Bed height to torch

[iron2]

Have been having trouble leveling the bed in relation to the torch, I use 3/16th" expanded metal for the bed which works well for drop outs interfering while cutting but just cant seem to level the bed out to a consistent height for cutting. I tack weld the bed to rails initially and do my best to level it out. I have manual height control and understand I need to watch when cutting and adjust on the fly But: Does anyone have a system, a particular way in leveling the bed out initially to where only minor adjustments need to be made during the cut? Maybe I need to revamp my bed set up. Appreciate any help in advance.

[exapprentice]

Hi Iron 2

why not fit a THC and take away any height problems setting up and running

[iron2]

Exapprentice,
Thanks for the reply: yes I asked Torchmate about the cost they said $3500 caused me to hesitate on that one. Will seriously consider until then just have to do my best. Thanks again

[exapprentice]

Hi Iron 2

surely there must be a cheaper way to get a THC onto your machine
ranging from the CandCNC LCTHC or what about the PROMA, I have seen self contained THC on the well known auction site
OK it might not have all the bells and whistles but compared to $3500 or nothing, might be worth looking or asking around.
I would be surprised if someone on this site hasn't done something similar

[tcaudle]

TM won't run MACH
TM does not use parallel port for inputs
TM THC is a total stand alone unit not tied to the toolpath or any other axis motion. There is no feedback tot he host system but "HOLD"
TM gets that much for a THC beacuse they CAN. Nothing else will work

[exapprentice]

I didnt realise that the TM systems were so closed???

But thinking outside of the box what about a standalone THC with its own driver board
after the initial touch off maybe switch over to the self contained set up via a relay
then at the end switches back to the TM system

only blue sky thinking, don't know if it would even work

[_Ogre]

unless you don't have slats under the expanded metal there will always be a sag in the expanded material
if the expanded metal is your only bed you'll cut it up the first time you cut anything thicker than 18 gauge
instead of reinventing the wheel, use slats, double them up by spacing them closer together
i cut mostly 10ga to 1/2'' material and have slots cut in the table slats over 1/2''

proprietary software is why we didn't go with torchmate, though they do have a good sales speal

[iron2]

Thanks for the reply seriously looking at getting an all new setup so I'm not locked into Torchmate. Like Jim mentioned I can purchase all new software and VHC for what Torchmate wants just for the VHC accessory alone. Thanks again for the reply's.