Multi CNC Plasma Table Discussion

[Tramguage1]

I have another question for you gents.
Do you do all your design work on one computer and the have another that runs your table software? The new owner of the company I had ( wife) is replacing all the computers in the office. So I will have access to a pretty powerful desktop unit. I also will be aguiring a laptop that will be able to run the table. Just curious how you do this.

 

[Admin]

 

[Vikes79]

I have another question for you gents.
Do you do all your design work on one computer and the have another that runs your table software? The new owner of the company I had ( wife) is replacing all the computers in the office. So I will have access to a pretty powerful desktop unit. I also will be aguiring a laptop that will be able to run the table. Just curious how you do this.

I do everything on one laptop. You’ll need to be able to edit the design, and make changes to your machine settings until you establish your library of machine test settings based on thickness and the materials you are cutting. Other variables also would be the cutting tip diameter etc.

Fire control only runs the code…you can make some adjustments on speed and heights…but the rest has to be done in the file processing…and even on the sketch. For me and my small shop, it’s easier to use a laptop. While not ideal I’ve been making do with a 10 year old laptop …but im not doing complex 3d model assemblies either.

 

[highpocket74]

I've wanted a plasma table for a few years now to make parts. But, in my case at this time, it's far too convenient to send my cutting and bending to the shop down the road from me who are already experts at making what I dream up and draw up.

 

[Tramguage1]

I do everything on one laptop. You’ll need to be able to edit the design, and make changes to your machine settings until you establish your library of machine test settings based on thickness and the materials you are cutting. Other variables also would be the cutting tip diameter etc.

Fire control only runs the code…you can make some adjustments on speed and heights…but the rest has to be done in the file processing…and even on the sketch. For me and my small shop, it’s easier to use a laptop. While not ideal I’ve been making do with a 10 year old laptop …but im not doing complex 3d model assemblies either.

Been doing the research and everything i have found so far the latest software ( Fire control and Fusion 360 calls for a 64-bit processing. The laptop is have is setup for 32- bit. It was used to run a few compines perprotery trouble shooting software. So I actually downt want to disturb it, it's primary use is to build other service tools like it.🤫

 

[Tramguage1]

I've wanted a plasma table for a few years now to make parts. But, in my case at this time, it's far too convenient to send my cutting and bending to the shop down the road from me who are already experts at making what I dream up and draw up.

Maybe some R&D in the future!🤔

 

[highpocket74]

One benefit we have from work is that when the company buys new desktop PC computers they GIVE away the old ones to anyone in the company who wants one! I got one a couple years ago specifically to run Autocad and Fusion and it's been good. Macs don't cooperate with Autocad very well. Better with Fusion since its a web based application. But I've stuck with using the PC and a 24" screen to work with at home.

 

[Tramguage1]

One benefit we have from work is that when the company buys new desktop PC computers they GIVE away the old ones to anyone in the company who wants one! I got one a couple years ago specifically to run Autocad and Fusion and it's been good. Macs don't cooperate with Autocad very well. Better with Fusion since its a web based application. But I've stuck with using the PC and a 24" screen to work with at home.

Yep i confiscated the old desk top from the office. I will back them up on a drive and then wipe them. I'm seriously thinking about keeping one out in the shop to run the plazma table. If I am correct all I need is a USB cable to the controller. I may put me a climate controlled office space out there and work from there when needed.

 

[Tramguage1]

Got her put together and first test run.

 

[-Bear-]

I have another question for you gents.
Do you do all your design work on one computer and the have another that runs your table software? The new owner of the company I had ( wife) is replacing all the computers in the office. So I will have access to a pretty powerful desktop unit. I also will be aguiring a laptop that will be able to run the table. Just curious how you do this.

This is always a funny one. Everyone has different ways of doing things, but there is always an area of agreeance across the spectrum. If you have a computer setup with control software that is dedicated to running a machine, keep it at that and nothing else. I have 3 very expensive $8-$12K desktops (not required at all for the vast majority of people who do a TON of manufacturing) and 2 of these only run CAD with one of them running both CAD and CAM. Each one of my machines have a dedicated computer that will run the machines and run the code produced from my CAM (CAM is on another computer). I also have a single centralized computer (3rd comp with all software) with everything installed so if you need to make product mods on the fly during manufacturing, you can make small iterations in near the machine (my facility is 50,000 square feet, so it cuts down on walking back and forth from the master CAD/CAD setup). But in my personal shop, I run 2 computers, one is for CAD and CAM, and the other just runs machines which reads the code produced from the CAD/CAM computer.

So good practice is two computers, nothing complicated for the one that runs the machine, and one a bit on the higher end for the computer that will be doing CAD. Now at home, I have a high end desktop that I CAD with and CAM with, then I save the code to a share drive. From this share drive, I run the code on my machine computers. It's just a good practice to keep your machine's operation computer clean as possible, as if it's only job it to run your machine. As far as desktop vs laptop, I have no opinions on this, they are all great, I just prefer desktops. Running a dedicated comp for your machines helps to eliminate code glitches or various processing errors that can result from various stages in update or program patches. I am almost 2 million dollars into my fiber laser setup, so protecting it's controls is super important along with all my other CNC's. Think of it as compartmentalization, gives you way more control and a smaller problem to troubleshoot when the machine does something out of the ordinary. Lastly, Happy Retirement and congratulations!

 

[Tramguage1]

This is always a funny one. Everyone has different ways of doing things, but there is always an area of agreeance across the spectrum. If you have a computer setup with control software that is dedicated to running a machine, keep it at that and nothing else. I have 3 very expensive $8-$12K desktops (not required at all for the vast majority of people who do a TON of manufacturing) and 2 of these only run CAD with one of them running both CAD and CAM. Each one of my machines have a dedicated computer that will run the machines and run the code produced from my CAM (CAM is on another computer). I also have a single centralized computer (3rd comp with all software) with everything installed so if you need to make product mods on the fly during manufacturing, you can make small iterations in near the machine (my facility is 50,000 square feet, so it cuts down on walking back and forth from the master CAD/CAD setup). But in my personal shop, I run 2 computers, one is for CAD and CAM, and the other just runs machines which reads the code produced from the CAD/CAM computer.

So good practice is two computers, nothing complicated for the one that runs the machine, and one a bit on the higher end for the computer that will be doing CAD. Now at home, I have a high end desktop that I CAD with and CAM with, then I save the code to a share drive. From this share drive, I run the code on my machine computers. It's just a good practice to keep your machine's operation computer clean as possible, as if it's only job it to run your machine. As far as desktop vs laptop, I have no opinions on this, they are all great, I just prefer desktops. Running a dedicated comp for your machines helps to eliminate code glitches or various processing errors that can result from various stages in update or program patches. I am almost 2 million dollars into my fiber laser setup, so protecting it's controls is super important along with all my other CNC's. Think of it as compartmentalization, gives you way more control and a smaller problem to troubleshoot when the machine does something out of the ordinary. Lastly, Happy Retirement and congratulations!

Thank you for the advise, I really appreciate the input. I think I will do as you said and have a dedicated machine for the table and do any design work on a desktop. I have decided to build a climate controlled area in my shop to have a small office. This way I can do all my work there. This will keep my stuff out of the house and in one place.