Build or buy plasma CNC

D

David

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I have been wishing, hoping, considering and entertaining the thought of adding a plasma CNC to my shop. I know Charley is building one now and others have built them. Bob has referenced his wife owning and using a store bought unit which seems to work very well. What is the primary reason for building one verses buying one. Cost, capabilities, satisfaction, time.

My thoughts are that this machine will be for a hobby machinist/fabricator. No 3/4 plate to cut or 5 ton hoist requirements. Just keeping it sorta small for available floor space. For me, buying probably would be better due to no knowledge of how to build!

Can someone comment on costs to build vs buying. I know other components are needed to support such a machine like compressor, dryer, plasma, computer etc.

I guess I would like someone to convince me I need one of these! And no Bob I do not have a supportive wife/fabricator like you do to buy it for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If this has been discussed in a previous thread, I apologize for the duplication.

David
 
David said:
I have been wishing, hoping, considering and entertaining the thought of adding a plasma CNC to my shop.............For me, buying probably would be better due to no knowledge of how to build!
Click to expand...

A lot depends on what you want/need it for. If it's for production work, or projects that have to be done right away, then go out and buy one.

If it's because it seems like it would be fun to own and play with, then why not do the research, increase your knowledge, and have the satisfaction of building your own. You won't be limited on size and shape, can choose the type of components based on suitability and cost, and you'll always be able to fix it if it breaks.


David said:
I guess I would like someone to convince me I need one of these!
David
Click to expand...

I think you're already there! :))


M
 
I bought mine outright from Torchmate and went to another vendor for a plasma cutter and machine torch. I figured I wold never finish a build and that a complete system would be better for me. Your situation will probably be diferent, but make sure you budget for a torch height control. That was the only option I failed to buy and sure do wish I had. How big of a machine do you want? 2X2, 4X4, 4X8 or even bigger. They are available up to 40 feet long and 10 or 12 feet wide. Do you have a plan for a business, or is it like mine a "just neat to have". Hope this helps you get some focus before you start spending money.
Bob
 
I would have had mine paid for by now if I had bought one from my buddy who builds them. Didn't reall have the cash but should have scraped it up. I'm sure I'll be happy with mine when I'm done.

http://www.trucutcnc.com/
 
I think I'm about in the same mindset, not sure if I would ever complete the project. Just a want at this point. Bob I did look at the 4x4 you mentioned in the other post and feel that size would be more than adequate for my needs. Lack of free time causes me to not want to build though I think it would be fun to try & build. What would be a good budget number for the 4x4 Bob? I have a hypertherm PM 45 to use.
 
Looks like a nice setup your friend builds Charley. Is the torch height controller specific to each manufacturer or can they be used from one plasma setup to another? I think I asked that right!
 
The TM 4X4 plus AVTHC is right at 10 grand. The table was 7995.00 plus 300.00 freight and the AVTHC is around 3000.00. My only regret was not buying the AVTHC when I bought the machine and dont have 3000 to spare anymore. So I am learning electronics to build one.
Bob
 
Thanks for the information Bob,will give much consideration on this before jumping in. Have you had any issues with yours.
 
Only issue I have ever had was not being as good at it as I should be. The machine is amazing and does fantastic work. With a PM 45 you will be able to turn up the speed on your travels and get some very intricate work. The torch height control really is the key to getting consistency and high consumables life too. I could kick myself for not getting that option way back when I bought mine. I have to follow mine and make adjustments to the gap by hand, what a PITA. Because I dont have height control I am limited to how thin I can run. 14 Ga is about as thin as I can consistently run because of warpage and reaction to the heat. The amount the sheet will move when heat is applied is pretty dramatic, so do yourself a huge favor and don't try to save by skipping the torch height option. Once you get pretty good at it, you will be amazed at what you can make in just a few minutes. I walk away from mine with a huge grin that takes about an hour to wear off. I make a bunchh of garden borders and fire rings plus gate medalions for the local horse farms and celebrities. The amount of available profit is very good too. I buy a sheet for 85 bucks and sell the trinkets I make for 4-5 hundred profit after materials and consumables all told. Sometimes I get stuck with a piece, but it usually goes the next trip to the flea market or swap meet I go to. I also turn up the power and use my machine for real work too. I use it to cut out patches and reinforcements for buckets, and blades for construction equipment. I can plate and repair a bucket pretty quickly and construction equipment pays very well. Boxing a boom or replacing a wear point where the pins go through is very easy and pays very well. I generally use 1/4 and 1/2 for those types of rebuilds. My PM 1000 G3 has never let me down in material 7/8ths or less. That was my original "retirement" investment to keep busy after I quit actively working on some one elses payroll. Hope this helps get you going. The SWMBO can be aesilly convinced if you show her some girly stuff you can make for her and the real work to pay for the machine. I paid for mine in about 19 months when I was running it every night after work.
Bob
 
Hi Bob
Thanks for sharing. I think I would be somewhat limited on cut thickness with the 45. It is always good to be able to make a dollar with your investment! Does it look promising in building your own torch height controller.
 
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