Power Plasma 50 & Torchmate 2 x2

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01-14-2010, 09:26 PM
geezer

Power Plasma 50 & Torchmate 2 x2

Just ordered a torchmate 2x2, to go with my power plasma 50, question is: will they be compatible as the CNC machine doesn't like a highfreq start up. Only time will tell and that won't be for a while, cause the Torchmate won't be delivered for 60 to 90 days due to production back logs.(they are selling like hotcakes).

I don't see any reason why they won't work together and I will bugging the guys at Everlast and Torchmate for help on setting it up when it comes.

If there is anybody out there using a Powerplasma 50 in a CNC environment that could be a good source of info as to what issues I might expect.

Looking forward to hearing from some of our more experienced people.
01-15-2010, 01:49 AM
everlastsupport

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezer

Just ordered a torchmate 2x2, to go with my power plasma 50, question is: will they be compatible as the CNC machine doesn't like a highfreq start up. Only time will tell and that won't be for a while, cause the Torchmate won't be delivered for 60 to 90 days due to production back logs.(they are selling like hotcakes).

I don't see any reason why they won't work together and I will bugging the guys at Everlast and Torchmate for help on setting it up when it comes.

If there is anybody out there using a Powerplasma 50 in a CNC environment that could be a good source of info as to what issues I might expect.

Looking forward to hearing from some of our more experienced people.

I am sure I can help if you have detailed questions, or I can call you and asks questions. Send info on the Torchmate 2x2. Better send me one :).

The Power Plasma 50 should work fine.
01-18-2010, 08:11 PM
performance

The PP 50 should work fine for this application. However, you may find some issues in the torch adaptation, unless you fab a holder for the torch. The machine torches we stock are HF only right now. We will be getting other style torches, but right now, you may have to source a contact start machine torch from a torch company.
07-30-2010, 06:14 PM
generatorlabs

Plasma table

Geezer:

Could you give me some information on your TorchMate setup? I made my CNC table with the intent of only machining wood and metal. Using it for plasma cutting is a little different and I have little experience with automated plasma cutting.

Does your setup use a torch height controller on the Z? If not do you just set the Z to a preset height away from the material? Do you have a different pierce and cutting height?

Does your setup monitor the status of the plasma arc somehow? If so how does the table know if an arc is being maintained or if the arc has dropped out?

What values are you using, if any, for dwell (I think G4 codes)?

I machined a holder for the torch and have done some initial experiments with triggering the torch manually and it seems to be ok. I have to get a breakout board and build me some isolated triggers for the torch. If I get some time I will take some snapshots of how I have it mounted now. Maybe we could make some comparisons and I could pick up a few tips?

Thanks
07-30-2010, 07:46 PM
geezer

Quote:

Originally Posted by generatorlabs

Geezer:

Could you give me some information on your TorchMate setup? I made my CNC table with the intent of only machining wood and metal. Using it for plasma cutting is a little different and I have little experience with automated plasma cutting.

Does your setup use a torch height controller on the Z? If not do you just set the Z to a preset height away from the material? Do you have a different pierce and cutting height?

Does your setup monitor the status of the plasma arc somehow? If so how does the table know if an arc is being maintained or if the arc has dropped out?

What values are you using, if any, for dwell (I think G4 codes)?

I machined a holder for the torch and have done some initial experiments with triggering the torch manually and it seems to be ok. I have to get a breakout board and build me some isolated triggers for the torch. If I get some time I will take some snapshots of how I have it mounted now. Maybe we could make some comparisons and I could pick up a few tips?

Thanks

Don't have a torchheight control on it, torch height control costs nearly as much as the 2x2 does. It is not required for most work on such a small foot print as the 2 x 2, my current setup uses the PP 50, I just received my PP 80, the PP 80 should let me punch through 1/2 inch and may require some ajustment on torch height during the inital pierce to keep the wear on consumables down. G & M code ,dwell angle and all the other stuff is done using the torchmate 3 control, cutiing paths male/female are done in their version call TM cadlite, you can draw using any cad progam but setting the male/female entry cuts are best done using their version of cadlite. Bob cad is very popular and can do most anything.
Checkout the pirate 4x4 website for lots of help on cut set up and problems

When you use the software you can view everything as the g code is executed line by line. The path on the drawing is followed allowing you to do dry runs, some people have attached small lasers that turn off and on as they simulate the torch in action.

Torch settings / amps, dwell angle, height etc. etc are variable and a test plate is used to determine speed etc. a small test program file is run changing the speed of cut etc. when you have a decent cut use that info to setup for part cutting on that thickness of material.

Thing to keep in mind is: it takes roughly 20 amps of power to pierce every 1/8 inch of plate. So if you run CNC buy a big cutter like the pp80
07-30-2010, 07:58 PM
geezer

Quote:

Originally Posted by generatorlabs

Geezer:

Could you give me some information on your TorchMate setup? I made my CNC table with the intent of only machining wood and metal. Using it for plasma cutting is a little different and I have little experience with automated plasma cutting.

Does your setup use a torch height controller on the Z? If not do you just set the Z to a preset height away from the material? Do you have a different pierce and cutting height?

Does your setup monitor the status of the plasma arc somehow? If so how does the table know if an arc is being maintained or if the arc has dropped out?

What values are you using, if any, for dwell (I think G4 codes)?

I machined a holder for the torch and have done some initial experiments with triggering the torch manually and it seems to be ok. I have to get a breakout board and build me some isolated triggers for the torch. If I get some time I will take some snapshots of how I have it mounted now. Maybe we could make some comparisons and I could pick up a few tips?

Thanks

Don't have a torchheight control on it, torch height control costs nearly as much as the 2x2 does. It is not required for most work on such a small foot print as the 2 x 2, my current setup uses the PP 50, I just received my PP 80, the PP 80 should let me punch through 1/2 inch and may require some ajustment on torch height during the inital pierce to keep the wear on consumables down. G & M code ,dwell angle and all the other stuff is done using the torchmate 3 control, cutiing paths male/female are done in their version call TM cadlite, you can draw using any cad progam but setting the male/female entry cuts are best done using their version of cadlite. Bob cad is very popular and can do most anything.
Checkout the pirate 4x4 website for lots of help on cut set up and problems

When you use the software you can view everything as the g code is executed line by line. The path on the drawing is followed allowing you to do dry runs, some people have attached small lasers that turn off and on as they simulate the torch in action.

Torch settings / amps, dwell angle, height etc. etc are variable and a test plate is used to determine speed etc. a small test program file is run changing the speed of cut etc. when you have a decent cut use that info to setup for part cutting on that thickness of material.

Thing to keep in mind is: it takes roughly 20 amps of power to pierce every 1/8 inch of plate. So if you run CNC buy a big cutter like the pp80
07-31-2010, 10:47 PM
generatorlabs

9 Attachment(s)

My hardware and plasma holder

I would like to see Everlast offer a straight torch in the future as an upgrade. In the meantime I have machined the torch holder shown in the attached pics. As you can see my machine was primarily set up for use with the Porter Cable router. The holder I made just slides in the same hole the router normally sits in. I have also included some photos of the various stages of my build.

Geezer, for the most part the Torchmate deal seems to be a convenient way to get into plasma cutting because they offer all the software tailored for the task. For me it is a little different. I am using Mach3 and CamBam software to drive my table. Mach3 can be configured for router, laser, waterjet, plasma etc, but it requires a very good understanding of the particular process you are running. For example when I am cutting wood or metal my plunge cuts could usually start anywhere. With plasma you have to offset your plunge cut (pierce) and then transition to your cut to get a smooth finished edge. From my understanding these offsets (I think they are called Lead Ins/Outs) are handled by the cam program. Maybe the cam program I am using is not really suitable for plasma as I have not seen any settings for Lead In or Out. Someone on another forum recommended SheetCam so I might give that a whirl.

So I am glad I will not have invest in torch height control. I am still curious to know how your table knows whether ignition has taken place. You obviously have the trigger switch routed to your controller. Is that the only control that your table uses? Is there a current donut or something you place on your cables?

Thanks for the help.
08-01-2010, 01:57 AM
performance

Generator,

We are not a torch company. Just as Miller doesn't provide WeldCraft, or hypertherm torches and doesn't provide every possible torch combination, we are in the same boat.

However, Trafimet, offers a compatible s-75 machine torch for this application, which, can make up a torch to your specifications. Typically they run about 400 dollars.

Depending upon the system a simple delay or a voltage flow sensor tapped into the main power line to sense arc transfer could be required. There are several ways that these smaller and cheaper units are configured for plasma operation to diversify the types of plasma cutters that can be used with the equipment.
08-01-2010, 04:45 AM
Titan winch

generator
I have been talking to the engineers at our consumable Manufacturer about supplying a machine head Torch for the 50.
Preliminary talks seem to be very positive and on my last visit to the Supplier it seemed that the Torch is viable option, but a few things still need to ironed out amongst them is the Electrodes needed for the rating of the torch needed to match the cutter.
You need to also understand that this is something that is not official and untill i get more information from the factory as to the cost /viability for the project it will not be pursued by Everlast USA.
With this in mind i have not discussed this option for us untill i know we can offer a cost effective torch specifically designed for our own units.
Developing costs are always a problem that we need to be aware of and by talking with the Engineers who already supply our consumables( and possibly a few TIG model torches ,samples arrive in the next few days) we have a better chance of acomplishing this due to the fact that our order numbers would be small and taking this to another manufacturer would mean the minimum order quantities expected from us would be far more than we could hope to maintain.
The Machine Torch may be a few months away still as i prefer to discuss this type of development in person as Emails are just to difficult to get my point across and i do not want to visit our suppliers untill later this year.

Tech Support and Performance are very involved in the actual Welder design and functions and honestly this part of the operations are far beyond my meager understanding so i try to help in the small things , Torches, Foot pedals , Consumables etc and i tend to not really say too much untill i have everything sorted out .
08-01-2010, 07:59 PM
geezer

Your set up for the torch holder looks just fine, the machine looks great,as far as a feed back loop or donut sensing ring on the cables, there is none. Cadlite from torchmate is used to set male or female entry paths on the parts to be cut, other programs can do the same.
08-08-2010, 05:26 PM
Rodsmachineshop

plasma cutter standoff guide ??

Hey went to the everlast site but could not find a standoff for the plasma cutter i just bought from you guys . Plasma works great but need a standoff .
08-08-2010, 05:47 PM
everlastsupport

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodsmachineshop

Hey went to the everlast site but could not find a standoff for the plasma cutter i just bought from you guys . Plasma works great but need a standoff .

Rod,

Probably better to call the office tomorrow 9AMPDT and get someone on the phone for the standoff.

Not sure if Duncan has them on the everlastwelders.ca site, but you can take a look there. Also, Duncan has some rolling wheel standoffs for some torches as well.