Am on the verge of buying my first torch - Hypertherm Powermax 380 - and don't quite understand how to controll the cutting process. Using Sheetcam there are settings that allow initial pierce height, delay and rapids height adjustment. I guess my question is will this particular model have to contact the work surface to start the torch, raise up (1/8 - 1/16in.) for cutting height, stop and turn itself off (software controll?), move to the next cut and recontact the cutting surface or how does this go? I actually have my Z axis built with stepper motor controll (2-1/2in. travel) and am working out limit - home switches on it right now. Could I just use a switch on the Z Axis to replace the hand torch switch?
Thanks in advance