Tormach Plasma Table

Tormach Inc. out of Waunakee, Wisconsin is known for their compact and affordable Computer Numerical Control machines that are ideal for gunsmiths, research and development, education, short run production, or entrepreneurs with an idea. The company has added a plasma table to its CNC equipment lineup. The 1300PL CNC Plasma Cutting Table features travels of X=50", Y=51.5", and Z=3.9".

The table can easily accommodate 4’ x 4’ sheets of metal and comes standard with a host of premium features, including a floating head with digital torch height control, standard breakaway torch with collision detection, closed-loop servo motors for reliable accuracy and fast speed (1,000 IPM travel, 400 IPM cuts) and acceleration (30 inches/sec/sec), rack and pinion drive, modular electrical system with fully replaceable control cables, integrated water table mounted on sliding rails, ideal for cutting larger parts, and a material picker with pre-loaded speeds and feeds.

The 1300PL allows direct import of DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) files that are commonly used with Autodesk programs such as Auto CAD and other Computer Aided Design software. Operations are controlled by the user-friendly Tormach Path Pilot control software, which can be learned online at hub.PathPilot.com/about. The unit is lift gate ready and no forklift is required for delivery.

Tormach sells the unit at an everything-but-the-torch starting price of about $14,000 and recommends a Hypertherm (Hypertherm.com, torch purchased separately for use with the 1300PL. Alternatively, entry-level 1300PL packages including the torch, which features Digital Torch Height Control and a magnetic breakaway safety feature with collision detection, start at $17,150. The 65 amp plasma cutter works well for cuts up to one-inch thick material and the table can hold up to 750 pounds.

Jason Pulvermacher, Technical Product Support at Tormach, says "The 1300PL has become the most used machine at Tormach’s facility. Everyone wants a sign or apiece of art. It’s so easy to make something with it and it’s a great machine for prototyping." Tormach has produced an overview video on the 1300PL: You Tu.be/Ib F3SGy Zpd U and the company can be contacted at Tormach. com or