Water Pan Alternatives??????

[FabMan95]

Hi All,

Crazy Idea #3538891- In an attempt to contain the 'mess' when cutting, and eliminate the humid air /steam,I wonder why substituting a media such a either sand(washed) or pea gravel wouldn't be successful......Some material that is nonflammable and dry..... Sand might be easily dis-placed by the force of air, requiring a lowering of the tray/pan. Fine pea gravel would eliminate that possibility. Don't laff,it just might work.......

[djreiswig]

I don't think dry media is going to do much for eliminating the smoke. The water pan does a pretty good job of grabbing onto it.

[adbuch]

I don't think dry media is going to do much for eliminating the smoke. The water pan does a pretty good job of grabbing onto it.

[FabMan95]

OK......however,I have read of user's concern/complaints regarding the need for proper ventilation because of the generating of humid air in enough volume as to be a problem;either in the form of simply mold,and /or inhalation problems.
I'm new to cnc plasma(not yet having purchased one,in fact) and placement of what I do purchase will be in a room with a media blast cabinet,air compressor and pedestal grinder and buffers. This room has no ventilation system per se,other than opening overhead doors on both ends of the room;obviously not desirable to do in cold weather. Hence my investigation into other (possible) alternative to water.....

[WyoGreen]

I'd say it's going to depend on where you live and how often you are going to be cutting.

I live in a dry part of the country, and only cut stuff 3 or 4 days a week. I drain my water pan down into a plastic drum overnight and when I'm not cutting. I have zero problems with humidity, mold, etc. I have a lot of machinery in the shop, and have no problems with rust.

Maybe you should design your table to do what you want it to do and use it for a while. If you have a problem, then deal with it at that time.

Good luck on your new table, Steve

[FabMan95]

OK. Thank you,all,for responding to what probably seemed an unusual question..... It's apparent that I have one hell of a lot to digest,and,fortunately,there is this website with members with the patience to assist......
I intend to purchase a small 2X2 system,brand yet to be decided . I prefer one manufactured and assembled in the US (likely of 'global components',unfortunately),so the usual brands such as Premier,Langmuir,GoTorch,etc. are considered.

The capability of software included with whichever system as well as the manufacturer's direct support will be deciding factors for me.By that I mean that I don't believe that I should have to invest in any expansive programs to create the simple 2D parts (i.e.,brackets,adapter plates,and similar);nor should the manufacturer 'back pedal' on assistance and leave the purchaser to find their answers from others (i.e., 'Owners Community'). That business philosophy is both convenient and wrong.....

So,I am continuing my 'research'.....

Thanks once again.

[djreiswig]

Starlab tables are made in Minnesota. The candcnc controls they use are made in Texas. IMO both companies have excellent support.
You can draw with whatever software you choose. Cam is SheetCam (though not a US company), made by a one man company with excellent support and frequent free updates. Machine control software is now Linux based.
Check out these company's forums and see how quickly they respond to questions.

[adbuch]

The capability of software included with whichever system as well as the manufacturer's direct support will be deciding factors for me.By that I mean that I don't believe that I should have to invest in any expansive programs to create the simple 2D parts (i.e.,brackets,adapter plates,and similar);nor should the manufacturer 'back pedal' on assistance and leave the purchaser to find their answers from others (i.e., 'Owners Community'). That business philosophy is both convenient and wrong.....

So,I am continuing my 'research'.....

Thanks once again.

I think you will hear both good and bad about any of those companies mentioned, it most likely depends on who you talk to. If you are on a really tight budget, then perhaps the Langmuir Crossfire ($1495) might be for you. I have several friends who purchased the Crossfire when it first came out and they are really happy with their machines. I personally own several of the Plasmacam DHC2 machines which I am extremely happy with (have been using them for over 4 years now). As you are most likely aware, Plasmacam is the parent company for the GoTorch. But at over 3K with basic software, the GoTorch may not be for you. I have no personal experience with the Premier tables, but I am sure you will hear from some Premier owners who are very pleased with their tables (and perhaps a few who are not).
David

[tnbndr]

I cut with a 4x8 LDR Motion Systems table. The best water table design in existence as far as I am concerned. Drain water down in 2 minutes and fill in 1 minute. I cut in a 2 car garage for hours with the doors closed in the winter and I have no issues with humidity, rust, smoke, mold. Been in use for 7 years now

[adbuch]

I cut with a 4x8 LDR Motion Systems table. The best water table design in existence as far as I am concerned. Drain water down in 2 minutes and fill in 1 minute. I cut in a 2 car garage for hours with the doors closed in the winter and I have no issues with humidity, rust, smoke, mold. Been in use for 7 years now

[FabMan95]

Part of the selection problem is that while there are many obviously good,even great quality brands,not all of them offer a small 2x2 model,unless,the mfg'r itself is small and the 2x2 is their 'flagship'. The vast majority of members here are well beyond any 2x2 machine,both in capability and personal ability (primarily because they're operating a serious business with their machine(s)).That's quite understandable.....An investment of $3-5K is fine;I'll use the machine only occasionally,as an alternative method to fabricate versus the traditional vertical mill,rotary table,band-saw,die filer,etc. There appears to be a necessary level of knowledge/experience required in order to make an intelligent purchase decision that I don't have.....and don't see any way to obtain it easily.
So, the information gathering procedure is based upon(1) listening to various opinions/experiences,(2) inflated advertisements,(3)manufacturer responses to my inquiries regarding their products(and attempting to filter out the BS from the truth IF they do reply. ) are the only 'tools' that I have. Of the three sources,clearly the best source are the folks right here......But,unless someone here just happens to own the same size & brand that I'm investigating,even that assistance is compromised(but still much appreciated).

[adbuch]

Please let us know what 2x2 table you ultimately purchase, along with your rationale with respect to items (1) thru (3) you listed above.
Thanks,
David

[tnbndr]

The cost in a table is in the drives and electronics, the rest is metal material. The same electronics have to go into a 4x8 table as a 12x20 table as a 2x2 table.
I'm sure if you talk to Dan over at LDR Motion Systems he can build you a 2x2 table, as all their tables are custom built. Just don't expect a huge cost savings. All you save is some material and floor space. IMHO