Changes

PS1 members have come to expect tools to work; its history may be one of ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ when it comes to whether anything is operational, but this does a disservice to both the numerous volunteers who struggle to keep the equipment up and running, and the members who joined to work on their own projects and who may not have the time or inclination to learn the intricacies of stepper motors and torch height controller programming.

PS1 members have come to expect tools to work; its history may be one of ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ when it comes to whether anything is operational, but this does a disservice to both the numerous volunteers who struggle to keep the equipment up and running, and the members who joined to work on their own projects and who may not have the time or inclination to learn the intricacies of stepper motors and torch height controller programming.

===Wait, why not just fix the existing machine? It'd be cheaper, right?===

=== Wait, why not just fix the existing machine? It'd be cheaper, right? ===

This is one of those examples of "penny-wise, pound-foolish". The 2022 Hot Metal budget would take a huge hit paying for all this, which would directly impact being able to pay for other things, like welder repairs, supplies, etc. As it stands, the 2021 year ended with only $60 left in the Hot Metals budget. Yes, we can replace all the electronics, weld cross-bracing to the table, fix all the broken parts, and perform the ''massive'' deep-clean the machine requires. At the end of the day, if all went well, we'd still have a homemade, artisanal CNC machine that has no documentation other than a wiki page that many aren't even aware exists.  

This is one of those examples of "penny-wise, pound-foolish". The 2022 Hot Metal budget would take a huge hit paying for all this, which would directly impact being able to pay for other things, like welder repairs, supplies, etc. As it stands, the 2021 year ended with only $60 left in the Hot Metals budget. Yes, we can replace all the electronics, weld cross-bracing to the table, fix all the broken parts, and perform the ''massive'' deep-clean the machine requires. At the end of the day, if all went well, we'd still have a homemade, artisanal CNC machine that has no documentation other than a wiki page that many aren't even aware exists.  

=== Have a Particular Machine in Mind? ===

== Have a Particular Machine in Mind? ==

Yes, the [https://tormach.com/machines/plasma-tables.html Tormach 1300PL].  

Yes, the [https://tormach.com/machines/plasma-tables.html Tormach 1300PL].  

We already have the [[Tormach 1100 series CNC mill]] and it has proven to be extremely reliable. The 1300PL uses PathPilot as its controller software, similar to the CNC mill, so we would eliminate Mach 3 as yet another program folks need to learn how to use. We have a good relationship with Tormach the company; they are based in the Midwest in Wisconsin, and PS1 benefitted from the company personally training some members so they could train others. While this level of engagement is not necessary for a CNC plasma machine, it's good to know there's a local-ish company that we can contact if there are any significant issues.  

We already have the [[Tormach 1100 series CNC mill]] and it has proven to be extremely reliable. The 1300PL uses PathPilot as its controller software, similar to the CNC mill, so we would eliminate Mach 3 as yet another program folks need to learn how to use. We have a good relationship with Tormach the company; they are based in the Midwest in Wisconsin, and PS1 benefitted from the company personally training some members so they could train others. While this level of engagement is not necessary for a CNC plasma machine, it's good to know there's a local-ish company that we can contact if there are any significant issues.  

=== Why Should We Get This? ===

== It's 2022, there's, to understate it, a lot going in the world, and PS1 doesn't exactly have unlimited dollars. Why Should We Get This? ==

 

== Language ==

== Language ==