So its a 5x5 frame with a 42"x42" cutting field and the Z Axis has 6" of movement. I'm having a water pan being made thats 3" deep and I plan to use 3" angle iron for slats. I bought the gantry plates from an ebay store called precision plasma and the 4 axis controller/driver is model TB6560 from hubbard. The stepper motors are 311oz.
The plasma cutter is a 50amp power plasma from everlast that already has a cnc port on it for trigger and THC.
Here are some videos of it running:
http://twitvid.com/UVBSR
http://twitvid.com/0Z1OZ
So here are my questions:
1. I'm getting good with the mach3 side of things and its running pretty well. I know lots of people have asked this before but I want to ask it again. Whats the easiest/shortest learning curve CAM software out there just for plasma. Also any good packages / training suggestions?
2. I'm not to familiar with plasma cutter parts and assemblies. I'm looking for a straight head/hose assembly for the cnc so i don't have an ugly handle hanging like so many others I've seen. Thoughts suggestions?