Bed height to torch

Torchmate Hardware discussion forum
Post Reply
iron2
2 Star Member
2 Star Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2014 2:04 pm

Bed height to torch

Post by iron2 »

Have been having trouble leveling the bed in relation to the torch, I use 3/16th" expanded metal for the bed which works well for drop outs interfering while cutting but just cant seem to level the bed out to a consistent height for cutting. I tack weld the bed to rails initially and do my best to level it out. I have manual height control and understand I need to watch when cutting and adjust on the fly But: Does anyone have a system, a particular way in leveling the bed out initially to where only minor adjustments need to be made during the cut? Maybe I need to revamp my bed set up. Appreciate any help in advance.
Homebuilt 2x4 water table
Torchmatecad
Flashcut THC
Hypotherm 45
User avatar
exapprentice
3 Star Member
3 Star Member
Posts: 357
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:57 pm
Location: Wiltshire, UK

Re: Bed height to torch

Post by exapprentice »

Hi Iron 2

why not fit a THC and take away any height problems setting up and running :?:
Best Regards to all
Exapprentice :D
(Pete)
10'x5' DIY table / PM 45XP + M/C Torch - Trying to add 4 axis Tube cutting :(
Linux/CommandCandCNC MP3600 / PN200 / DCP-01 / PWM
Solid Edge, Inkscape, SheetCam, Scananything & Andonstar USB Microscope
iron2
2 Star Member
2 Star Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2014 2:04 pm

Re: Bed height to torch

Post by iron2 »

Exapprentice,
Thanks for the reply: yes I asked Torchmate about the cost they said $3500 caused me to hesitate on that one. Will seriously consider until then just have to do my best. Thanks again
Homebuilt 2x4 water table
Torchmatecad
Flashcut THC
Hypotherm 45
User avatar
exapprentice
3 Star Member
3 Star Member
Posts: 357
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:57 pm
Location: Wiltshire, UK

Re: Bed height to torch

Post by exapprentice »

Hi Iron 2

surely there must be a cheaper way to get a THC onto your machine :?:
ranging from the CandCNC LCTHC or what about the PROMA, I have seen self contained THC on the well known auction site
OK it might not have all the bells and whistles but compared to $3500 or nothing, might be worth looking or asking around.
I would be surprised if someone on this site hasn't done something similar :o
Best Regards to all
Exapprentice :D
(Pete)
10'x5' DIY table / PM 45XP + M/C Torch - Trying to add 4 axis Tube cutting :(
Linux/CommandCandCNC MP3600 / PN200 / DCP-01 / PWM
Solid Edge, Inkscape, SheetCam, Scananything & Andonstar USB Microscope
tcaudle
4 Star Elite Contributing Member
4 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 1353
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:47 pm

Re: Bed height to torch

Post by tcaudle »

TM won't run MACH
TM does not use parallel port for inputs
TM THC is a total stand alone unit not tied to the toolpath or any other axis motion. There is no feedback tot he host system but "HOLD"
TM gets that much for a THC beacuse they CAN. Nothing else will work
User avatar
exapprentice
3 Star Member
3 Star Member
Posts: 357
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:57 pm
Location: Wiltshire, UK

Re: Bed height to torch

Post by exapprentice »

I didnt realise that the TM systems were so closed???

But thinking outside of the box :shock: what about a standalone THC with its own driver board :?:
after the initial touch off maybe switch over to the self contained set up via a relay :?: :?:
then at the end switches back to the TM system :!:

only blue sky thinking, don't know if it would even work
Best Regards to all
Exapprentice :D
(Pete)
10'x5' DIY table / PM 45XP + M/C Torch - Trying to add 4 axis Tube cutting :(
Linux/CommandCandCNC MP3600 / PN200 / DCP-01 / PWM
Solid Edge, Inkscape, SheetCam, Scananything & Andonstar USB Microscope
User avatar
_Ogre
3.5 Star Member
3.5 Star Member
Posts: 529
Joined: Sun Sep 15, 2013 4:26 pm
Location: Motown

Re: Bed height to torch

Post by _Ogre »

unless you don't have slats under the expanded metal there will always be a sag in the expanded material
if the expanded metal is your only bed you'll cut it up the first time you cut anything thicker than 18 gauge
instead of reinventing the wheel, use slats, double them up by spacing them closer together
i cut mostly 10ga to 1/2'' material and have slots cut in the table slats over 1/2''

proprietary software is why we didn't go with torchmate, though they do have a good sales speal :mrgreen:
bulltear 4x8 cnc plasma table, candcnc bladerunner w/dthc, hypertherm powermax 65, sheetcam, mach3
laser cross hair for hypertherm torch http://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12508
an ogre smiley :mrgreen: how cool!
iron2
2 Star Member
2 Star Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2014 2:04 pm

Re: Bed height to torch

Post by iron2 »

Thanks for the reply seriously looking at getting an all new setup so I'm not locked into Torchmate. Like Jim mentioned I can purchase all new software and VHC for what Torchmate wants just for the VHC accessory alone. Thanks again for the reply's.
Homebuilt 2x4 water table
Torchmatecad
Flashcut THC
Hypotherm 45
Post Reply

Return to “Torchmate Forum”