Testing the Cheapest CNC-Ready Plasma Cutter: BestArc BTC500XP

[@RenegadesGarage]

TimWelds... Awesome review video. They sent me their BTC500DP Plasma cutter to review so my video will be coming out soon. I don't know if it is CNC-Ready or not. It's going to be a bummer if it's not but I will see when I do the unboxing portion of the video. Thanks for sharing this with us, I appreciate it.

[@TheRealSlowhand]

Hey Tim, Yeah, I'd like to see a video on that table you mentioned at about the 9:30 minute mark in the video... Thanks for another great video...

[@TimWelds]

Thanks! I'll put one together.

[@tedbastwock3810]

I always enjoy and respect your reviews. Learned some things here, as I don't have a plasma cutter. Thanks Tim.

[@Aint1S]

I just ordered one based on your video. The fact that it just works that good without much info more than your hypertherm unit... I'm sold! Just missed the sale, but 20+/- with a coupon on Amazon is acceptable. I can waste 20 bucks and even know it on most days.

[@TehButterflyEffect]

I had the 7th generation machine and even did a little review on it on my channel. Not nearly as detailed as yours. I ended up buying a plasma table and decided not to modify the BestArc machine even though I liked it, and started looking for a CNC-capable plasma cutter. I found out that BestArc was developing one (I contacted them and asked). I asked them to send me one of the prototype units and they declined. Since I didn't want to wait the three months until the release date, I ended up buying a Primeweld plasma cutter instead. I always kind of suspected the BestArc lied about its amp output a bit as it seemed a little bit underpowered for a 50 amp machine. It was way better than the cheap $150 plasma cutter I had used before, but didn't have the power of a Hypertherm. I tested the Primeweld's amp output and it's dead on with its rating. It cuts just as good as a Hypertherm, for a fraction of the cost. I'm using a Hypertherm torch with it though. Oh and as far as voltage goes on the plasma table, I had the same problem with the Primeweld. The onboard voltage divider card was about 10 volts off of what Hypertherm's charts expected. Once I figured that out I didn't have any more setup issues with it. Bottom line - you can't beat the BestArc machines for the money. Fantastic little units.

[@donaldhalls2189]

Looks like a handy addition, thanks for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@TimWelds]

Thank you!

[@wadechandler5153]

I'd like to see the table video also...I'm looking at getting a plasma cutter but my wife is interested in CNC stuff so I wouldn't mind seeing some info before I commit to equipment

[@joshchamberlain9413]

I just bought a crossfire a few months ago, and funny enough just before seeing this video ordered the best arc. Had an older primeweld that wasnt a recommended one to use.. So i decided to try the best arc.. coming tomorrow so we will see. I would def watch some cnc crossfire content.. I need to start learning the work flow.

[@joshchamberlain9413]

One thing i couldnt easily find was their warranty? I kind of pulled the trigger based on price and bare bones features to get me going, but figured there should be some sort of warranty, any idea if / what it is?

[@JasonElliott-k1u]

Would like to see a video on the CNC table. More specifically if you could let us know what options you went with on that particular table and why. Thank you and always enjoy the videos

[@Dtgddj-f1ysa]

Yes more CNC videos please

[@tedbastwock3810]

DIY CNC project! 🙏😎

[@fl9267]

Great info as always. Please do a video on that table.

[@TimWelds]

Thanks! I'll put one together.

[@Aint1S]

I second that!

[@oakiewoodsman]

Great video! Thank you

[@burakahmettr8193]

its a good video and awesome idea thanks to share but, i cannot find those cutter in turkey. living in usa is blessing

[@JamesUnderwood-k6u]

Hello Tim when you are cutting in mesh mode you have to be on T4 pull trigger on take finger off torch stays on pull again to stop

[@mattsan70]

Turn the Pilot arc time up to 10 seconds. This is used in mesh mode only - in plate mode its fixed at 3 seconds or so

[@bunyanforgings7849]

With your shot of your workshop l couldn't help but notice that gorgeous lathe you have. Have you made any videos where you use it? Didn't see anything on your channel video list. Cheers.

[@TimWelds]

I haven't made any content specifically about the lathe, though it's been used in a couple projects. I may incorporate some machining into things and see if there's interest.

[@JamesUnderwood-k6u]

Hello Tim hope you can help me I just bought the Bestarc BCT500XP and I have the Langmuir Pro CNC . Do I have to join the two pigtails together or do I just need the arc voltage I have the torch height control what do you think thanks . Good video

[@TimWelds]

For the torch height control, you just connect the leads that are like test leads (high voltage input) to the voltage output on the plasma cutter. The trigger pigtails for the controller and the plasma cutter just connect together.

[@JeepingMo]

Good info as always.

[@TimWelds]

Thanks!

[@SWResto]

FYI --YESWELDER CUT-65DS Plasma Cutter 65Amp Non-High Frequency Non-Touch Arc 110/220V Dual Voltage Blowback Plasma Cutter currently has a $60 off coupon is cheaper! Price was $284.20 with tax to my door. --- Also Note: it is a 65A verses the Bestarc BTC500XP is a 50A

[@TimWelds]

Thanks for the info, I hadn't looked at that one. It looks like it doesn't have the CNC plugs, but with the torch connection on it, it would be easy enough to connect to a table.

[@SWResto]

@@TimWelds You are right! I haven't set it up haven't had funds for CNC table yet! FWIW : I just noticed YesWelder has a cheaper model plasma the CUT-55DS PRO @ $220 non HF and blowback.

[@scott5747]

Tim, how do you think this cutter would work off a generator? I have a Pulsar 12kw generator. Running watts on gas is about 9500. It has 120v 20amp and 240v 30amp & 50amp outputs. I would run the air compressor off this generator as well. I have a mobile home frame and more to cut up and recycle. The home burnt to the ground and there is no electrical service at the property. I thought about using a big cut off wheel, but I've been interested in a plasma cutter for a few years now.

[@TehButterflyEffect]

It will work but you might have a hard time running the compressor AND the plasma cutter at the same time. Running it at a low amperage setting off of the 240 volt plug will help.

[@nanaklif4973]

Thanks for sharing Tims,it been a while Your online tutorial has been of great help to me , currently working with a gold mining company, appreciate you and your works,may the blessings of Jesus Christ be upon you

[@TimWelds]

Thank you very much! Great to hear from you, hope all is going well!

[@nanaklif4973]

@@TimWelds yes bro , everything is doing great 👍

[@nanaklif4973]

How can I get one pls

[@TimWelds]

There's a link in the description, or you can search on Amazon.

[@amcustomfab]

grate video as aways

[@TimWelds]

Thanks Alex!

[@Obtuse94]

Thanks for this review. Interesting it is able to be setup for CNC out of the box. Is it easy for you to tell a noob like me the voltage 1:1 problem? Like it sounds like a possible safety issue, but I am just learning.

[@TimWelds]

Thanks! The arc voltage is proportional to the height of the torch off the material, so the CNC machine will adjust the height based on arc voltage because if material isn't flat, it will need to move up and down a little across the surface. Because the arc voltage is around 100 volts, most machines have a voltage divider (just 2 resisters in series) to give a lower signal voltage output. The most common ratio is 50:1. As long as you're careful with the wiring, the 1:1 ratio isn't a major issue and will work fine. A lot of machines are wired up this way, particularly when the machine wasn't originally set up for CNC use.

[@Obtuse94]

@@TimWelds thank you!

[@ahbushnell1]

I'm surprised the breaker didn't pop on the 120 VAC test. Was that a 15 or 20A outlet? Nice video.

[@TimWelds]

Thanks! It was a 20 amp dedicated circuit. I wouldn't have made it too much longer before the breaker tripped. The machine was maxed out, so the draw would be lower with a lower setting on thinner material.

[@dustinswatsons9150]

He said it was pulling around 40 amps? On 120

[@TimWelds]

That's what my meter was measuring and it's close to the spec in the manual also.

[@TradeWorks_Construction]

Breakers have inverse time trip (I think I said that right). At any rate, they are designed to operate at 100% indefinitely but at 200% (40amps on a 20amp 1pole breaker) of rating they could have a min-max trip time of 10-100seconds and at 300% (i.e. 60amps) the trip time min-max is 2-20seconds. While these ranges are taken from a graph I think there actually are established maximum trip times @ 25C of 20-40sec which lower the upper limits at currents above 125%. These numbers were taken from Eaton BR style breakers (Magnetic Thermal). I think the electronic ones use a single line threshold with a margin of error so there isn’t such a difference on possible trip times however at higher current loads these differences in range all but disappear due to the logarithmic nature. Factors like ambient temp can skew things quite a bit but I’m guessing that most manufacturers have similar inverse time trip charts.

[@amerigosirangelo2139]

I bought the 65 ampere but i have a problem: The torch works intermittently. When i turn it on , it start and stop and is impossible make a cut. I don't kbow if is a machine problem or setting problem.

[@TehButterflyEffect]

You have a bad ground ("work") connection on your material or you forgot to hook the ground up.

[@dustinswatsons9150]

Thanks man excellent video is that machine also capable of that automotive spot welding I'm talking about that claw thing spot welder

[@TimWelds]

No, this one is only for cutting.

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

Look at all the early bots, KZbin doesn’t do a good job in ridding us of this crap.

[@TimWelds]

True story, it's gotten worse lately. I usually go through and clean them up a few minutes after uploading.

[@r.llynch4124]

cut thin stainless sheet?

[@Gadget_Evaluator]

What is a good duty cycle for a CNC plasma machine? I think this one is 60%. It's there a way to pause during a job using grbl?

[@TimWelds]

It really depends on the type of parts and how many you want to produce. There are natural stops and starts as part of any program and for hobby work, 6 minutes of cutting can make a lot of little one off parts on a hobby table. That can cut a basic 2' x 4' sheet metal sign or a few gussets/brackets out of thicker material. If you're looking at running any sort of mass production, I'd look at a more substantial machine with a dedicated machine torch. You can always pause a program by typing a G04 dwell command in the program, or most CAM software will allow you to automatically put a delay after each cut which would slow it down a bit.

[@Gadget_Evaluator]

@@TimWelds Guessing the duty rate might also get better at lower power so possibly this unit could do 100% at say 20 amps for thinner stuff. I would be using it to fabricate tools and equipment. I'll be building the table myself and I have most of the parts. Just still researching for the right plasma machine. Just didn't want to limit myself on job complexity. ;) I appreciate your video & time very much. ;)

[@ahbushnell1]

Do a video on that table.

[@TimWelds]

Thanks for the input! I think I will, it's been really good for the money.

[@ZILAwelds]

12:15 clues taken from ToT😂

[@TimWelds]

Subliminal messaging...😉

[@melgross]

It’s annoying, but no room for a plasma table. Just got a surface grinder (thank heaven!) and barely had room for that. I’ve also been concerned a water table would cause rust on my machinery, and non water models spew dangerous metallic gasses and vapor all over.

[@TimWelds]

A surface grinder would be awesome! I use green-cut additive in the water and it's pretty good at preventing rust, but just the nature of the process is a bit messy.

[@melgross]

@@TimWelds it is messy. The rust I’m worried about is from the evaporating water from the machine rusting other equipment. Lots of cast iron and hardened steel.

[@michaelgonzalez8863]

Nice !