Machine Torch Recommendations

[MissHope]

Hey team,

I apologize in advance if I missed a good thread on this topic. I've searched a few times through a few avenues and came up short, so please direct me to any posts that have already addressed this.

That being said, can anybody share with me what machine torch body they use for the PlasmaCAM system? I have a 4x4 table and a Hypertherm 45 and 65 and I'm running on a fairly new version of the software. I'm trying to get this baby up and running for my students (after a decade of hibernation from the previous teacher,) but I don't want to get a torch that doesn't quite communicate or has horrible consumable life or replacement prices. I've got hand torches for both machines, but I've heard that the machine torch is the way to go for consumable life- does that read true for the group as well?

Thank you for any insight and expertise on your recommendations!

-Cheyanne | Agricultural Educator

[jteller07@hotmail.com]

First question is what type of torch holder is on your PlasmaCam table. If it's a holder for a hand torch, then you would want to contact PlasmaCam and see if they make a machine torch holder for your table still. If they do, then you will need to make sure you have a CPC port for which ever machine you are putting on the table and an interface cable to go between the two machines. Hypertherm's Machine torch part number that will work on both of your powermax machines is 059477.

[adbuch]

Hey team,

I apologize in advance if I missed a good thread on this topic. I've searched a few times through a few avenues and came up short, so please direct me to any posts that have already addressed this.

That being said, can anybody share with me what machine torch body they use for the PlasmaCAM system? I have a 4x4 table and a Hypertherm 45 and 65 and I'm running on a fairly new version of the software. I'm trying to get this baby up and running for my students (after a decade of hibernation from the previous teacher,) but I don't want to get a torch that doesn't quite communicate or has horrible consumable life or replacement prices. I've got hand torches for both machines, but I've heard that the machine torch is the way to go for consumable life- does that read true for the group as well?

Thank you for any insight and expertise on your recommendations!

-Cheyanne | Agricultural Educator

I own a Plasmacam DHC2 and use both 45xp and 85 with hand torch. If you already have the Hypertherm Duramax hand torches for your plasma cutters, then I would stick with those and use the stock OEM Plasmacam torch holder, which normally comes with every table. If you don't have the torch holder, then give Plasmacam a call and order one.

Assuming you use the proper consumables for the material you are cutting, and use the proper "book settings" from the Hypertherm mechanized cutting charts - consumable life should be the same regardless of hand torch or machine torch.

Some folks will recommend the machine torch for ease of vertical alignment (perpendicular to table). If you decide to go that route, then buy an OEM Hypertherm machine torch along with the Snap'nCut machine torch holder from Robert Johnson.

https://www.490creations.com/products/s ... VbJkfPJ6bA

Robert can also provide you with the model number for the appropriate Hypertherm machine torch for your Plasmacam table. Be prepared to spend around $1000 or so for the machine torch/torch holder.

Otherwise - the Plasmacam hand torch mount is probably under $200.

Also - as was mentioned previously - the Hypertherm machine torch requires installation of the CPC port upgrade kit along with a specific torch control cable to interface your controller to the CPC port. Robert Johnson sells this torch control cable as well.

If you go with the hand torch, then the Plasmacam torch control cable (normally supplied with every Plasmacam table) is what you will need.

There are specific instructions in the Plasmacam Video Manual for installing and testing the torch control cable. If your table was already up and running in the past using the Hypertherm plasma cutters, then chances are that the torch control cable has was already installed and tested.

As far as software - are you using Design Edge or the older 3.11 software? If Design Edge - what software upgrades (if any) do you have? The most desirable are Advanced Design, Advanced Machine Control, and Advanced Height Control.

If you are on the older 3.11 software and still have the original 3.11 installation CD, then you can install the software on multiple computers in your shop to allow more than one student to use the software at a time (for designing and creating cut paths).

If you are on Design Edge, then additional software seats are $500 per seat for the second and third seats, and $250 per seats #4 and up.

You students can also use other design software and save their files in dxf format for import to the Plasmacam software.


I've been using the hand torches on both of my Plasmacam tables since 2017 with no problems, excellent cuts, and great consumable life.

David

[DieselFumes]

I expect you will get the same consumable life and cut quality regardless of whether you use the hand or machine torch. They share the same internal design and consumables. The machine torch is easier to get mounted rigidly which is important but if you can install the hand torch rigid than you should be just fine. I have a Plasmacam machine torch mount I have never used for sale here if you decide you want to go that route https://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?t=35771