HS Metal SHop Teacher

[brianmarree]

Hi all-

I am a high school Metal Shop Teacher in Pittsburgh PA. Currently have a Torchmate Growth Series 4x4 with a Hypertherm 65. Machine was a bastard, I purchased it when Torchmate was acquired by Lincoln Electric. It was nothing but a pain in the ass for the first few years, finally have it running smooth and it now needs some attention (new water table).

Currently looking to either retrofit this machine or update to a new unit. Any suggestions from people who have gone through this process?

Thanks

[acourtjester]

creating a new water table is not that hard, as long as you have enough height in the Z torch travel. I have built a few for the table I have built. I built mine from 18 Ga steel with a depth of about 5 inches. I used 1/2" square tube along the top edges and a slate holding grate from 2" angle. this grate had 1/4" round rods to hold 1-1/2" X 1/8" slates. The 1/4" pins are arranged so the slates are in an arc or "S" shape to hold them upright. This is removable to aid in the cleaning of the water table and replacing the slates. As long as you have enough support under the water table this work great. I have a drain in one corner to let the water out for cleaning and changing. here are a few images.
I can also remove the water table and install a spoil board for router work when I like.