Over the past two days, I completed the setup of my new CNC Plasma cutting machine (also see PlasmaCAM Part 1), and man is it awesome!
After physically constructing the cutting table, I needed to do a little wiring in my Hypertherm PowerMax 1000 plasma torch so that it would interface with the control box of the PlasmaCAM in order to allow the machine to turn the torch on and off. The instruction video had me really worried because it kept talking about needing to have a professional electrician install the wiring and then perform a huge batch of tests in order to ensure everything was OK.
But when it finally came to the portion of the video that deals with my plasma cutter, the instruction was all of about 10 seconds in length. This is not because the topic was not covered well, but rather because the simplicity of the install did not require more. In about 5 minutes the plasma cutter was wired up, and I summarily mounted it into the holder on the PlasmaCAM to prepare it for test cutting.
My final task, after wiring and mounting the plasma torch, was to provision a dedicated PC to handle all of the computer control functions of the system. I purchased a brand new PC to dedicate to the PCAM.
I systematically deleted all the pre-installed crap (AOL, MS Office trial, MS Works, etc.) using the Add/Remove Programs that came pre-loaded on the machine. I then installed a firewall, anti-virus software and a Linksys wireless NIC. Finally I installed the PlasmaCAM software.
Now, all of this went very smoothly with the exception of one little thing. Although the PlasmaCAM software instructed me to log into my computer’s BIOS and set the parallel port to EPP 1.9, that particular setting did not work for me. A quick call to the tech support line, however, and George had me switch the setting to SPP and everything began working immediately.
After spending a little time setting up and tweaking the machine’s settings, I was able to make a very nice cutout after only the 3rd try. I consider this quite a testament to the simplicity of the use of this machine. I had anticipated a much longer learning curve, but it seems that I’m already able to use the machine, so my loyal art fans out there will start seeing photos of new art designs I have in the works very soon!
Edit: I also added a review of the PlasmaCAM sales video which many people have found useful for separating fact from fiction.
I am glad you are having luck with the plasma cam, I am not computer literate and I have had mine for 6 months and it sits there because I can not figure out the bool. I call teck support but they talk computer language. I can turn on a button and push buttons. The video looked like even a dummy could operate it. I guess I qualify.
I’m really sorry to hear you’ve had that experience Kenneth. That was exactly what I was afraid would happen, and in fact it’s the reason I just created another post on the subject called PlasmaCAM Video Review – Fact vs. Fiction.
Currently I’m working on creating some video tutorials about the PlasmaCAM which will begin with the basic setup of the machine and it’s various requirements and then eventually move into how to operate the software and various features.
Perhaps when I get some of those completed it might help you get some good use out of your machine. Otherwise, you might consider selling your machine on eBay. I bet you’d find a buyer very quickly…
John
Thanks for the blog, John.
I just wanted to have Kenneth Kaufmann contact me at Plasmacam if he needs help. 719-676-2701
I would be glad to give him any help that he needs by phone, or he can stop by our shop.
John, I would be glad to help you also if you have any questions.
George, Plasmacam Tech Support
Kenneth,
If you are interested in selling your unit I may be interested in a secondhand machine, I have been avoiding PlasmaCam for various reasons.
I guess mainly due to the fact that they do not have a return policy and you would have to travel to Colorado to see one work. I have asked if they could provide me with a contact local to me who is successfully using the system, but they have refused.
I also sense an attitude from the technical people their when I ask perfectly legitimate questions.
Through all this I would still risk buying one used, if the price was right.
I just refuse to put money directly in their pockets when even the presale service is so bad.
Good Luck!!!!
Roboteer
If you want to see one of the machines in action just go to the PlasmaCAM Yahoo groups I listed here and post a message.
There are users all over the place that will let you come hang out and see it in operation if you just ask nice… :-)
Hello,
It was very interesting to read your article. Could you tell me were you bought yours and how much it cost. I’d like to get one.
thank you,
Phill
Thanks Phil. I bought it direct from PlasmaCAM, which is the only place you can purchase a new one.
The table alone was about $9,500. But the torch was another $2,000, plus a PC to run it. You also need a large air compressor ($1,000), an air dryer ($300) and other miscellaneous stuff. All in all it was around $15,000.
Kenneth,
I am very intrested in a Plasma cam, however like Roboteer I can’t find one close to me that I can see in operation. I tried to go to the yahoo groups by clicking on the “here” but was unsuccessful. I would like to find someone close to South Carolina that would allow me to see their machine
Thanks, J.R
I have been looking at the Plasma cam a long time, I found them through a google seach. Have gotten there dvd, although impressive, I am not convinced that they are the way to go, because of the price ,the size of the machine and the plasma cutter they force you to use. I am leaning towards a Torchmate machine, because they give you alot more options, such as the choice of the size of machines they offer, use more than one manufacter of plasma cutter. They also offer kits so you can build your own table so you don’t have to pay for shipping on steel you could buy locally. They can talor a machine to your needs so you don’t have to spend alot of money up front, they also take care of you after the sale. You can also upgrade the machine so
Jeff,
I also looked at the Torchmates and they seem to be OK, but I think your comparison data is incorrect.
In my opinion if you need to do Plasma cutting and a 4×4 table will work, there is no better choice of machine than a PlasmaCAM. The only way I’d choose another machine is if I needed a larger table or if I was going to use it for routing as well as Plasma cutting. Currently you can’t get either of those options with the PlasmaCAM.
Finally, the purchase of any of these machines, along with all of the additional parts (compressor, torch, consumables, tips, materials, etc.) is going to mean a large expenditure. There is simply no such thing as a “cheap” route for this. Even if the PlasmaCAM were going to cost $1,000-2,000 more that should be a non-issue if the machine is going to be put to work making money. That is the equivalent of one job. And if you build something yourself or go with another machine and have an issue that leaves you out of commission you’ll quickly find that saving the money up front costs a lot more down the line.
Anyway, that’s just my opinion. If you decide to purchase a different machine I’d love to hear all about your experience with it.
Take care,
John