I am trying to get started in plasma cutting. The issue is I have never done it before and not sure what to look for. The only thing is my budget is $15k and I'm looking for a 4x4 table. Only thing I have picked out so far is a Hypertherm Powermax 65.
What do I look for in tables? I've decided to just forego the router option since it's not a router machine. I may get an engraver. I see water tray is important. It seems stepper moters are just fine. I'd like to just stick with the common Mach3 and similar software to run it. I really want to get one with 5,000 or so clipart images so I can start right away. I want a machine that will hold up. I don't want to pay for a name when a smaller company can do just as good for less. Ideally I'd like the machine to be lighter weight so I can move it around. I want it to last and not start deforming (ie bolted to gether may lose shape). Can anyone give me a hand? I was close to buying an ArchLight but there are a few others. It seems a lot of systems are in the 14-15k range but then there are a few out there like LDR and ArchLight that are a bit cheaper... Like I know Automatic Height Control is important and it seems most come standard that way. What else should I be looking for.... or just pick a name:) I plan on doing light production, sheets won't be more than 150 pounds that I put on it.
I guess what I'm getting at is I'm not sure if I should be looking for certain motors, drive systems and things like that.
What do I look for in tables? I've decided to just forego the router option since it's not a router machine. I may get an engraver. I see water tray is important. It seems stepper moters are just fine. I'd like to just stick with the common Mach3 and similar software to run it. I really want to get one with 5,000 or so clipart images so I can start right away. I want a machine that will hold up. I don't want to pay for a name when a smaller company can do just as good for less. Ideally I'd like the machine to be lighter weight so I can move it around. I want it to last and not start deforming (ie bolted to gether may lose shape). Can anyone give me a hand? I was close to buying an ArchLight but there are a few others. It seems a lot of systems are in the 14-15k range but then there are a few out there like LDR and ArchLight that are a bit cheaper... Like I know Automatic Height Control is important and it seems most come standard that way. What else should I be looking for.... or just pick a name:) I plan on doing light production, sheets won't be more than 150 pounds that I put on it.
I guess what I'm getting at is I'm not sure if I should be looking for certain motors, drive systems and things like that.