Which plasma table would be best for a training center?

[certifiedinc]

I work for a sheet metal training center. We currently have an Arclight Dynamics 4'x8' plasma table. We are running a Hypertherm Powermax 85 cutter with it and using AutoCAD/Sheetcam for our cuts. We are looking to eliminate the water table and move to a downdraft table. Everything we do has to be budgeted, quoted and approved by the board. I have say in the options we price out, but have very limited experience with other brands. My previous employer used Lockformer tables with Vulcan/Trimble software.

That being said, what would you all recommend for a 4'x8' table. Something that has limited issues, and great support. (we have struggled with support and constantly have DTHC issues with the Arclight)

Thank you for your feedback.

[sincityairfx]

Check out FastCut CNC at https://www.fastcutcnc.com/ I am a fabricator and painter by trade and with no previous cnc experience I was able to pick it up fast and they are super helpful

[Joe Jones]

It might surprise people to see me steer you AWAY from a PlasmaCam table. The PlasmaCam, and the proprietary DesignEdge software are awesome. Especially with the new GENESIS tables. However, neither the PlasmaCam tables, nor the software that runs them will prepare a person to enter the world of CNC production.

This is because the software does not immerse the user into G-Code and other INDUSTRY STANDARD practices, so a person who can make a PlasmaCam table SING (like me, for example ) is basically useless to the industry, when they stand him in front of a machine that uses Mach 3 or 4, and other software that a PlasmaCam user NEVER sees. I would not know where to BEGIN to make a cnc plasma table cut out a 4" square, using Mach 3 software.

As much as I like the PlasmaCam products and LOVE the software, I do not see them as a useful tool in a career training environment. They are great for a high school metal shop where the kids make metal art and things. However, learning to run a PlasmaCam table does not help them in the industrial arena.

I know little to nothing about the other table brands either, so I cannot offer much help here. I believe that the JD Squared tables are nice. Torchmate? Langmuir? ArcLight? Premier Plasma? ShopSabre? Piranha? Baleigh? Hornet? MaverickCNC? STV? Lincoln? Miller? FastCutCNC? Spark Robotic? Eastwood? Ali EXPRESS? SO MANY OTHERS too!

However, I have heard negative comments about EVERY table brand at one time or another. I suspect that most of the issues amount to OPERATOR ERRORS.

Joe



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[elmendalerenda]

I used to work with the CrossFire PRO from Langmuir Systems, and it was a solid choice for a 4'x8' table. Their support was pretty good, and I didn’t run into many issues with it. Another table I’ve heard good things about is the Weldlogic Downdraft Table—might be worth checking out. Both could be good options if you’re having trouble with the Arclight setup.

[djreiswig]

Starlab tables are well built and I've had a great experience with support when I was getting started. Even reached the owner on a weekend.

[adbuch]

I have actually heard some pretty good things about the Arclight Dynamics tables, and I particularly like that Scanything option that they offer for tracing templates. I would think that the least expensive solution may be to simply eliminate the water table and convert your existing table to downdraft operation. I would also suspect that many of your height control issues may have been a result of your water table.

David

[tnbndr]

How old is the Arclight table? They were my second choice before I purchased an LDR Motion Systems, LDR had a better designed water table and the lead time was way shorter.
I have heard nothing but good things about Arclight support. I would spend some more quality time contacting them and getting your problems solved. Not sure what you mean by struggled with support? I also would not rush to get rid of the water table. It exceeds downdraft by miles. Arclight has a bunch of videos on YouTube or their site for training and help. Have you tried that route?
I am a retired Local 18 Sheet Metal Worker and used the Vulcan Systems at several shops. Their software is for ductworks and fittings and does not work well for artwork type files/environment.
You have a quality plasma table, I would spend the time necessary to iron out the issues.

[elmendalerenda]

You might want to check out the Lincoln Electric Torchmate tables. They're pretty reliable, have good support, and the software is user-friendly. Plus, the downdraft system on them works well, which should help with your move away from the water table.

[adbuch]

How old is the Arclight table? They were my second choice before I purchased an LDR Motion Systems, LDR had a better designed water table and the lead time was way shorter.
I have heard nothing but good things about Arclight support. I would spend some more quality time contacting them and getting your problems solved. Not sure what you mean by struggled with support? I also would not rush to get rid of the water table. It exceeds downdraft by miles. Arclight has a bunch of videos on YouTube or their site for training and help. Have you tried that route?
I am a retired Local 18 Sheet Metal Worker and used the Vulcan Systems at several shops. Their software is for ductworks and fittings and does not work well for artwork type files/environment.
You have a quality plasma table, I would spend the time necessary to iron out the issues.

I second what Dennis has said here. He offers some great advise.

David

[adbuch]

You might want to check out the Lincoln Electric Torchmate tables. They're pretty reliable, have good support, and the software is user-friendly. Plus, the downdraft system on them works well, which should help with your move away from the water table.

Although I have no personal experience with the TM tables, I did purchase a seat of the TMCad software a few years ago and do very much like if for certain things. The educational version can be downloaded and installed free of charge to try it out - the only limitation is that it will only save in the .edu file version.

David

https://torchmate.com/training-header/t ... -downloads

tm cad.jpg

[acourtjester]

I would look at only tables that do not have Proprietary software, the students may not go to work for a company that has that brand of table. Thus would need to be retrained over again. Training should be inclusive not excusive, as should be the CAD and CAM training, it is easier to have some flexibility. IMHO

[SegoMan DeSigns]

Why the move away from the water table? I like the smoke mitigation and the anti warping of the metal associated from them.

TM is no longer the friendly little company that it used to be since Lincoln bought them out. However their software is straight forward and easy to work with (or it was on the early models) and they do offer a great educational package.

[tumbleweed]

I have bought and used an LDR Motion Systems 4x8 for many years. I am now in need of a stepper motor. Where can I get one since LDR is no longer in business.

[weldguy]

It would be best to get the exact same motor you currently have. Is there a label on the motor with some info?

If not I have always had great luck with steppers from Applied Motion https://www.applied-motion.com/s/catego ... 0008sUpGAI

[tumbleweed]

Thanks weldguy for your reply. I talked to the person you suggested and he couldnt help me, but was a really nice person. Just some more info--the stepper motor number is 60HS100DE06T. That is all that is on the motor-no name or anything. Any other suggestions? Thanks again.

[acourtjester]

check out this site, down about half way is that motor.
https://aktmotor.com/product/60hs-serie ... stomizable
This may be a US distributer
https://pdf.directindustry.com/pdf/3x-m ... 95881.html

[tumbleweed]

You guys are great. Thanks very much for the good info.