I've been looking for a Plasma/Router Table (4'x8') to cut aluminum and steel with the Plasma and cut 2D shapes out of 1" or thinner foam with a Rotozip type tool or small router. I haven't been able to find a table that will do both easily and at a resonable cost. I'm trying to keep the budget below $12,000 for a complete setup including the Torch.
I looked at DynaCNC and they have a table that is designed for this but it more expensive than some of the other tables. I looked at PlasmaCAM but I really wanted an 8' table. I thought I found a solution with Torchmate but their DHC isn't integrated with there Z axis so you have to spend $2400 for DHC then spend $2200 to add the Z axis option for the router with no easy way to switch between the two. I've looked at several other tables but none seem to be suited for this. I also don't want to build a complete Gantry from scratch. So I'm wondering if this configuration might work...
Purchase Torchmate 2 Gantry Kit
Build necessary table myself
Purchase Torchmate Z axis
Use CandCNC DHC with Mach3 (should work with TM Z axis, right?)
Modify Z axis mount to support Rotozip type tool attachment
Use SheetCAM Software
Does this sound like it would work? I would assume the DHC from CandCNC would work with the Z axis from torchmate. What I don't know is how well sheetcam will work with Plasma and a router. Can I tell SheetCAM or Mach3 that I'm using a torch or a router and will it properly cut both with the necessary lead in's and trasition heights between cuts that would be different between Plasma and Routing? I haven't used either of these software packages so I'm in the dark on how this all works. I know what both do but not how well they would do it in a Plasma/Router configuration on the same machine.
Any other suggestions for this setup would be appreciated.