

Little late for you but for others in a similar situation tcaudle of CandCNC sell kits for reworking tables. He is an active member here, I bought 2 of his kits many years back, worked fine for me and my DIY tables. He has kit that include the PC and software, plus motors.

[Rockchucker]

Yes Jester I looked at them as well. They werent interested in my table because they didnt have a kit made for it already and they said engineering a retrofit would be cost prohibitive . also I wanted the easiest and quickest way to get up and running and I know a few buddies who run flashcut and i really like how it works

[acourtjester]

It shows research works out, found a solution and used it, great

[dodom]

https://www.bosstables.com/

[Joe Jones]

There are literally dozens of small to large, commercial cnc plasma tables listed in online auctions right now. I like my Samson 510 table, but I am all about saving money as this economy crumbles. It would be very difficult to convince me to buy a NEW table in this economy. With companies closing down, and moving to laser tables, there are just too many deals out there. This sucks for the manufacturers who enjoyed high sales numbers and limited competition years ago.

I am looking for a fiber laser table, but even then, I am sifting through the dozens of good, used machines I find online. It is just a cold, hard fact of life. When the economy tanks, DEALS can be found

Joe

[Rockchucker]

It shows research works out, found a solution and used it, great

You bet. Nothing against the CandCNC GUYS. They were helpful and I really appreciate the honesty. Better than throwing cash into a black hole.