indexing on a torchmate

Torchmate Hardware discussion forum
Post Reply
gs123
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 149
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2012 3:48 pm
Location: S/W Louisiana

indexing on a torchmate

Post by gs123 »

iv never indexed. how do you set it up on a torchmate? i have a 2*4 table.
crbattery
1.5 Star Member
1.5 Star Member
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2016 1:07 pm

Re: indexing on a torchmate

Post by crbattery »

i do not know. Our TM table is 5x10 so haven't had to deal with that. however if you are on Facebook you should join the group CNC plasma tips, tricks, and sharing. Lots of guys on there. Also look up Gamble here on plasma spider. he has a 2x4 TM table
gs123
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 149
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2012 3:48 pm
Location: S/W Louisiana

Re: indexing on a torchmate

Post by gs123 »

thanks for reply
im not on facebook but might join in good cnc info there.
User avatar
Gamelord
4.5 Star Member
4.5 Star Member
Posts: 1637
Joined: Wed Aug 29, 2012 5:17 pm
Contact:

Re: indexing on a torchmate

Post by Gamelord »

Here's a video for indexing on an Arclight. You may be able to transfer that info to your Torchmate.

https://youtu.be/WZKtq7YfZbg

Hope it helps.
Once you take flight, your eyes will forever be turned to the sky." "Lack of appreciation is the worlds biggest crime."

Torchmate 6x14 w/THC Downdraft
Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101
Corel Draw / Adobe Illustrator
Torchmate CAD
comeoutswingin
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 130
Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:34 pm

Re: indexing on a torchmate

Post by comeoutswingin »

I've done it on my old Torchmate 2x2 and 2x4. First you're going to need to divide your drawing in half, and then set it up to where you are cutting both parts at 0,0.

Then you're going to need a fence. I welded a piece of 16ga to my slats, and then ripped it with a simple line program down the Y axis. Having the fence allowed me to stay exactly on the Y0 axis..

Now the tricky part. Lets say for example you're trying to make a 48" overall piece. You're going to need to shift your sheet a full 24" exactly, then load your other half of your program. For simple stuff being totally exact wont be super critical, but for stuff with critical hole alignment, or for a large art scene, being off just a little can be a deal breaker.
5x10 LDR
gs123
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 149
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2012 3:48 pm
Location: S/W Louisiana

Re: indexing on a torchmate

Post by gs123 »

wow, now the tricky part!
it all sounds tricky to me.
thanks for replying
motoguy
4 Star Elite Contributing Member
4 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 1184
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2015 12:05 pm
Location: Central MO, USA

Re: indexing on a torchmate

Post by motoguy »

I suggest picking up one of these:

http://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?t=22275

I knocked my xbox controller off it's bracket yesterday and reset my y axis when it hit the ground, with 1/2 a job cut (and the perimeter of a part 1/2 cut). Using this, I was able to line up exactly on a 90 degree cut (partial cut of the perimeter, so a kerf-width line), by placing this pointer exactly in the middle of the kerf in both directions (by eye). I then looked on Sheetcam to see what the coordinates of that point (the 90 degree corner) should be. Entered them into my x/y position, tested the location a time or two, and let 'er fly. Couldn't even tell where the repositioned cut blended into the existing kerf. I was quite impressed, and pleased.

I think indexing would work exactly the same way.

Edit: I don't have a Torchmate. I use Sheetcam and Mach. Same mechanism should apply, though.
Bulltear 6x12 w/ Proton Z axis & watertable
CommandCNC/Linux w/ Ohmic & HyT options
Hypertherm Powermax 85 w/ machine torch
Solidworks, Coreldraw X7, Inkscape, Sheetcam
Post Reply

Return to “Torchmate Forum”