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Posted on Aug 15, 2006 - 3:36pm by John P. in Bladesmithing, Computing, Gadgets, Tools
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 preinstalled 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 seperating fact from fiction.
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Hello
I am looking at both the PlasmaCam and the DynaCNC.
The sample images the DynaCNC rep sent me were lack luster. By stark contrast the sample images on the PlasmaCam site are stellar.
I would like to know from the users if the PC machine is actually capable of all you see displayed on the site by the average user OR are they extreme exceptions?
So far I am leaning towards the Dyna. Speaking with the rep I can get a 4×8 setup for the same price as the PC’s 4×4. Lifetime software upgrades included.
Everything that is demonstrated by PlasmaCAM is completely do-able, and frankly I don’t consider any of it to be that complex. I’ve personally created things that are far more complex than you’ve seen on any of the promotion materials.
The thing is, all of these machines have basically the exact same capabilities. I also like the DynaCNC and I might have bought one if I had really, really needed an 8″ table or if I could even accomodate one.
If you have the room for an 8′ table, you have a few months to wait while they build you one, and you’ve got a forklift available to move it with then by all means go ahead and get it.
If you would prefer a more compact table that you can build all by yourself in a few hours, that you can later move around by yourself, and that can be shipped to you tomorrow and with a much larger installed user base and more available avenues for help and assistance then choose the PlasmaCAM.
John
Can anyone tell me if the high frequency from the plasma cutter has effected your computer. I did not really get an answer to this when speaking to the PlasmaCAM rep.
Thanks
Pat
Pat,
It has had no effect on my computer whatsoever. And my computer is permanently located in the garage a few feet from the machine. Never farther than 10 feet because that is the length of the parallel cable I have. :-)
I would not worry about the frequency issue at all. What you should worry about is the plasma cutting dust getting inside the computer and coating things with a metalic powder. That is what will impact the computer’s life span.
Having said all that, I recommend you stick to a cheap machine just for cutting purposes (a $200 PC is more than adequate) and do your design work on another nicer machine somewhere comfortable. You can have both machines on a wireless network, or just carry the designs to cut on a USB key to the cutting machine.
Hope that helps!
John
right on bro i just order one myself but unlike you i am computer stupid but i am getting it after 1 year i can type with 2 fingers not bad eh.iI am going to put the plasma cam in a 40 foot shipping container. it will be behind my small shop 30 -22 with a glass patio door entry from inside the shop for a couple of reasons like some one mentioned in one of your replies metal dust ( computer will be in the shop just inside the door) thanks who ever mentioned that. Ventilation will be a furnace fan the container wont be heated but pulling filtered air from inside the shop. When I’m not working i think 3 or4 heat lights like the ones for chicken barns etc would suffice. also keep the metal plate from rusting the plate will be on roller at end of the table for easy access.and free up valuable space in my small shop cant wait but i might need a computer freek with that end of it . thats the plan and i hope it doesn’t create any unforeseen problems . plus its out of site from so called friends who only show up when they need something i get a lot of that well anyway great for you ihope you make some cool shit and make some good money (too bad it couldn’t just make the money)
To help answer the question about high frequency (electrical noise) affecting the PC. This system is equipped with a Hypertherm Powermax1000 which uses a “blowback” torch starting system……which does not utilize a high frequency discharge for ignition. Most of the hobby class cnc cutting machines that are available today can use non high frequency start plasmas…..but are not compatible with high end industrial plasmas that do use HF.
Jim Colt
Hey John,
I have been looking at the plasma cam for a couple of years. I am in DFW area & would like to see the machine work if possible. Please go to my website http://www.dougsautocraft.com & follow links for my number. I would like to hear from you if you don’t mind.
Regards,
Doug
Hey John, you seem to know your s*** when it comes to these different CNCs. I too, have done my research and am going to be purchasing one soon. My problem now is that my constuction business has slowed down (dropped off a cliff!) and i need to find a used PCam. Do you know of one I can get my hands on? I am in west, central Florida but will travel if nessasary. Also, before I lost my a** in constuction I was leaning toward buying a Practical CNC/router. Do you know much about these. They seemed to have an edge over PCam and their 4×4 model w/router was close in price. I mainly wanted the Practical CNC because of the fact of the router option and the 5×10 option. The one I was going to order crept up to near $19,000! No way I can afford that now. So, i’m back to a 4×4 PCam. Like you said, Cheap, practical, does what you want when you want, and you don’t have to wait a month or two to get it. Thanks ahead of time if you or anyone out there knows where to get a preowned!
Hey, if you guys (and gals) want a good laugh, go to the 10 worst drivers videos (if you haven’t already). LOL LMAO!! Very funny, and scary to think these people drive the same roads we do. Some people are definatly not meant to drive, except maybe on a closed track. Oh by the way, I found a 2yr old PCam w/30hrs for sale 5 miles away from my house. How cool is that!! I found it on http://www.craigslist.com, which is a God send of a website if your looking to buy or sell something… and its FREE!!! He’s asking $10,000 for the PCam, dust collector, Hypertherm (size unknown), and “all” the software(which I thought came with a new one anyway). Does this price seem reasonable? I think it’s abit high. How much is the dust collector? I know a plenty powerful torch is about $2500. I need to be able to cut 1 1/2″, maybe. I don’t have 3 phase power, so i’m sure i’ll be limited with that. I need to at least cut 1″- 1 1/4″. Man, I can’t wait to start cutting!!
$10k is actually not too bad if it comes with a decent Hypertherm and a nice dust collector, but it’s hard to say without seeing it.
Just keep in mind that a brand new PCam with warranty can be shipped to you for about $9,500. It will have some updates features, such as the ability to change torch tips without removing the torch and a few other little things. This will also come with a warranty and all the support you might need.
A used PCam could possibly have some hidden issues, so I would not purchase one without seeing it in operation. However, if it will cut something moderately complex then you can assume it’s going to be OK.
The PCam comes with basic software, but some people fork out the extra money for art discs or HVAC creating software. If it doesn’t come with those “extras” then it’s just the plain free software.
Depending on the dust collection system, it could be very expensive, so, if it’s at leas a $2-3k unit then you’d be getting a good deal with a decent Hypertherm, plus that, plus the machine at $10k. Hope that helps!
John
Hi John I am Cambodian and live in CAmbodia country. I often like to read your comments & suggestions. I just bought PlasmaCAM DHC2 and the control box does not work when i turned it on. Maybe my country use 220v current. any advice from you what to do with it.
there’s a small switch on the side to go from 110V to 220V ..flip it to 220V..
I can tell you one thing about creating art pieces after over a year of using PlasmaCAM.. …if you’re going to SCAN images.. scan them @ 600DPI MINIMUM. I bring in bitmaps @ 1200DPI. the higher the resolution, the sharper the vector translation.. people need to realize that bitmaps are PIXEL based images.. vectors are images based on coordinates.
Hello i have had a PlasmaCam for 3 years i have had very good luck with this. I once had to send my control box in and had it back in 3 days. So they have good customer service Tech’s have always been great. PlasmaCam has another bigger machine 5 X 10 i think under the name http://www.samsoncnc.com I draw all of my stuff in CAD programs i haven’t really tried to import pictures.
I have the newest PCAM with the auto z axis but I’m having trouble with it. The probe I made keeps catching on the work and moving it. Can you help me or do you know any one in my area to help me. My email is ahfab1@aol.com
I was reading the blods on Pcams
and seen something about a dust collection system. Can you please tell me about it & where I can purchase one & the cost.
Thanks George
I have the same thing in my shop. We just bought one and a brand new computer. But we don’t have our height sensor working. How did that workout for you? What did you make it as? A picture would be great!
I’m also using a hypotherm powermax 1000…
For anyone interested I just did a HUGE write-up on the actual cost to buy and operate a plasmacam or any CNC plasma cutter. I will be adding to the resources too.
ToddW, we’re waiting for that write-up.
i would like to know what the full price is for the plasmacam with power unit and head?
whats the thinest and thickest it wil cut?
and table size?
do you know if there is any problem if i build a larger table for cutting? i mean the software is designed to be able to cut the designs you do in many parts, because the area on where the servomotors’s chassis run, that are a very small area if you dou larger designs,so the thing that you do is to move the plate, but i have space in my location and a crane to move larger plates and also the plasma cam, my question is if i want to do only one large cut, would be any trouble?
also, i need to attach an optical lector to cut pieces that can’t be scanned and i dont know anything about autocad, it’s there any chance to connect that lector?
We have a plasma cam with a hyper therm 1000 need info of cutting of steel. We cut with 11gage fine but would like to cut using thinner material. The tip we use is a 40 amp and when we try to cut thin material it warps and snags the gantry. Got any ideas??
I WAS JUST WONDERING ON HOW I CAN GET SOME ART WORK FOR THE PLASMACAM WE HAVE AT OUR SCHOOL. IM TRYING TO FIND SOME OLD WESTERN TYPE OF ART AND SOME DEER AS WELL. DOES ANY ONE HAVE OR KNOW HOW I COULD GET A COUPLE FOR A CHEAP CHEAP PRICE?
I have being using pcam for a couple of years I use signtorch and ezart graphics and have good luck with the art redpup is another one I like. Shana
Hello, I think the cheepest price you are going to get on artwork are one’s you desighn your self. You take a picture that has the right style for metal art. You scan it then trace with the right ink and scan that. With a little practice you can get your art.