Plasma table suggestions

[Digr]

Newbie here, just starting to look for a plasma table for my shop to expand with. Would like to go with a 4x8 or 5x10, may go used to get started. Langmuir seems to be a reasonably priced option used or new. Need to find something fairly easy to learn on, no prior experience with a plasma table. Looking for your experienced opinions

[Joe Jones]

Where are you located?

Joe

[Digr]

Maine

[Joe Jones]

I only know about the PlasmaCam and Samson 510 tables, and the go Torch machines. I wish I could help you decide, but I have no valuable input on the other machines as I have no experience with them.

Joe

[adbuch]

Newbie here, just starting to look for a plasma table for my shop to expand with. Would like to go with a 4x8 or 5x10, may go used to get started. Langmuir seems to be a reasonably priced option used or new. Need to find something fairly easy to learn on, no prior experience with a plasma table. Looking for your experienced opinions

Langmuir makes some nice entry level tables and generally promotes the use of Fusion 360 for creating drawings and cut files. I would advise buying new so as to avoid any potential problems with used tables.

David

[adbuch]

Langmuir has some great Fusion 360 tutorial lesson videos.

https://www.langmuirsystems.com/software/fusion

langmuir fusion .jpg

You can use Fusion 360 to make your drawings, create your cut paths, and generate the g-code to send to your table.

Another option would be to use something like Inkscape, QCad, SolidEdge 2D (these are all free programs) to do your drawing and then import to SheetCam to create your cut paths and g-code. I believe the current price for SheetCam perpetual license is around $145.

I personally prefer the Hypertherm brand plasma cutters - the 45xp is reasonably priced and provides excellent quality cuts.

Let us know if you have questions and we will try to answer them.

David

[adbuch]

Here is an example of a simple plate with holes drawn with SolidEdge 2d and imported to SheetCam to create cut paths and g-code.

David

simple plate 1.jpg

simple plate 2.jpg

[acourtjester]

If your interested in building your own starter table you may want to look into this one. You could use this a starter the go bigger with cutting parts needed to to build a better table. Parts and info supplied by this site. I started out with a simple build for my first table then grew into bigger and better tables. I have built 10 table to this point.
https://jdsgarage.bigcartel.com/category/plasma-table
Additional info

[Rockchucker]

Check out Fab-Cut systems out of Onterio. Great product and customer service is second to none in my experience. Family run company that focuses on hiring veterans. They use flashcut software and as Ive said elsewhere its super intuitive and easy to learn. CAD CAM and CNC all integrated into one screen. Im sure there other great programs out there but I use this as an example because Im really not interested in computer stuff and this one does everything I need it too with minimum of messing around

[Joe Jones]

Here is an example of a simple plate with holes drawn with SolidEdge 2d and imported to SheetCam to create cut paths and g-code.

David

simple plate 1.jpg
simple plate 2.jpg

Boy, that sure seems like a lot of work when compared to DesignEdge and the PlasmaCam tables.

Joe

[adbuch]

The example I have shown is created quickly using free software. For those proficient with these programs, creating drawings and cut paths can be just about as quick and efficient as with Design Edge. The cost for Design Edge ($4k for single seat license) most likely puts it out of reach for most folks.

David

[adbuch]

If your interested in building your own starter table you may want to look into this one. You could use this a starter the go bigger with cutting parts needed to to build a better table. Parts and info supplied by this site. I started out with a simple build for my first table then grew into bigger and better tables. I have built 10 table to this point.

Tom - you show a fine example here of a nice diy table build. If the OP is interested in spending the time to do a scratch build - this video may give him some good ideas. My takeaway from his post is that he is probably more interested in buying a turnkey table (either new or used) so he can get started making parts for his business.

David

[acourtjester]

I agree David but just giving him some info in case his budget tells him otherwise. Time does play a big part of starting into the world of CNC Plasma.
Building a setup does take time but if seems many companies may not have an inventory to ship right out, plus shipping time/cost.