Thermal Dynamics PAK 15XC Plasma - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Richie_Rich · 05-11-2011, 08:06 AM

We are seriously considering a TM system and getting our plans finalized.

We have a Thermal Dynamics PAK 15XC plasma machine left over from a tracer type system that was taken out of service some years ago.

We mostly cut 1/4" to 3/4" steel plate with some 1" occasionally.

Does anyone know of any problems we may encounter using this machine.
I've heard of some problems using "high frequency" machines with the TM.
I have no idea if this machine produces any frequencies that would interfere with the TM.

Any comments would be welcome.

Thanks,

Rich

Richie_Rich · 05-12-2011, 07:38 PM

Done a little research and it appears there are two ways plasma torches are started.
Pilot arc and High frequency.

The machine I happen to have is started with high frequency, so there is a possibility it may interfere with the TM.
We will have to see about that as the machine is very expensive and it will cut up to 2" plate. We have a project where I will need to cut a bunch of 2" plate. I sure would be nice to be able to do it with a CNC device.

If anyone else has any thoughts, don't hesitate to chime in.

TRC D · 05-12-2011, 08:20 PM

Keep the controller as far away from the torch as the cables will allow. Keep the controller lower than the table. You may need to wrap the cables in aluminum foil and you will need an earth ground close to the machine. The usb cable seems to be very important to shield. Then you need to drive at least an 8' x 5/8" foot earth ground into or right next to your garage/shop, like $8.00 at home depot or lowes. Buy the clips to attach the wires to the ground at the same time! The ground from the machine to earth ground, then to the table, I ran a smaller wire with an alligator clip to the material directly with the clip. Radio shack has ferret cable chocks that will cancel radio frequency. You may not need to do all of this, but the first step will be keep the controller lower and as far away for the torch as possible.Then go from there! You will know when things will not cut wright, or the controller kicks off line! Its all a process but I have the LONGEVITY 60I and it works like a champ! Hope this helps!

Dnmeistr · 05-16-2011, 12:40 PM

With a high frequency plasma cutter you will need to drive a ground rod and it may require more than one, when you test your ground rod you want your reading to be no more than 1.5 ohms the closer you get to zero the better.

05-11-2011, 08:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Richie_Rich Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Member # 188229 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 245	Thermal Dynamics PAK 15XC Plasma We are seriously considering a TM system and getting our plans finalized. We have a Thermal Dynamics PAK 15XC plasma machine left over from a tracer type system that was taken out of service some years ago. We mostly cut 1/4" to 3/4" steel plate with some 1" occasionally. Does anyone know of any problems we may encounter using this machine. I've heard of some problems using "high frequency" machines with the TM. I have no idea if this machine produces any frequencies that would interfere with the TM. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks, Rich

05-12-2011, 08:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
TRC D Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Member # 157378 Posts: 61	Keep the controller as far away from the torch as the cables will allow. Keep the controller lower than the table. You may need to wrap the cables in aluminum foil and you will need an earth ground close to the machine. The usb cable seems to be very important to shield. Then you need to drive at least an 8' x 5/8" foot earth ground into or right next to your garage/shop, like $8.00 at home depot or lowes. Buy the clips to attach the wires to the ground at the same time! The ground from the machine to earth ground, then to the table, I ran a smaller wire with an alligator clip to the material directly with the clip. Radio shack has ferret cable chocks that will cancel radio frequency. You may not need to do all of this, but the first step will be keep the controller lower and as far away for the torch as possible.Then go from there! You will know when things will not cut wright, or the controller kicks off line! Its all a process but I have the LONGEVITY 60I and it works like a champ! Hope this helps! Last edited by TRC D; 05-12-2011 at 08:23 PM.

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05-12-2011, 07:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Richie_Rich Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Member # 188229 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 245	Done a little research and it appears there are two ways plasma torches are started. Pilot arc and High frequency. The machine I happen to have is started with high frequency, so there is a possibility it may interfere with the TM. We will have to see about that as the machine is very expensive and it will cut up to 2" plate. We have a project where I will need to cut a bunch of 2" plate. I sure would be nice to be able to do it with a CNC device. If anyone else has any thoughts, don't hesitate to chime in.

05-16-2011, 12:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dnmeistr Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Member # 115338 Posts: 418	With a high frequency plasma cutter you will need to drive a ground rod and it may require more than one, when you test your ground rod you want your reading to be no more than 1.5 ohms the closer you get to zero the better.