CnC plasma

[Beanmetalworks]

Looking at Cnc machines for some of coming projects just wondering is there much work out there for them as far as just offering the fact you have one!?! And is there money to be made with them?!

 

[steve.h]

I want a plasmacam, if I had the money and a big enough workshop, I think there would be no limit to what you could make to sell, I think you are limited by your imagination really. If you are into art and craft then you could make loads of stuff to sell at craft fairs etc. personalised gate panels, winf vanes etc right down to trivets and coasters etc. I think if I did manage to get one it wouldnt stop for the first month or so.....

 

[Westermans]

Most plasma and gas machine are all working flat out and have been for the last few years from ducting machines to the bigger HyDefinition machines, so there must be plenty of work out there for them! We only sell used and on a good month we will sell 5 gas /plasma machines, we could sell more but we cannot cope with the additional work load at the minute - so I would say you would be busy!

 

[Welderpaul]

We have one, a 3m x 1.5m bed, 40mm max thickness in mild steel. We have software problems with it that still need fixing, but it does work when there is a full moon.
I don't know if you are intending to make one, or buy one, but expect to pay around the 8/10K mark for a used one.
In my opinion, if you want to make money with it, you don't want to be piddling about selling bits for gates, you need to be going round the steel stockholders and fabricators and offering your services. We do a lot for 2 of our steel stockholders. Free issue plate, we keep the offcuts, and they deliver/collect. Leave the machine cutting overnight.
Like i say, problems with it at the moment, so its not paying for itself. Its on my long list of things to do.

 

[madkayaker]

We have one, a 3m x 1.5m bed, 40mm max thickness in mild steel. We have software problems with it that still need fixing, but it does work when there is a full moon.
I don't know if you are intending to make one, or buy one, but expect to pay around the 8/10K mark for a used one.
In my opinion, if you want to make money with it, you don't want to be piddling about selling bits for gates, you need to be going round the steel stockholders or fabricators and offering your services. We do a lot for 2 of our steel stockholders. Free issue plate, we keep the offcuts, and they deliver/collect. Leave the machine cutting overnight.
Like i say, problems with it at the moment, so its not paying for itself. Its on my long list of things to do.

I thought it was racking system! Keep meaning to get my plasma working and flogging the machine torch!

 

[Beanmetalworks]

at mo not really delved into what sort machines are out there but what sort size one should i be looking at and what are things to go for and not to go for. and what things do i def need??

 

[Welderpaul]

1. Ours has a Hypertherm unit. About the best you can get; don't get anything else imo.
2.Use genuine consumables.
3.Air dryer. Conserve your consumables.
4.Decent compressor.
5.Depending on what you are cutting, as big a bed as you can. Makes nesting easier, reduces waste and reduces plate handling time.
6.Decent software package
7.The work for it.

 

[Beanmetalworks]

whats the going rate people charge then i no ever job slightly differnt but whats sort of hourly rate you should be charging in ideal world and the actually world lol?

 

[Welderpaul]

Don't know tbh, i know profilers charge based on plate thickness, cutting time, salvageable scrap etc. No doubt they have some calculation based on experience, but they won't tell me. i have asked a few times.