CandCNC Home Shop HS-45 Bundle?

[The-Meerkat]

I’m looking to retrofit my plasma table for the 2nd time in 10 years. Currently I’m running with a UCCNC controller, UCCNC breakout board, UCCNC Ethernet board and UCCNC software. Additionally I have a torch touch off, THC, limit switches and emergency shutoff wired in. Powermax 65 with machine head wired in too. I’m looking at replacing all the UCCNC components and THC with a CandCNC Home Shop HS-45 bundle. With that said, has anyone currently got one of these bundles wired into their plasma table? If so, can you tell me how it’s working out for you? What do you like about it, what do you hate about it? What would you do differently? Mine is a plasma table for cutting out artwork and hobby stuff. It’s not used in a production environment where it gets beat to death daily. It’s much more gently used. If not this CandCNC bundle, what would you recommend? I’d like to go at least 5 years before I have to retrofit it again.

Thanks

[adbuch]

I have no personal experience with the CandCNC stuff - but just curious why you feel the need to make this upgrade? What sorts of problems are you having with your current setup?

Thanks,
David

[The-Meerkat]

The UCCNC components are giving me problems. Everything worked well for several years except THC and anti-dive were always a little sketchy. Then I lost communication and had to replace the Ethernet coms board. It hasn’t worked since. The Ethernet board plugs into and on top of the controller board. Since I replaced that, I now think something is burned on the controller board and killing the communication.

My motors on the X,Y&Z are also 11 years old now. I’d like to get some fresh ones.

On the last rebuild about 5 years ago, I built everything in the”black box” myself over 4-5 months. It was fun and I learned a lot.
This time around, I would like to replace the electronics between the laptop and table with some fresh ones that are compatible, pre-built, easily replaceable components, with a good warranty and excellent after purchase customer support.

[acourtjester]

CandCNC make a very good product I used an older version (2 tables) some years back. I think the kit you are looking at comes with a Mini-PC loaded with the software they have written I think it's based on LinuxCNC. Call and talk with them as to what you may need so you know what is included it that kit, they have been in the business for some time now.

[adbuch]

It also seems to me that the other Tom (member here) is either associated with CandCNC or very knowledgeable about them. Perhaps he will chime in here.
David

[djreiswig]

https://www.plasmaspider.com/memberlist ... le&u=12035
Tom is the owner.

[adbuch]

https://www.plasmaspider.com/memberlist ... le&u=12035
Tom is the owner.

[tcaudle]

We have 4 levels of complete controller solutions. All are provided with quad processor PC's with minimum of 4G ram and 32G SSD. Pre-loadeded with software . CommandCNC is a derivative of Linuxcnc with added software components and a more user friendly interface and a custom Configuration Tool, that uses a library of 'Configs" (profiles) and allows you to make more and supports plasma cutting, router (with Spindle Speed and tool change options) Oxy-fuel and rotary pipe cutting. All our controls use the same software and the same DTHC5 High speed closed- loop THC .While the G5 units are for Production level commercial applications , the HS-45 was introduced earlier this year to fill the need for a less expensive option for the hobby/home shop/small shop market. All our systems support up to 5 axis/motors .
Typically to use any of the controllers you supply a HDMI monitor, keyboard and mouse. Most of the system comes with motors but the HS-45 can be purchased without them but motors have to meet a specific criteria Our larger systems can handle motors form 3A to over 6A and up to 5 axis
Our I/O system is a direct Ethernet to FPGA based modern design with expanded Inputs (16 isolated) and outputs (6 axis of step and direction and up to 6 added relay drivers . The DTHC5 comes with a remote digital pickup that mounts at eh plasma and has a single cable interface to any Hyperthermr or TD unit that has the 14 pin CPC connector. We also have connection kits for non CNC capable Plasma units.

CandCNC has been providing THC's and controllers since 2004 to both OEM (table manufacturers) and individuals. In 2016 we switched to the Linux based system and the Real Time feedback and motion it provides that you cant get with a Windows system . We have been involved in hundreds of retrofits of various brands of tables. We have a full lime phone support department and a very active online Support Forum and a direct conduit to Engineering via our RFS forms (Request for Support) .

My interests go beyond selling hardware. I have been a supporter of the the CNC plasma cutting community for many years and even moderated the old CADCAMEDMDRO yahoo group before Plasma Spider came along.

Have a VERY Merry Christmas and lets make 2025 a great year!

[The-Meerkat]

Thank you Tom, that’s very informative. I have a wonderful Powermax 65 wired to the machine torch but it’s sufficiently old enough that it doesn’t have the cutout on the back to install an RS485 serial port field kit. So I’m having to check with Hypertherm directly to verify if my plasma cutter is upgradable for that. After they get back to me, I should know enough to finish selecting the add-on options I want.

I’ll get on the CandCNC website and order it after hypertherm answers my upgrade questions. In the meantime, is there any chance of getting a free shipping code for a retired geek like me?

All the best and Merry Christmas,

Scott Meer
P.S., your stock motors in the HS-45 bundle are 41% more powerful than my current old ones. Whoo Hoo! That’s another plus.

[tcaudle]

The RS485 is handy to have and offers some bonus features :

• auto set of the cut current and air pressure from the cut chart
• "soft pierce" that ramps in the cut current during the pierce and plunge cycle . It lowers the stress on the consumables on thicker material and they last longer
• Controller center peck. Lets you do a non-penetrating center divot for center marking holes to be precision drilled . Better than a full pierce that leaves a ragged hole and hardens the edges.

That being said you can do very nice cutting without the RS485. The CPC is essential to get the three signals for automated cutting .
If you decide to add a plate marker you have a couple of hardware options for the HS-45 . It\s fully supported as a mixed cut (with plasma ) in our SheetCAM POSTS.. The HS 45 does not include the two witched AC outlets like the G5 series but they can be added externally OR we have a plugin 4 relay expansion module that will handle AC or DC volts form 5 to 250
The higher torque motors extend the acceleration curve and offer better cutting at higher speeds. They don't spin any faster (RPM ) but they have a longer RPM?Stall curve so they have more USABLE RPM

Contact me via my email: tum at candcnc dot com, I will get you a bonus. It will be worth more than free shipping!.

Family is on the way over to eat Christmas Dinner and have our gift exchange.

[The-Meerkat]

Thanks for all the info Tom. I got good news back from Hypertherm Support today too. My Powermax 65 definitely is compatible with the RS485 kit. I will be buying that kit and installing it. I’ll also drop you an email as you suggested about the HS-45. Thanks again for all the info. I think your bundle is the way to go for my needs.