Comments on: PlasmaCAM Video Review – Fact vs. Fiction http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/ Specialization is for Insects. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:43:44 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Gerry http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-51929 Gerry Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:59:46 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-51929 BTW John, Pcam has updated their software..I am on version 3.04. Nothing too radical, but it is an upgrade. The connectivity thing is in need of addressing, but wifi with all that stray RF? I suggest a CAT5 and shielded cable. I use mine for everything, why cut and grind and hope it fits when I can sit down and draw it and it come out perfect? BTW John, Pcam has updated their software..I am on version 3.04. Nothing too radical, but it is an upgrade.
The connectivity thing is in need of addressing, but wifi with all that stray RF? I suggest a CAT5 and shielded cable.
I use mine for everything, why cut and grind and hope it fits when I can sit down and draw it and it come out perfect?

]]> By: david http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-50784 david Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:43:48 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-50784 pleased i found your site/blog i was repeat was thinking about getting the plasmacam. but with all the probs you pointed out i will leave well alone. pleased i found your site/blog i was repeat was thinking about getting the plasmacam. but with all the probs you pointed out i will leave well alone.

]]> By: Ty http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-50327 Ty Sat, 08 Aug 2009 21:23:13 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-50327 Hello Folks We have a Plasma Cam which is up and running fine, their many tricks to learn and we have some tricks of our own, which you have to learn on your own, we can help with what we know everyone take care and happy cutting Ty Hello Folks
We have a Plasma Cam which is up and running fine, their many tricks to learn and we have some tricks of our own, which you have to learn on your own, we can help with what we know everyone take care and happy cutting
Ty

]]> By: Gerry Hess http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-49382 Gerry Hess Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:50:22 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-49382 Jims comment made me chuckle as I bought used and went through the learning curve. I did not give up. The best resource out there is the "owners only" well moderated site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Plasmapig Jim's problem is the Curse of Zed as I call it. For a year I cut with the DHC box unchecked and manually set the height Do not use "sense material to set height" at all. Bring the tip down to contact the plate, lower slowly using the rotary knob, and click the "Z shift" button. You will get a number like .432 Then set your "arc voltage shift" number at 1.6. NOW INITIALIZE THE TABLE. When you start to do a test cut it will pierce and then the torch will pull up and away from the work. Now go back and change that number from 1.6 to 1 or .87 Initialize, and do another test cut. Your torch will pierce, and pull up a little bit. Now you know you are on the right track. Keep lowering the arc voltage shift until the cut height is correct for you. Always initialize after every change of arc voltage or Z shift change. Record that number and it will be a starting point for you every time you cut that thickness of metal. Would I ever buy another PlasmaCAM? Yes. Would I steal or kill to get the money to do so? Maybe.... Gerry Jims comment made me chuckle as I bought used and went through the learning curve. I did not give up.
The best resource out there is the “owners only” well moderated site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Plasmapig
Jim’s problem is the Curse of Zed as I call it. For a year I cut with the DHC box unchecked and manually set the height Do not use “sense material to set height” at all. Bring the tip down to contact the plate, lower slowly using the rotary knob, and click the “Z shift” button. You will get a number like .432
Then set your “arc voltage shift” number at 1.6. NOW INITIALIZE THE TABLE.
When you start to do a test cut it will pierce and then the torch will pull up and away from the work.
Now go back and change that number from 1.6 to 1 or .87
Initialize, and do another test cut. Your torch will pierce, and pull up a little bit. Now you know you are on the right track. Keep lowering the arc voltage shift until the cut height is correct for you. Always initialize after every change of arc voltage or Z shift change. Record that number and it will be a starting point for you every time you cut that thickness of metal.
Would I ever buy another PlasmaCAM?
Yes. Would I steal or kill to get the money to do so? Maybe….
Gerry

]]> By: Jim Gordon http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-49020 Jim Gordon Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:26:41 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-49020 I have a Plasmacam I bought used. I have never been able to make it work on a consistent basis. Usually it doesn't work properly. It consistently forces the torch head up because the z-axis goes too far down. Then it wont cut or the bottom of the carriage drags the work around. Or worse it pulls the carriage off of the gantry. The software is garbage and the manual is a joke. In short the machine is piece of junk. I hate it and I'm sorry I bought it. One more thing I called plasmacam to get some info and they wouldn't even talk to me unless I paid them $500. I would never recommend this thing to my worst enemy. DON'T BUY ONE. If you want any more info from me please don't hesitate to ask. Jim I have a Plasmacam I bought used. I have never been able to make it work on a consistent basis. Usually it doesn’t work properly. It consistently forces the torch head up because the z-axis goes too far down. Then it wont cut or the bottom of the carriage drags the work around. Or worse it pulls the carriage off of the gantry. The software is garbage and the manual is a joke. In short the machine is piece of junk. I hate it and I’m sorry I bought it. One more thing I called plasmacam to get some info and they wouldn’t even talk to me unless I paid them $500. I would never recommend this thing to my worst enemy. DON’T BUY ONE. If you want any more info from me please don’t hesitate to ask. Jim

]]> By: Nick Pappa http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48879 Nick Pappa Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:59:26 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48879 To anyone who is thinking of purchasing a plasmacam, might want to do there home work very carefully. I can think of alot of other thing's where you can spend your money on than this machine. If you live outside of the USA & somthing break's on this machine, you are up shit creek, cost you & arm & a leg to replace part's. When your warranty run's out, you are on your own, or if you call plasma cam they charge you a ridicoulous fee, what a joke!! To anyone who is thinking of purchasing a plasmacam, might want to do there home work very carefully.
I can think of alot of other thing’s where you can spend your money on than this machine. If you live outside of the USA & somthing break’s on this machine, you are up shit creek, cost you & arm & a leg to replace part’s. When your warranty run’s out, you are on your own, or if you call plasma cam they charge you a ridicoulous fee, what a joke!!

]]> By: Nick Pappa http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48878 Nick Pappa Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:46:11 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48878 I must agree with you miller!, After i had plasma cam send me a video on how it work's & how simple it look's to use, i purchased this machine. Let me say to you all out there before you buy. This machine is very complicating, you need to have experience in computer skill's & cad drawing. There is also alot of problem's with this machine. You can be hour's & hour's on this thing, let alone the money you will be spending on sheet's of metal just to practice on. My machine is sitting here doing nothing & will be putting it up for sale, it's still new & only done demo time. Thanx. Nick. I must agree with you miller!,

After i had plasma cam send me a video on how it work’s & how simple it look’s to use, i purchased this machine. Let me say to you all out there before you buy. This machine is very complicating, you need to have experience in computer skill’s & cad drawing. There is also alot of problem’s with this machine. You can be hour’s & hour’s on this thing, let alone the money you will be spending on sheet’s of metal just to practice on. My machine is sitting here doing nothing & will be putting it up for sale, it’s still new & only done demo time. Thanx. Nick.

]]> By: Dave M http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48360 Dave M Thu, 28 May 2009 19:10:05 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48360 I have a friend that bought a pc because of the video. He no's nothing of computers so he has asked for my assistance. I am learning the ins and outs of the program and have enfoyed reading all the comments on this blog. My question is on setting cut speeds and torch heights for different metal thicknesses? If anyone has a chart or anything that would help I would appreciate any help or advise, contact me at davidmichel06@charter.net Thanks in advance. I have a friend that bought a pc because of the video. He no’s nothing of computers so he has asked for my assistance.
I am learning the ins and outs of the program and have enfoyed reading all the comments on this blog.
My question is on setting cut speeds and torch heights for different metal thicknesses? If anyone has a chart or anything that would help I would appreciate any help or advise, contact me at davidmichel06@charter.net
Thanks in advance.

]]> By: snowman http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48076 snowman Fri, 15 May 2009 12:07:16 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48076 i have experienced everything you have commented on in the blog. my problem at hand right now is that i installed the new software update and now my serial port will not communicate with the controller. any ideas? i have experienced everything you have commented on in the blog. my problem at hand right now is that i installed the new software update and now my serial port will not communicate with the controller. any ideas?

]]> By: omniserv http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48011 omniserv Mon, 11 May 2009 19:18:28 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-48011 Correct me if I'm wrong , but I believe they use a parallel port because it is capable of high speed real time BI directional communication without buffering. If they used usb and most certainly WIFI there would be information buffering that would cause the system to either stop or get lost while cutting. Much the same as trying to play a game online like Call of Duty, by the time you decide to shoot the guy in front of you you were already dead 2 seconds ago. USB uses the same 2 wires to send and receive information, there for does not do both at the same time. The PlasmaCam system probably does not store any movement commands in the PlasmaCam controller it relies on the computer for that. Correct me if I’m wrong , but I believe they use a parallel port because it is capable of high speed real time BI directional communication without buffering. If they used usb and most certainly WIFI there would be information buffering that would cause the system to either stop or get lost while cutting.

Much the same as trying to play a game online like Call of Duty, by the time you decide to shoot the guy in front of you you were already dead 2 seconds ago.

USB uses the same 2 wires to send and receive information, there for does not do both at the same time. The PlasmaCam system probably does not store any movement commands in the PlasmaCam controller it relies on the computer for that.

]]> By: OKmanwithPC http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-46673 OKmanwithPC Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:16:16 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-46673 Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your comments and input about the PC Table and it's Demo Video. I sold my older PC unit a couple years ago due to relocating across the States. However, I just purchased another used but newer model PC DHC table and believe me, I find it a bit more time consumming and fustrating to get started up and cutting. Looks like one has to set the metal thickness into the program setting and then do alot of additional checking and setting insertions just to get the machine to start cutting. Believe me when I say that my older model table sure didn't take so much wo get started and I'd be willing to trade this newer table for the older model anyday. And yes John, you are so right about the flaws and hidden scenes in the video, but just remember everyone, it's also just a sales pitch and one should view the PC Table in action before purchasing one. But I must add, that I do enjoy and would prefer the PC over other models. Now that I said this, I would like to add that I am a bit confused on inserting the new settings needed to get the right commands to make the newer model table to cut, or should I say "continue to cut". I am using a Miller Spectrum 2050 cutter on a 2 yr. old table. It makes the first cut just fine but the torch does not drop back down to the correct Peirce Point Height on the following cuts, and I have to return to the settings and redo the settings. This newer model needs "Arc Voltage Shift' settings, ect. that are confusing me. If anyone out there is using the PC table with the Spectrum 2050 cutter and can advise me with a few hints, I would deeply appreciate it. Having a printout chart of the material thicknesses and the settings I should be using would be a great help for me to get used to the new program. Please email RWARDLL@dobsonteleco.com for your information. Thanks to all & may God Bless. Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your comments and input about the PC Table and it’s Demo Video. I sold my older PC unit a couple years ago due to relocating across the States. However, I just purchased another used but newer model PC DHC table and believe me, I find it a bit more time consumming and fustrating to get started up and cutting. Looks like one has to set the metal thickness into the program setting and then do alot of additional checking and setting insertions just to get the machine to start cutting. Believe me when I say that my older model table sure didn’t take so much wo get started and I’d be willing to trade this newer table for the older model anyday. And yes John, you are so right about the flaws and hidden scenes in the video, but just remember everyone, it’s also just a sales pitch and one should view the PC Table in action before purchasing one. But I must add, that I do enjoy and would prefer the PC over other models. Now that I said this, I would like to add that I am a bit confused on inserting the new settings needed to get the right commands to make the newer model table to cut, or should I say “continue to cut”. I am using a Miller Spectrum 2050 cutter on a 2 yr. old table. It makes the first cut just fine but the torch does not drop back down to the correct Peirce Point Height on the following cuts, and I have to return to the settings and redo the settings. This newer model needs “Arc Voltage Shift’ settings, ect. that are confusing me. If anyone out there is using the PC table with the Spectrum 2050 cutter and can advise me with a few hints, I would deeply appreciate it. Having a printout chart of the material thicknesses and the settings I should be using would be a great help for me to get used to the new program. Please email RWARDLL@dobsonteleco.com for your information. Thanks to all & may God Bless.

]]> By: Peter Crowl http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-46368 Peter Crowl Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:47:16 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-46368 I'm in Denver and I'm a customer - not a buyer. I need to have shapes cut out of approx 3/16 steel for a prototype I'm working on If you can help or direct me please email Peter at Finboats@Gmail.Com Thanks! I’m in Denver and I’m a customer – not a buyer. I need to have shapes cut out of approx 3/16 steel for a prototype I’m working on
If you can help or direct me please email Peter at Finboats@Gmail.Com

Thanks!

]]> By: Brian http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-46351 Brian Tue, 24 Feb 2009 06:31:24 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-46351 Hey John. . . it Brian from California. . . on 04.26.07 I had posed questions to you in regards to purchasing a plasmacam. It seems like ages ago!! You had a lot of good advice when you posted back!! Just wanted to update you on how things have progressed!! We did purchase the plasmacam and all the equipment needed to manufacture the "Tug Tool"!! We are doing it all ourselves at my parents place in WA state. I just wanted to let you know. . . YOU WERE RIGHT!!! Boy what an adventure this has been . . . . I think we hit all the pitfalls you mention in your post!!! Through it all we are now pretty darn efficient at cutting out the tools, (I have also expanded to cutting out parts for 2 other tools for the fire service!! I can even muddle my way through Autocad and transfer the drawing into plasmacam with ease!!! I have sold about 30 Tug Tools and we are now just gearing up to get the business running full speed!!! So I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you again for all your input!!!! I hope you don't mind if I ignored some very good advice on your part . . . and stubbornly plowed through!!! He he It has been a great learning experience so far and I look forward to the next stage of making this business a success!!! (Of course I had to decide to try and make a business successful in this economy!! Oh well) Again thank you for all you advice!!!! If you would like to see the website I put together go to www.tugtool.com Thanks again and take care!!! Brian Hey John. . . it Brian from California. . . on 04.26.07 I had posed questions to you in regards to purchasing a plasmacam. It seems like ages ago!! You had a lot of good advice when you posted back!! Just wanted to update you on how things have progressed!!

We did purchase the plasmacam and all the equipment needed to manufacture the “Tug Tool”!! We are doing it all ourselves at my parents place in WA state. I just wanted to let you know. . . YOU WERE RIGHT!!! Boy what an adventure this has been . . . . I think we hit all the pitfalls you mention in your post!!! Through it all we are now pretty darn efficient at cutting out the tools, (I have also expanded to cutting out parts for 2 other tools for the fire service!! I can even muddle my way through Autocad and transfer the drawing into plasmacam with ease!!! I have sold about 30 Tug Tools and we are now just gearing up to get the business running full speed!!! So I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you again for all your input!!!! I hope you don’t mind if I ignored some very good advice on your part . . . and stubbornly plowed through!!! He he It has been a great learning experience so far and I look forward to the next stage of making this business a success!!! (Of course I had to decide to try and make a business successful in this economy!! Oh well)

Again thank you for all you advice!!!! If you would like to see the website I put together go to http://www.tugtool.com

Thanks again and take care!!!
Brian

]]> By: ron berg http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-46155 ron berg Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:43:41 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-46155 HOWDY, HAVE PURCHED A USED PLASMACAM , LIKE NEW , NEED HELP , ANYONE INTERESTED IN A BARTER, LESSONS FOR A VACATION IN PUERTO VALLARTA,MEXICO , MAIL ME ----RON HOWDY, HAVE PURCHED A USED PLASMACAM , LIKE NEW , NEED HELP , ANYONE INTERESTED IN A BARTER, LESSONS FOR A VACATION IN PUERTO VALLARTA,MEXICO , MAIL ME —-RON

]]> By: Renee http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-45920 Renee Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:36:46 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-45920 I am looking for someone in North Carolina or surrounding area that has a plasma cam that I can come watch and learn. If anyone can help please email me at rfarrington@triad.twcbc.com I am looking for someone in North Carolina or surrounding area that has a plasma cam that I can come watch and learn. If anyone can help please email me at rfarrington@triad.twcbc.com

]]> By: John http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-45634 John Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:37:53 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-45634 Just a quick thank you for your time and effort. I am in the beginning stages of looking at these machines and the information you have provided is incredibly helpful. Just a quick thank you for your time and effort. I am in the beginning stages of looking at these machines and the information you have provided is incredibly helpful.

]]> By: Andy Gagnon http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-45206 Andy Gagnon Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:23:57 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-45206 OK, I've done some MIG welding in the past and would like to purchase this machine. I have taken a business program at the local college and would like to start a home based business. I'm not looking for exact figures but would like to know how long it took plasmacam owners to get a full time business established and approximate incomes to look forward to. Is this better suited as a hobby, part time, or full time business. Any and all experiences with the plasmacam, good or bad, would be appreciated! I can be reached at: predatoryarcher@yahoo.ca Thank you for your time! OK, I’ve done some MIG welding in the past and would like to purchase this machine. I have taken a business program at the local college and would like to start a home based business. I’m not looking for exact figures but would like to know how long it took plasmacam owners to get a full time business established and approximate incomes to look forward to.
Is this better suited as a hobby, part time, or full time business.
Any and all experiences with the plasmacam, good or bad, would be appreciated!
I can be reached at: predatoryarcher@yahoo.ca Thank you for your time!

]]> By: Jesse J http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-44305 Jesse J Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:46:33 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-44305 Hey John P., I may have some helpful information to keep the pieces from falling in or sticking up. I ran and programed a waterjet for a few years, and it has the same problems. However, the parts just don't fall on the floor, they would fall into a three-foot deep tank of water, sand, and other sharp cutouts. To solve this problem, we set the lead-in / lead-outs a 1/16th to an 1/8th inch apart to keep the parts from falling in or out. Later, we would just by hand break the parts loose and finish the edges, since you have to anyways. I thought this might help. :) -Jesse J Hey John P., I may have some helpful information to keep the pieces from falling in or sticking up. I ran and programed a waterjet for a few years, and it has the same problems. However, the parts just don’t fall on the floor, they would fall into a three-foot deep tank of water, sand, and other sharp cutouts. To solve this problem, we set the lead-in / lead-outs a 1/16th to an 1/8th inch apart to keep the parts from falling in or out. Later, we would just by hand break the parts loose and finish the edges, since you have to anyways. I thought this might help. :) -Jesse J

]]> By: Kidikarus http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-44116 Kidikarus Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:15:26 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-44116 So I have seen the PC 180/mo pricing scheme but i can't find the bottom line price on it. How much do one of these cost? So I have seen the PC 180/mo pricing scheme but i can’t find the bottom line price on it. How much do one of these cost?

]]> By: Karen http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-43900 Karen Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:48:23 +0000 http://onemansblog.com/2007/02/07/plasmacam-video-review-fact-vs-fiction/#comment-43900 I just started cutting and I'm having a prob. with slag in some spots, clean cutting in others on the same piece. Also, I can't figure out how to connect the start and stop point. I've changed some settings but one piece cuts out fine and another piece won't. Can somebody give me some pointers? Thanx. Karen I just started cutting and I’m having a prob. with slag in some spots, clean cutting in others on the same piece. Also, I can’t figure out how to connect the start and stop point. I’ve changed some settings but one piece cuts out fine and another piece won’t. Can somebody give me some pointers? Thanx. Karen

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