[jatepper]

Got around to some better pics....

[aggiejon]

Originally Posted by jatepper

I'm starting to get pretty good with this whole CNC cutting process. I have nailed down all my settings and I can cut most materials with zero/minimal deflection (bevel) and little to no dross. Only took about 5 months of practice though

Curious how you are running that thing to remove the deflection and the dross? I know my deflection rises as my nozzles wear out (I mostly cut 14-12 gauge plate) but how do you eliminate the dross? If I could reduce dross I'd be a happy happy man.

[jatepper]

Several things effect dross and deflection....cut speed, cut height, consumable wear, air pressure, and air supply. When I had my TD151, it took a while of messing around with the settings to get it decent. Never good, just decent. My new plasma cutter has some really good cut charts that include pierce height, pierce delay, cut speed, cut height, and arc voltage for my torch height control unit. Also, the air pressure is automatically regulated by the machine, so no guessing on that part. I just follow book specs and the result is phenominal. Still a little dross, but minimal. Whatever dross I have comes off with minimal work with a grinder and wire wheel.

On the thinner stuff, such as 14g and 16g, it is really hard to get a good dross-free cut. Most machines cannot travel fast enough to achieve maximum results for that thin sheet.

As far as deflection, it seems like there is more deflection when the cut height is a little too high.

[aggiejon]

Ok. I was hoping there was some hidden secret that I hadn't seen. I don't cut much heavy gauge stuff. 1/4" is the heaviest plate i've cut, mainly due to not having need to cut much thicker. Most of my business is ranch signs and such, so 1/8" is the heaviest I typically cut. I use the 1/4" for steak branding irons and have cut a few bbq pit fireboxes out.

I run a practical CNC and didn't spring for the ATHC when i bought the machine. wish i had. My plasma is a hypertherm 600. Second one i've owned. I'll probably upgrade to a higher capacity/larger duty cycle on the next one, but has been hard to justify since 99% of my work uses 14 and 12 gauge material. My top speed is 130 IPM.

Wonder if an ATHC from other table manufacturers would work with my machine and software? PCNC has since disappeared, and I understand that their offshoot is not easy to work with, particularly if you have an older model table. I have a machine torch, but have always just used my rewired machine torch to run it, and have a spare hand torch when I need to cut "on location".

Wish mine would adjust the air pressure. I have found 76psi works best for most cuts. Heavier stuff I will crank it up some, just because it starts to leave some behind, especially if it makes a fast turn or something.