Anyone have any experience or feedback on the “Go Fab” Plasma tables? I talked to the guys on the phone seemed like good group of guys, small enough company for good customer service. I need a system that is easy to learn, and is a more of a drag and drop kind of program. I know me and doubt that at this point in my life as busy as I am I will never learn to use CAD! I read some reviews on line, there will always be someone that claims to have a bad experience, but for most part seemed positive.
I would be concerned with that, did you look at the software?
So no CAD or CAM software?
they recommend using Ink Scape. I messed around with it a little. Lost patience’s pretty quick.
On there Site it talks about taking your DESIGN and loading it into their Software.
So you have to make a design or find one. If you make one, you are going to need something like inscape, fusion, or some other CAD program. If you want something simple like a gusset or bracket you can probably find something on line that you could just down load and use. Problem becomes when you need to tweak it a little, like a different hole size or what ever. I know there are Some CAD programs that are easier than others, but they all take some time to learn.
And you also have to have to have something to take the Drawing or Design file and make it cuttable.
So now you have Sheetcam to learn. Lots of people buy tables thinking they can just take a pic and load it and cut it. Then they throw a hissy fit in the forums saying how this table is a piece of junk because they don’t want to learn the software side of it.
If you don’t want to learn the software side, I would forget a CNC table.
This is just my opinion as always 
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you nailed it, it really is just me being lazy. I really need to finish up some projects before I have time to suck it up and force myself to learn to use the system properly. I have several old pieces of old of shop equipment I want to get up and running before I commit to that large a purchase. having never used one I don’t even know if it will bring enough positive to the shop to justify. I think I would enjoy using it to help build nice functional things similar to that awesome vise strand Inlin6 built, but I’ve seen a lot of folks build some amazing stuff with just an O/A or hand held plasma. I recon how often do you find your self using yours for day to day work? or is it only for big batch jobs?
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I’m 67 and if I am not using something at least every week I struggle to remember things. I had some head trauma 25 years ago and I am really starting to see the effects it had on my Memory.
Anyways CAD is a real struggle cause I don’t use it often enough. If its something real simple I can usually get it done, but my work flow is not efficient at all so it takes me much longer then it should. Cam to me is easier so I don’t struggle as much.
I don’t use my table a lot as most of my work is tube. I am a tool junky and that’s part of the problem, I don’t necessarily buy it because I need it.
There are some CAD programs that are easier then others, problem is you have to put in the time with each to see which one you like best. By that time you have to ask yourself, do I want to try and learn another one or just keep going with this one.
There is a pretty steep learning curve for CAD unless your like a sponge, I would say that would be what you would struggle with the most.
With that said, it is very cool to be able to draw up some simple part and be able to cut it in seconds. I suggest you find some one in your area that has a table and see if they will let you see how it all works. Are you in the United States?
If you want something simple that does not take up a lot of space you might want to consider an ArcDroid.
Arcdroid does have some pretty cool software. You can trace out a part from a hand drawn sketch or a cardboard template by moving the arm, then it will cut out that shape. Great for small brackets, gussets, and tabs, but not ideal for parts made to set dimensions or larger parts.
Pretty much any table will cut parts from code. The software is probably more important than the hardware. Try a few different CAD/CAM software packages, and see which one fits you. Then buy a machine that has support for that software. Sheetcam, Fusion, Bobcad, Onshape, Freecad, lots of options out there and each has a different feel.
Also try a few sample projects using a service like Send Cut Send. To see if your designs work well for this. These days between laser, waterjet and plasma, depending on how much you do, it might be better to just send that work out instead of taking care of a machine that doesn’t get a lot of use. Plus, you can get your parts folded, something that is often required for sheet work. Unless you also plan to buy a nice big press brake.
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Here is another alternative to Fab CNC that looks significantly less expensive. It is geared toward the hobbyist and ease of use:
Well said!
I am not a CNC or CAD user but I am an avid AI assistant user and see there are text prompt to CAD designs out there like AI CAD Model Generator | Create CAD Files With Text | Zoo Could be an option if you dont want to learn CAD?
But writing good prompts for AI has its own learning curve.
Good luck whichever route you choose 
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I’ve picked up a working knowldege of basic 2-D AutoCad but will need something else when my academic license expires. What’s a good hobby-grade application that will export .dxf files?
Fusion is not bad, but I don’t think hobbyist version will let you export DXF
If you’re comfortable with navigating AutoCad, then DraftSight will be a smooth transition.
Nearly all the same commands and functions as AutoCad for a fraction of the price. The basic subscription is $100/yr, Premium subscription is $500/yr.
For the past 10-12 years I’ve been using DraftSight, I’ve only ever needed the basic version. Only lately have I needed to import PDF’s and made physical changes to the drawing. That option is only offered in the premium version.
DraftSight is very powerful for the price.
@tcat check out MoI https://moi3d.com/ It is a traditionally licensed 3D CAD program designed from the get-go to be very easy to use. The name comes from “Moment of Inspiration”, basically the CAD version of a quick sketch on the proverbial paper napkin, but in reality it is far more powerful than it looks at first glance. The developer was the original brains behind Rhino, a commercial 3D CAD program, but he wanted to do something simpler and more subtle than most CAD apps that throw the kitchen sink at you in the form of a myriad of icons or menus which is what makes them so challenging to learn.
A modest one-time price (especially compared to other CAD apps) and modest cost upgrades (every few years) if you choose. The developer maintains an enthusiastic community of users and there is an active forum for questions and seeing what other folks are up to. I’ve been using it for over a decade & it is my go-to design & problem solving tool. Not as fancy as many apps, but it does the basics extremely well. Used by many pros, artists and hobbyists. There are a good many who use MoI to design for many different types of CNC.
Yes, it does provide for DXF export along with many other supported CAD file formats.
–Larry
Honestly I would loo into solidworks. it has a hobby license now that you can use to most everything you need including exporting dxf’s. It is easy to use and has a tone of tutorial videos online. It is only $110 a year and very worth considering.
yeah I would not buy that.
they are using an Elegoo control board and probably equally as bad steppers and software.
if your looking for entry level Plasma CNC
look for a machine that is running on MACH4 or Masso
MACH4 would be the best in terms of function and support, including torch height and arc control.
bare bones cad/cam software
CamBam is great starter software no monthly fees
Big boy software with no monthly fees
BobCAD
stay away from fusion or any software that has monthly fees
I want to be able to design and machine during the zombie apocalypse when the internet is down, with subscription software it will not work if it can’t phone home.
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stay away from fusion or any software that has monthly fees
I want to be able to design and machine during the zombie apocalypse when the internet is down, with subscription software it will not work if it can’t phone home.
A lot of people really don’t value this as much as they should. It doesn’t have to even be a zombie apocalypse 
. All it takes is for a company to go bankrupt or get acquired and suddenly the product that only works if their servers are enabling it to is no longer a priority and they shut it down. It happens more often than you would think.
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Wow huge thanks for all of the replies. Does anyone have any experience with open-source apps like QCAD, LibreCad or DoubleCAD? I do have a preference for something that lives on my machine.
Although MoI is not opensource, it does make extensive use of a Javascript API, that is also available for enthusiasts to use. The MoI community has in turn created a wide array of scripts to extend and expand upon MoI’s native commands. Michael Gibson, MoI’s developer is very supportive of folks who seek to write scripts for MoI. In another similarity with open software, Michael is very open to feature requests, often implementing them as scripts, or if more involved, in later versions. Soon after a version is released, he begins development of the next version, and once it is stable, makes beta releases available; his code quality is good enough and he is responsive enough that many begin using the betas for production work soon after they’re available.
–Larry