Current Requirements for Plasma's

[sportbike]

Well, now that I have a $750 gift certificate from teh last contest, I think I am going to look a bit more seriously at a plasma cutter. I would like to get a 210EXT to replace teh 200DX, but quite frankly, i have no issues with the 200DX so there is no real need to change.


In looking at the specs, the current requirements of the 60C don't really make sense. 27A inrush and 21A running at 240V. I see that the voltage now shows single phase rather than 3 phase. Are these current numbers correct for 240VAC operation?

The 50 shows 37A inrush, 29A running @ 240V.

If I get one, it will inevitably turn into the cutter for a CNC system. That said, I typically only work in the 1/4" and under range. (usually only .090-.125 for aluminum).



Additionally, is there a hand torch available for the 60C as well?




John

[everlastsupport]

I too am awaiting the arrival on the new 210EXT. Maybe time for the couple years old 250EX to move along. We will have to see.

I plan on a PP70 to replace the PP60 and a PP50 for CNC one day. So you are going in the direction I am, even have a Shoptask 1 hour North of here that is mine. hahaha.

[SeanMurphy265]

Here are some pics of my 60C. There's no hook up for a torch switch. I guess you might could make something work with the CNC port.

[geezer]

Check the Canadian site it shows that input on 3 phase ,,,,normally the breaker requirement on a single phase plasma is 10 less amps that it's rated output,,,a 50 amps plasma needs a 40 amp breaker and a 70 amp plasma needs a 60 amp breaker,,,etc,,,etc,,,

[Rodsmachineshop]

i used a foot switch for my tracing table it is connected to the cnc plug on back of my plasma cutter . the switch is sitting on the bench in pic

[undercut]

i used a foot switch for my tracing table it is connected to the cnc plug on back of my plasma cutter . the switch is sitting on the bench in pic

Is that pretty much all the pinout for the CNC port is? On and off operation of the cutter?

[Rambozo]

Is that pretty much all the pinout for the CNC port is? On and off operation of the cutter?

Looks like a few pins for torch height control and verification of cutting signal to the CNC.

[undercut]

Looks like a few pins for torch height control and verification of cutting signal to the CNC.

Where'd you get the pinout? Definitely a lot more communication going on than just on and off. So clearly if I want to get into a CNC setup in the future the CNC port is absolute must?

[Rambozo]

Where'd you get the pinout?

On this forum

So clearly if I want to get into a CNC setup in the future the CNC port is absolute must?

It helps, but from what I understand it's not a must. If you use a complete torch height control such as the Eagle one Sean posted about, (http://eagleplasma.com/thc.htm) you can skip the voltage divider pins. That can also supply the main arc confirmation, as well, which can probably replace the ok to move signal. If you look around you can even find basic plasma CNC tables that use the normal hand torch with an actuator that just pulls the trigger. Maybe not the most elegant, but it works, and you can go back and forth from CNC to manual without a second torch.
It all depends on how much you want to invest, and what kind of use it will get. Hobby vs. production.
Even a torch height control isn't a requirement, but it will make things easier, allow you to cut metals with varying heights or warped metal, and compensate for minor errors in table axis alignment.

[undercut]

On this forum

Yeah. I did some research and found it. My budget is a bit aways from getting into a CNC setup but no better to start reading and learning than the present. Thanks a bunch for the info!

[sportbike]

anyone used these http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-20mm-Lin...item22fc820361
For linear rails. Seems to be about the same price or cheaper than trying to make something with roller bearings on square tube or similar.

[redbeard]

anyone used these http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-20mm-Lin...item22fc820361
For linear rails. Seems to be about the same price or cheaper than trying to make something with roller bearings on square tube or similar.

Note that it is actually a linear rail. If you use skate bearings, you could probably get the materials to build all three axes for little more than the cost of one rail. Of course that setup would save a LOT of design and fab time.

[geezer]

anyone used these http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-20mm-Lin...item22fc820361
For linear rails. Seems to be about the same price or cheaper than trying to make something with roller bearings on square tube or similar.

I have considered that type of build and the price as shown seems good, unfortunately the rods are only 60 inches long,,,that makes for a very tight squeeze to make a 4 x 4 table,,,once you factor in the rod mounts it leaves about 8 inches to play with,,would be nice if the rods were another 6 inches longer..should save some time on a build and run very smooth..from what I priced out some time ago ,,,they are throwing in the rods for free...of course everything has been getting lower priced on the CNC development. Worth looking at and thinking about..