'Which system would you recommend?'

Which system would you recommend?

John (5) from Ohio - Fri Oct 31 11:17:50 2008

I'm considering the purchase of a CNC Plasma cutter to start a small retirement business. I think a 5x10 table or smaller and, I'd like to keep my investment (for the table and software) to less than $25, 000 (I have computers and air compressor and can get a very good deal on plasma cutter). I have looked at many machines on the web and have talked to some people who have limited experience w/these machines and I want a quality machine and access to help if/when needed. What should I look for to ensure I don't get a piece of junk and would anyone share opinions on manufacturers and their experiences good or bad?

Comment #1 Jim Colt (75.69.94.205) - Mon Nov 3 10:10:04 2008

John,

There are a few machines available in the price range you are looking at....it is a class of cnc plasma cutting machines that I call "hobby" or entry level". These machines all have the ability to produce low volume metal parts...with tolerances ranging from plus or minus .010" to plus or minus .030"...depending on what you are cutting. In that price range I would assume you are planning to use an air plasma....which is the least expensive type of plasma system....normally used for hand held cutting applications.

There are a world of choices out there as far as cutting machine and cnc control / software and plasma systems available....a turnkey 4 x4 hobby class machine can be operational for as little (with plasma and PC) as about $11, 500.....while the best High performance plasma / industrial cnc control / precision 5x 10 cutting machine can cost $150, 000.....and a large multi plasma machine with a 50' x 300' can be over a million dollars!

You did not mention plate size, thickness, accuracy requirements, productivity needs, fume extraction needs...and a few more things....so I will assume you are looking at entry level machines!

Take a look at Torch Mate...they have a great following.....look at PlasmaCam...they now have a 4 x4 and a 5 x10 machine (I have owned a couple of their machines...and I will stand behind them as a great machine / company)....there is also Dynatorch...with a variety of machines and sizes.

These are probably the big three...with thousands of machines installed...yet there are probably close to a dozen smaller manufacturers of this class of machine. I would be happy to discuss your needs in more detail if you would like....I am not a member of this forum....and for some reason it won't let me join using my email....so please email me directly at jim.colt@hypertherm.com (Hypertherm manufactures plasma cutting equipment, and I have worked for them in the plasma cutting industry for over 30 years)

Best regards, Jim colt

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