Plasma cutter

[jack707]

I'm thinking about getting one but I just have a 20 gallon compressor would that be good enough to run it? Or do I need a bigger compressor.

 

[CCWKen]

More important than tank size is compressor CFM and Pressure output. Most plasma cutters will need 4-5 CFM @ 80-90 PSI. This varies by the size of cutter you get. When you find one you like, look at the specs for THAT cutter. It should have the air requirements. Also pay particular attention to the cutter's duty cycle too. Many folks overlook this in favor of a "major brand".

 

[jack707]

It tell me at 40psi 5.2 and at 90psi 4.0 not enough to run a cutter

 

[CADplans]

More important than CFM or tank size is how long of a cut do you plan on making?

Cutting a 3" cut on a 1/4" bar, a little 10 gallon pancake compressor is big enough.

It is kinda like sand blasting,, do you have time to use it,,, then wait,,,
or do you want unlimited capability??

 

[jack707]

Nothing more then 1/4 or 3/8" OK thanks

 

[flyerdan]

Unless you plan on running it on a CNC table nonstop for 15-20 minutes at a stretch, chances are a small compressor will be fine. It will take about 35 seconds of cutting to run it from, say 115 psi shutoff pressure to the kick in at around 80. Will take close to another half minute to get down to the 73 psi minimum that plasma cutters need. I can't think of anything I've done that required more than a few seconds cutting at a time. Then you have to re-position clamps, move parts, check a measurement, etc., all the while the compressor is recovering.

 

[jack707]

OK Now I might try one northern tool has a small one to 1/4" I think needs 60 psi at 4.0

 

[lennyzx11]

OK Now I might try one northern tool has a small one to 1/4" I think needs 60 psi at 4.0

I noticed a Hobart 250Ci on a local Craigslist. After researching it, I see it has a built in compressor.

Not recommending. Just throwing it in for consideration as I'd not heard of that feature and have been watching for a Plasma cutter also.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I have an Everlast which is working great for me for 2 years now. Might be a spot better than the Northern Tool you are looking at.

 

[jack707]

499 compared to almost 700 I'm take a chance.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

But not near the capacity...Or the warranty length either. But I'd say it is a good unit overall. But I don't know if it is a mosfet or igbt. And that alone is worth the difference.

For that unit you probably have enough to get started with a cutter that size. IMHO, for smaller cutters, 50 amps and under, Tank capacity is more important than cfm as you are not going to be demanding a lot of extended cutting from the unit. Having a larger reserve will cover you if you are marginal on cfm.

 

[jack707]

The tank holds 175 psi

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Volume is what I was referring to. 20-30 gallons is the minimum I'd consider personally. One other thing, as I just looked up the plasma cutter, that thing is only going to cut 1/8" maybe 3/16" satisfactorily. Unless you are just going to cut sheet metal, you are going to be going slow. Any oxy fuel torch would seriously outperform this unit.

 

[Shield Arc]

If you do a lot of cutting, or painting. A cooler, after cooler, and a Motor Guard filter system are very good things to add to your shop.

 

[jack707]

I have been going back and forth about what I should buy yeah I know I should of bought the 30 gal. cpmpressor, I still might buy the tanks nothing written in stone yet.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Nothing wrong with connecting them in parallel as they'd increase the capacity.

 

[sd455dan]

I have been going back and forth about what I should buy yeah I know I should of bought the 30 gal. cpmpressor, I still might buy the tanks nothing written in stone yet.

It might help to keep a couple extra disposable in line air filters around, the smaller compressors seem to produce more water than a larger pump /tank setup.

I know with my combo welder/plasma cutter the consumables last better when the air is as dry as possible.

Also agree a good idea - adding a larger tank and then supplying the air from it to the plasma cutter after a water trap/ filter

 

[jack707]

It might help to keep a couple extra disposable in line air filters around, the smaller compressors seem to produce more water than a larger pump /tank setup.

I know with my combo welder/plasma cutter the consumables last better when the air is as dry as possible.

Also agree a good idea - adding a larger tank and then supplying the air from it to the plasma cutter after a water trap/ filter

Thanks for the info

 

[CCWKen]

Tank size doesn't mean squat if the compressor can't fill it or keep it filled in a reasonable time and that means CFM. The more air you use, the higher CFM output of the compressor you want. It doesn't make any difference what air tool you're using other than it's consumption. If the compressor is running all the time you're using air, the compressor is too small or the tank is too big and the cutoff pressure is set too high. The compressor I use for sand blasting has virtually no tank at all but it outputs 160cfm at 125psi. Don't buy a compressor based on tank size alone.

 

[STx]

If you do a lot of cutting, or painting. A cooler, after cooler, and a Motor Guard filter system are very good things to add to your shop.

Don't skip over this, you might not need this extensive of a setup but, you need DRY, CLEAN air for a plasma cutter. The importance of this can't be overemphasized.