Which plasma cutter?

[J_J]

I am not even sure there is a best buy for plasma cutters.

After you do all your research, you have to decide as to cost, manufacturer, consumables, warranty, etc.

Everyone that owns one will probably tell you that you should get this or that.

I doubt you have the chance to check out the plasma cutters, so it is not an easy choice.

You might find a brand name cheap, and it might work well or not.

I have Lincoln products myself and they do the job, a 25 amp and a 55 amp plasma cutter.

Everlast, Hypertherm, Lincoln, Miller, Esab, just to name a few.

Some places will let you test some of the units.

I don't think a new to plasma person is a good tester. An experienced plasma user should go with you.

Some units are basic, and others have bells and whistles.

Cost varies quite a bit for for the cutting amp range.

Some are 110v and others only 220v.

Some are three phase.

A lot to take in, but your research may pay off in the long run.

 

[Shield Arc]

Here's what my Hypertherm can do on 1/2" thick plate.

 

[Big Barn]

Here's what my Hypertherm can do on 1/2" thick plate.

Very nice! ...but that's with YOU behind the wheel!

Terry

 

[Shield Arc]

Very nice! ...but that's with YOU behind the wheel!

Terry

Oh as bad as I shake, I need help.

 

[tkappeler]

Not to hijack the thread but ... glad to see you back, ShieldArc :thumbsup:

 

[ovrszd]

If at all possible, I will use a guide. As someone said on here once, a plasma cutter will jiggle in time with your heart beat.

The only thing wrong with plasma cutters is I didn't invent them.....

 

[chuck172]

I'm old school oxy-acetylene. Just wondering, can I used compressed air from an air compressor with the new plasma arc cutters or do I need to buy another cylinder of something?

 

[ovrszd]

I'm old school oxy-acetylene. Just wondering, can I used compressed air from an air compressor with the new plasma arc cutters or do I need to buy another cylinder of something?

Filtered air from any compressor. The smaller the compressor the more you might hafta wait on it a little. My large compressor keeps up nicely but runs quite a bit if I'm doing a lot of cutting. 220V and air.

I still have an oxy torch. I use it to heat metal for shaping, cutting thru very thick metal, and lighting the wood stove.

 

[Carol in CA]

Clever idea. What size is the angle stock? Is it aluminum?

 

[ovrszd]

I mostly use a piece of 1/8x3"x12" stainless steel flatiron. Just happened to have it. Depending on the gun whether you might prefer angle or flat. ShieldArc has cut more metal than I've ever saw. So he can give you the plus/minus of either. I usually clamp my guide too. Saves it from moving in the middle of a cut and making a wiggle in what might have been a perfectly smooth cut. Speed also plays into smoothness. But you'll figure that out once you start using it.