Everlast PP50, PP60 or PP60C for my CNC?

[D$Allstar]

I've been talking to a 4'x4' cnc gantry-builder about the setup I want to order from them. I want to pick-up a PP50 or PP60 to run the setup. The CNC guy tells me that the PP50 or PP60 won't run well with the Toshiba electronics & controller used in the cnc gantry due to the amount of interference from the torch head. And says I'd "need to upgrade" to Gecko electronics to use either of those torches. And of course the upgrade costs like $800 (out of my budget). I think he's pulling my leg.

Any reason why the PP50 or PP60 wouldn't be a good choice? Any truth in this guy's advice? Would using the PP's high-freq ground as well as some cable shielding and/or longer torch lead (distance) do the trick?

My plan is to cut anything from 14ga sheet to 3/8" plate for mostly panels and brackets. Mostly for hobby, but plan on running some small production runs for side-income here and there.

Any advice from the pro's would be awesome!

Thank you in advance,

Dan A.
Toledo, OH

[Rambozo]

The PowerPlasma 50 is not a high frequency start and very well suited to all kinds of CNC operation. There is also a special version of the PP60 (PP60C) designed for CNC with a High Voltage/Inductor Start. Either of those two models should be fine for you without any HF interference issues. The standard PP60 is probably not the best choice as there may be problems with the CNC drive electronics.

[Rivets]

I've been talking to a 4'x4' cnc gantry-builder about the setup I want to order from them. I want to pick-up a PP50 or PP60 to run the setup. The CNC guy tells me that the PP50 or PP60 won't run well with the Toshiba electronics & controller used in the cnc gantry due to the amount of interference from the torch head. And says I'd "need to upgrade" to Gecko electronics to use either of those torches. And of course the upgrade costs like $800 (out of my budget). I think he's pulling my leg.

Any reason why the PP50 or PP60 wouldn't be a good choice? Any truth in this guy's advice? Would using the PP's high-freq ground as well as some cable shielding and/or longer torch lead (distance) do the trick?

My plan is to cut anything from 14ga sheet to 3/8" plate for mostly panels and brackets. Mostly for hobby, but plan on running some small production runs for side-income here and there.

Any advice from the pro's would be awesome!

Thank you in advance,

Dan A.
Toledo, OH

Hi Dan,

Not a pro, but this issue has been discussed before.

You include the PP60C in the thread title.

Since, according to specs, it's a low inductance unit designed for CNC operations, would it not be a strong candidate for your choice ? The price difference between it and the PP60 is $250 - a lot less than the $800 quoted for the upgrade.

Cheers,
rivets

[ShaneJackson]

Not sure what control boards they are using but I have a Gecko G540 on a CNC Router that I built and it works great (at $290). It's a 4 axis stepper driver... Not sure if it would be suitable for use with a plasma cutter or not... I would think good shielded cables would go a long way in blocking RF/Inductance....

Shane