What's the scoop on cnc plasma tables?

[O'ReillyMade]

I'm scheming on my next big shop purchase and have been eyeing a cnc plasma table. Specifically a Lanmuir Systems Crossfire. Seems that you can get a decent setup for around 3k - one that includes table, plasma cutter, and a few upgrades like plasma air filter, water table, etc. Not bad imo if you're someone who spends some $$$ getting blanks cut by water jet. From what I understand it can take some work to get these machines finely tuned so you're getting clean, consistent cuts. However, if you're willing to spend the time to do this you'd have a pretty slick and capable setup. Of course a drawback is the decarb zone due to the temperature generated by the plasma cutter but from what I've seen this can be ground of easily.

What do ya'll think? How much work is really involved in getting these machines finely tuned? Worth the money?? Perhaps.

 

[Drew Riley]

JTknives may have a little better insight to your question.

You're never going to get as precise or as clean of a cut as a waterjet or laser, but plasma certainly has a place.
I don't know what all you're going to get for $3k, but you'll probably want to invest in a THC (Torch Height Controller), and your cuts are only going to be as good as the plasma cutter you plug into it. I'm guessing that for only $3k, yours won't have one.

Don't forget about the air compressor and/or electrical requirements. Clean, dry air is a must, and a $40 water separator from home depot isn't going to cut it. I'm not sure what kind of "plasma air filter" Langmuir is including, but a decent dryer/filter setup is likely to run at least a few hundred dollars on the low end, and involves maintenance and consumables just like the plasma torch. Not that you can't get away with more budget friendly options, but your cuts and consumables will suffer for it.

Depending on what size plasma cutter you're running, you may have to upgrade your electrical circuit in your shop as well.

Don't forget about fume extraction, and make sure your fire extinguishers are up to date.

If I have to guess, you're gonna have a little more than $3k into your setup before you're happy with the results.

 

[Leading Edge Fab]

JTknives may have a little better insight to your question.

You're never going to get as precise or as clean of a cut as a waterjet or laser, but plasma certainly has a place.
I don't know what all you're going to get for $3k, but you'll probably want to invest in a THC (Torch Height Controller), and your cuts are only going to be as good as the plasma cutter you plug into it. I'm guessing that for only $3k, yours won't have one.

Don't forget about the air compressor and/or electrical requirements. Clean, dry air is a must, and a $40 water separator from home depot isn't going to cut it. I'm not sure what kind of "plasma air filter" Langmuir is including, but a decent dryer/filter setup is likely to run at least a few hundred dollars on the low end, and involves maintenance and consumables just like the plasma torch. Not that you can't get away with more budget friendly options, but your cuts and consumables will suffer for it.

Depending on what size plasma cutter you're running, you may have to upgrade your electrical circuit in your shop as well.

Don't forget about fume extraction, and make sure your fire extinguishers are up to date.

If I have to guess, you're gonna have a little more than $3k into your setup before you're happy with the results.

Hi Drew - I'd suggest a cheap plasma table if efficiency and precision blanks isn't a consideration.