What makes PP 60C ideal for CNC?

[RichardH]

I'm window shopping the plasma cutters, and I'm scratching my head at the 60C. Looking at the comparison chart, it seems to have a heavier cutting capacity with fewer amps compared to the PP 60 - is this something special about the PP 60C, the machine torch, or CNC steadiness vs. handheld?

For a guy who'd be starting out handheld, and who might one day wish to do CNC (but not in the foreseeable future), does it make any sense to get the 60C and add a hand torch to it? Or for the same money, does it make more sense to get the PP 80 and add a machine torch to it later? (Or is either option really valid?)

I've seen CNC setups using handheld torches, so what else about the 60C makes it extra valuable for CNC use? I'm fuzzy on the issue with high frequency starts - does this mess with the attached computer?

Thanks,
Richard

[Rambozo]

HF can be used on CNC, but keeping the noise out of the digital control is a lot harder. Most home built units lack the shielding and filtering to work well with HF. 60 amps is 60 amps, and you should not plan on running a CNC at severance cut thickness. The max normal cut is rated about the same for those two machines. The hand torch is actually rated for slightly thicker material for a severance cut. This makes sense as you can make on the fly changes to torch angle and travel speed based on what is happening. Just because it will cut, does not mean it will cut good or repeatable, once you approach the limits of the machine. Depending on where you look on the site you will actually find different specs for those same two machines. The 60S has had some recent updates, but I have not seen any announcement of a new version of the 60C. It may or may not have been included in the last round of updates. Your best bet is to call for the most current specs on both machines, and the differences between them. The website seems to be the last place that gets updated, and I suspect that there is quite a bit of stuff that they just expected to be up on the new site that is not ready, yet.

[acourtjester]

One thing I have found buying a plasma unit is be sure you have the availability of different tip sizes. Most venders that sell a 60 or 80 amp unit supply it with tips that are for max cutting like a 1.0 to 1.3 tips. If you plan to do CNC plasma and will be cutting different thickness material you want to be able to buy tips for different thickness material. Trying to cut 14 Ga. steel with a tip used for 3/8” steel works but it isn’t pretty and just turning down the amps will not help. Other things affected by tip size are kerfs width and cutting speed bigger is not always better.

[RichardH]

One thing I have found buying a plasma unit is be sure you have the availability of different tip sizes. Most venders that sell a 60 or 80 amp unit supply it with tips that are for max cutting like a 1.0 to 1.3 tips.

It looks like Everlast supplies the same S-75 hand torch for plasma cutters from 60A to 80A, excepting the CNC. I didn't find much detail in the way of consumables for that torch, even on the Trafimet website. Do you have any info on the tip sizes available and good sources?

Cheers,
Richard

[performance]

It comes with the Trafimet A/P 81. Alternate machine torches with the central connector may be fitted. It is not designed for hand operation. It also features both voltage and amp meter. It too was redesigned late this year. It has an inductor, HV start...which starts faster than the blow back design. Smallest consumable is 1.0 mm good for 40-50 amp minimum.

[Kempy]

My PP70S came with an S75 but the only tip I can find is a 1.0 or 1.2 on Trafimet website can you drill it out to 1.1 or 1.3 for thicker material or do you have to change other parts.
I have never seen a chart for tips to metal thickness.