Vulcan 2900

[Rustynutfab]

Hello
Not sure where I should post this so here it goes.
I just bought a vulcan 2900 that has sat for at least 8 years It needs a really good cleaning when I get it home.
The guy I bought it from said he knows nothing about it, I did get a hypertherm 900 in the deal and for what paid for it I won't get hurt at all.
Does anyone have any idea on software to go with it.
And I'm learning here so be gentle.

[adbuch]

https://mep.trimble.com/en/products/trimble-fabshop

vulcan cutting software.jpg

https://xn-trimble-fabshop-mobile-p4a.soft112.com/

trimble fab shop download.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z8Nh_T-ZyQ

[Rustynutfab]

Do you have an idea of the cost?

[adbuch]

Do you have an idea of the cost?

I found the information I posted above by doing a Google search.
I expect that Trimble Fabshop is an application software package, and not necessarily the control program required to run the table. You will need to do your research to figure out what control software it runs on. Did it come with a controller with keypad/screen, or??

Do your research and ask questions.

Good luck!

David

[Rustynutfab]

Thanks

[adbuch]

trimble 1.jpg

[tnbndr]

Vulcan tables were the most common found in sheet metal shops when I was working in the trade. They were mainly used for cutting ductwork and duct fittings and the software was designed to that task specifically. I can't remember the software, perhaps Shop Data, but it was proprietary to Vulcan.
It could import dxf files but it was a task and the translation lacked a lot. I used to cut some art files but I had to do a lot of work inside the software to correct translation issues.
I would look into converting all the mechanicals and electronics over to something more current and user friendly, like CandCNC or similar.

[Rustynutfab]

Thank you for you're help.
This is in a fabrication shop that built meter skids for the natural gas industry. So I'm assuming that they mainly used it to cut deck plates, end plates for the skids load line pipes and that kinda stuff.
I got a hypertherm 900 with it for 1500 bucks , I thought that it would be a good unit even I had to modify with something else?

[tcaudle]

Vulcan tables were the most common found in sheet metal shops when I was working in the trade. They were mainly used for cutting duct work and duct fittings and the software was designed to that task specifically. I can't remember the software, perhaps Shop Data, but it was proprietary to Vulcan.
It could import dxf files but it was a task and the translation lacked a lot. I used to cut some art files but I had to do a lot of work inside the software to correct translation issues.
I would look into converting all the mechanical s and electronics over to something more current and user friendly, like CandCNC or similar.

A lot of the old plasma table designed for cutting HVAC (i.e. Lockformer and Vulcan) did not have automatic torch height control. They used a pneumatic operated drag torch and were designed to cut out large pieces with limited detail.. Finding software to run that will be a challenge assuming it will all work, The 900 is the predecessor to the 1000 G3 series that cam out in early 2000.s It has no connections for any type of automation . The 1000 came out with the now standard CPC connector but Sans the internal voltage divider .
This is not am easy conversion and there are going to be a lot of surprises along the way.
Hopefully you paid scrap price for the table and very little for the 900 .

Good luck. Keep us informed on the progress

[weldguy]

So I am guessing the Vulcan table came with the computer that ran it.

Have you turned it on?

Is there software to operate the table on that computer already?

Maybe your just asking for suggestions on design software, I really don't know so please post back to clarify.

The 900 may not have an automation interface but that is not a problem, your Vulcan doesn't have THC anyway so all you need to do is turn the plasma on and off which can be easily done without the automation interface.

[Rustynutfab]

No I asked about computer to go with it , but Nobody knows anything about it. But I know I can't build the base structure for 1500 dollars, and after reading about the vulcan mainly used for duct work process, thats not I wanna do anyway . But the drive motors work I know that, but it doesn't have z up and down.
So I want be able use for fabrication and metal sign design.
I have been reading a bunch , but I'll be honest some is over my head but I'm learning. But I'm open to ideas or did I waste my money?

[SegoMan DeSigns]

Here is the link to the manual for the table:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/14359 ... tml#manual

[Rustynutfab]

Thanks I printed one off.

[tcaudle]

I will say this a gently as I can :
It needs more than a "modification". 25 year old technology is not going to mix with current technology. If th e morors are servo then finding a way to use them with a modern servo motion system will be a challenge.
with no Z , no THC , a proprietary control system and electronics that have no replacements, your value is in the table base , the linear rails and MAYBE the gantry. The 900, IF it works, will save you from having to buy a modern plasma. This could quickly become a money pit .

I take it this is a hobby level quest to have a table you don't mind putting a lot of sweat and time into.
So if your goal is the challenge , learning a LOT of new information and you don't mind the time and money it will take then its worth whatever you paid. If OTOH its to get a working table as fast as you can for the least money then ......maybe not,

[SegoMan DeSigns]

Thanks I printed one off.

Save a copy to the hard drive as well, I found this on Y/T with a search for "Vulcan 2900", they have several vids of your tables model retrofit, just do some searching on their channel (contact info on last part of the vid). Start a manual of your upgrade to keep all information in for future use.

https://youtu.be/8JQ3FOZqbkM?si=bIPDlqx1Mf4vu3fF

[adbuch]

No I asked about computer to go with it , but Nobody knows anything about it. But I know I can't build the base structure for 1500 dollars, and after reading about the vulcan mainly used for duct work process, thats not I wanna do anyway . But the drive motors work I know that, but it doesn't have z up and down.
So I want be able use for fabrication and metal sign design.
I have been reading a bunch , but I'll be honest some is over my head but I'm learning. But I'm open to ideas or did I waste my money?

I think you have the makings of a very nice project there! Does the table have a control console integrated with the table? Buttons to jog the carriage and gantry around.

David

[adbuch]

Maybe you could post some photos of your table so we can get a better idea of exactly what you are working with.

David