Torchmate 4X4

[Rokcrler]

Too bad a$$ man!
I too want one!

[bullnerd]

That is slick!

What material is used on the tip of the engraver to take the repeated poundings like that?

[ScooteK]

Originally Posted by bullnerd

What material is used on the tip of the engraver to take the repeated poundings like that?

Its a small carbide tip on a small needle like thingy.

[Captainfab]

That is very cool Scoot

[bullnerd]

I'm surprised carbide can take the abuse.

Cut is very clean.

That is very impresive.

Nice work Scootek

[jbracing]

ive wanted a torchmate 4x4 ever since we got a 2x2 in my high school my junior year. if you dont mind me asking...how much did the whole system cost you? i was just planning on getting the gantry system. getting my own plasma cutter and building my own water table, which i did build one for the 2x2 in my old high school.

[ScooteK]

You should call TM and get a quote. You will save thousands building as much for your self. I was upgraded by Bill and I also spent the coin needed for the convienence of having it go together quick and have the best of what I could get. I even had the water pan made for me. With all you see plus plasma and air comp. Im invested at about 12k. I have made that in the couple years Ive used it as a hobbiest at home. Its capable of making tons of money if used fulltime.

[jbracing]

i am working on starting my own business doing custom fabrication and welding and i figured the 4x4 would be a good starting point for a cnc plasma. i know i will eventually outgrow it, even if the business doesnt work out the way i want it to (but im very hopeful) my racing program would probably outgrow it.

[ScooteK]

Still trying to get more of the detail from this origional into the final product.
Had alot of help on this file so far. Learning new things you can do with it.
Had to try the file since its already over 2 hours of run time!!!
Still some bugs in it but its still sweet!






Click to play each video below

[JEd]

Looks great so far.

How in Torchmate CAD do you make it fill in the letters? I've got a Torchmate table and plate marker setup, but I had to send the relay box off because it wasn't working (used plate marker), but I'm still playing around trying to get ready when it gets here.

[ScooteK]

Originally Posted by JEd

How in Torchmate CAD do you make it fill in the letters? .

I dont believe this tool was origionally intended to do fill, but it can if done carefully. Check your set screws before you start cause this will give your machine a workout! Im not advising that you try this, and it may damage your machine! Using proper air pressure settings and osillation settings and inch per minute settings will effect your quality of the product aswell as the amount of strain on your machine.
With that said here is what I did.

Select the area to fill.
Then go to "machine" "create tool path" "fill"
Then the box that opens, select "fill type"
This next choice is very important. Only choose "line sweep" or "reverse spiral"
This choice is limited to those two (of the many options) for protecting your machine.
A small image of the pattern will show on the left
Lower on that screen is two more choices for "overlap %" and "angle"
20% overlap is the best, but you can adjust this to your liking.
Angle is up to your liking.
Next, at the top select "fill tool" and select your plate marker and hit "OK"

Once you have all your tool paths for plate marker, plasma, etc. Use the "sequence" option to do the plate marking first. There is always your G code and M code adjustments in the driver software, Im not sure how much you know about multi tool comands in the G and M code comands so I wont go through that unless you need it.
Good luck!

[JEd]

Thanks. I just got my relay box back in the mail yesterday, so hopefully I can try out some simple stuff in the next couple of days. I'm aware that there will be some work getting the code working, but haven't had been ready to dig into that.

[bullnerd]

Just read some of this again.

Any updates Scootek?

[ScooteK]

Originally Posted by bullnerd

Just read some of this again.

Any updates Scootek?

JUST GET ONE!!!

You have my permission to remove any and all crap that is taking up space and not making you money!

Updates?

Im getting ready to move and planning on doubling the size of this table.
Still making stuff when time permits. Made 350 bucks last sat. for an hours work. Made a sign for a hotrod shop and some markers for a shooting range.

I was concidering the milling attachment for a super crazy project, but Im not ready for that yet. I would like to get a second table in the future and have them tooled different and insert huge dream here...

Unemployment from the day job may be knocking at my door soon. This may be were I try and go fab fulltime. I was hoping to get a crazy new bender before that happens, but we will see.

GET A BIG TABLE!!!
Mine is still as cool as day one and have never regreted the investment!!!

[rbeckett]

Sccots and others.
The "Because I cans" are "Yes I can for.....dollars." I have not run my table in a while, but I will tell you the grin factor is still as big as it ever was. Once the torch fires and cutting has commenced you get this weird grin that takes a couple of hours to wear off. My only regret with my TM Small Shop machine was that I didn't go bigger in the first place. I solved that by building an approach table that allows me to use up to a 10 foot sheet and I just index the cut. Sometimes it is a PITA, but I can do larger if I want now, so it is worth the effort.

Bob

[bullnerd]

Someday.
I've read a lot of threads on plasmas ,yours is one of the best.
Good luck ,I hope it works out for you and thanks for all the info.
Mike

[Makarim]

Hello guys! from the Middle-East, My name is Kamel and I have been following your thread, cool stuff! I'm a noobewy and I'm interested in metal art and signage, can I ask what torch are you using on the 4X4 to get this cut quality? I noticed you usually use 1/8 stainless is that the best recommended material. I would appreciate any help you guys I'm very new at this. if you have some articles I should read I would be more than happy to.

[bullnerd]

Hows it going Scootek?

Just reread some of your cage threads. I finally got Bt so I am reading up to get motivated. Your threads are some of the best.

Did you move? New shop?

We miss you man!

[ScooteK]

Starting to slip back in to fabricating again, been out for some time. Got the table running again after moving. Took on a few projects for the table. Bought a 4x8 sheet of 1/4 inch steel and started on 2 half hour runtime files. Its been a while since I have run any kind of critical files so I was watching the machine like a hawk. Noticed about a few min into the first file that the torch was progressively diving a little bit at the end of each cut. I stoped it and changed tips and it was good. Then I noticed it started hanging around the end of the cut and waiting to long to start the travel line to the next cut with the torch still going. Had no damage to the machine or material yet so I continued to watch it. It then progressed a little to keeping the torch on during the travel line. Thats when I stopped it and changed all consumables. It was good for 2 cuts then cut on 2 out of 3 travel lines and ofcourse screwed up the part. I turned of the table and am waiting to talk with tech support. Its usually something simple and a while back I would have known what it is but have found that not continuing my education in the garage or practicing what I knew, Im not as sharp and was embarrased. It really reignited my desire to progress with the learning and having fun fabricating. I even found myself saying to others that I hope my plasma is needing an upgrade. I think its going to be a good year. Im excited again.

[TheBandit]

Awesome to hear from you again! You've been missed around here. Post some photos when you get it working again. Sounds like a sticky relay somewhere.