No Torch volts when burning

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pitbumpers
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No Torch volts when burning

Post by pitbumpers »

Hello all just had a new problem, never had before in the 10+ years I have had the table. During a burn, torch goes down fires into the 1/2 piece and buries itself. I just noticed that the preset volt were set to 30, and preset amps at 45. I know this is wrong, and Sheetcam has never let me down. I switched to a different drawing and it still get the same presets. Also the torch volts screen does not even function as it fires up the torch. I shut everything down and restarted twice and it did the same thing?? Like I said this LDR table has been great and have never had this problem before. Used it last week cutting 1/2" and was cutting just fine.

Thank you
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by adbuch »

I don't think this is a SheetCam problem - more likely a problem with your torch height control. I would double check the wires from your plasma cutter to your thc/controller to make sure everything is still connected properly. I am not familiar with the LDR tables. If it uses a floating had with a separate switch for sensing the material, perhaps check to make sure it is still working properly.

David
pitbumpers
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by pitbumpers »

Thank you David, that is the first thing I should have done. I will check that. Oh it does have a floating head, its been a great table sad Dan sold the company.
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by tnbndr »

Just saw this post.
@Pitbumpers check all the connections going into the control box from the cable tray. Continuous movement of this tray over time will work these connections loose and you will get weird things going on. Happened to me and Dan solved it right away. I had my LDR table for 10 years with minimal issues.
By the way LDR does not exist anymore! They had a fire that burned everything, including records etc. The good thing is it is built with common parts and electronics so you should be able to source stuff when needed.
Good Luck
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by pitbumpers »

Thank you all... It was just a loose connection!! RIP LDR !!!
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by tnbndr »

pitbumpers wrote: Thu Jan 16, 2025 2:25 pm Thank you all... It was just a loose connection!! RIP LDR !!!
Good to hear it was something simple. Usually is.
I had narrowed my selections down to ArcLight or LDR and after talking with Dan on the phone I decided to chance it and I am glad I did. I would do it again but since they are gone now, I would probably choose ArcLight. But I am done with the metal art and sign making.
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by tcaudle »

Arclight is not the same company as when you were shopping before. There entire line has changed.
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by tnbndr »

tcaudle wrote: Thu Jan 16, 2025 6:03 pm Arclight is not the same company as when you were shopping before. There entire line has changed.
Interesting, did the company sell or just corporate focus changed?
What is the recommended manufacturer for a non-proprietary software table? these days.
Dennis
LDR 4x8, Scribe, DTHCIV
Hypertherm PM45, Macair Dryer
DeVilbiss Air America 6.5HP, 80Gal., 175psi, Two Stage
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Miller 215 MultiMatic
RW 390E Slip Roll (Powered)
AutoCAD, SheetCAM, Mach 3
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by adbuch »

Is Flashcut considered proprietary software? What constitutes "proprietary software"? I know that Design Edge is considered proprietary software, but not sure about the others. The Langmuir tables use FireControl to run their tables, so I suppose that is considered proprietary. But the Langmuir table owners still have to use something like Inkscape/SheetCam, Fusion 360, etc. to create the drawings/cut paths/g-code to run their tables.

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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by tnbndr »

adbuch wrote: Fri Jan 17, 2025 2:54 am Is Flashcut considered proprietary software? What constitutes "proprietary software"? I know that Design Edge is considered proprietary software, but not sure about the others. The Langmuir tables use FireControl to run their tables, so I suppose that is considered proprietary. But the Langmuir table owners still have to use something like Inkscape/SheetCam, Fusion 360, etc. to create the drawings/cut paths/g-code to run their tables.

David
To me, propietary software is when you can only use their software to design and create cut files. Yes, Design Edge, Torchmate etc.
Dennis
LDR 4x8, Scribe, DTHCIV
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DeVilbiss Air America 6.5HP, 80Gal., 175psi, Two Stage
16.9scfm@100psi, 16.0scfm@175psi
Miller 215 MultiMatic
RW 390E Slip Roll (Powered)
AutoCAD, SheetCAM, Mach 3
http://ikescreations.com
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by tcaudle »

Proprietary "Software" is one that typically will only work with a specific set of hardware . So you have to use their software to run their hardware .
So software that will only work to run a closed hardware and no other.

If the file format is not a "standard" or is encrypted and non- published then its usually considered Proprietary to an extent/
All software that it NOT Open Source is proprietary to some extent but if it will export in a Standard format (i.e. DXF, SVG, WMF , etc ) than its not completely closed and Proprietary
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by tcaudle »

tnbndr wrote: Thu Jan 16, 2025 6:53 pm
tcaudle wrote: Thu Jan 16, 2025 6:03 pm Arclight is not the same company as when you were shopping before. There entire line has changed.
Interesting, did the company sell or just corporate focus changed?
What is the recommended manufacturer for a non-proprietary software table? these days.
The founder sold out about 3 years ago (I don't blame him ) and it was taken over by an Investment Company. A lot of the old company management and workforce stayed. Over time the direction and goals changed and now there are a small fraction of the per-acquisition crew l;left.
So yes. Corporate focus changed/. As with most corporate takeovers the new management wants to make changes to make it their own. In a lot of cases its typically a process of snatching defeat front he jaws of victory.
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by adbuch »

tcaudle wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 5:16 pm Proprietary "Software" is one that typically will only work with a specific set of hardware . So you have to use their software to run their hardware .
So software that will only work to run a closed hardware and no other.

Both Design Edge and TMCad will export g-code that can be used to run other tables. They both can also be used for drawing and will export in dxf format. TMCad will also export in svg format.

On the flip-side - Design Edge is the only software that will run the Plasamcam hardware on the DHC, DHC2 tables.

David
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by djreiswig »

What sort of gcode can be exported? Is there a post processing type of system in DesignEdge like in SheetCam where the code format exported can be customized? Barring that, the code might not be useful to run many tables.
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by adbuch »

plasmacam gcode.jpg

You currently do not have access to download this file.
To gain download access for DXF, SVG & other files Click Here

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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by adbuch »

By the way - Design Edge can also import g-code from SheetCam (regardless of post processor used) as well as other sources and convert it directly into a drawing file and cut paths to run the Plasmacam table. Design Edge can also import g-code from VCarve Pro, Aspire, etc. with 3D tool paths and run this g-code on the Plasmacam table for routing 3D parts.

Here is an example.


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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by tnbndr »

I suppose anything is possible but in my past experience "translation" can lead to problems and hiccups.
Also when I was investigating purchasing a Plasma Cam many years ago the options to import, export and translate were all add on costs to the basic software. Adding thousands of dollars.
I know the guys who have Plasma Cam or Samson tables and love them and the software. I just would never own one from my few times dealing with them.
Dennis
LDR 4x8, Scribe, DTHCIV
Hypertherm PM45, Macair Dryer
DeVilbiss Air America 6.5HP, 80Gal., 175psi, Two Stage
16.9scfm@100psi, 16.0scfm@175psi
Miller 215 MultiMatic
RW 390E Slip Roll (Powered)
AutoCAD, SheetCAM, Mach 3
http://ikescreations.com
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Re: No Torch volts when burning

Post by adbuch »

Yes Dennis, you are correct. Plasmacam with the upgraded Design Edge Advanced Design upgrade (still $995) is indeed a premium product. Back a few years ago when I purchased my brand new Plasmacam DHC2 table ($7998) plus that $995 software upgrade - it did seem like a lot of money. Now that I understand its full capabilities - I never cease to be amazed at how quickly and efficiently the Advanced Design can draw and edit my designs. I can do things with Design Edge in minutes that might take me 1/2 hour to do with Inkscape, CorelDraw, or one of the other drawing programs.

Software upgrades are nothing new. For example - Vectrics VCarve Pro still sells for $699 which is what I paid for it a few years back. Vectric offers an upgrade to VCarve Pro called Aspire, which is basically a $1300 upgrade to VCarve Pro. So if you only want to work with 2D - VCarve pro will work. If you want full 3D capability - then the upgrade to Aspire is what you would want.

Same story with Torchmate TMCad. The basic package - which is the one I have - runs around $300. The deluxe package with all the "bells and whistles" runs around $1500 - last time I checked.

David
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