Bsavulis
Member
Anyone have an Arc captian Plasma cutter? Suitable for very limited use by a backyard hack?
Thanks
Brian
Thanks
Brian
Thinking of getting a Plasma cutter
- Thread starter Bsavulis
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Rustyiron
Super Member
What are your current metal cutting methods?
A plas wouldn't be my recommendation for a "first step".
A plas wouldn't be my recommendation for a "first step".
Jrasband
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wouldn't a angle grinder be first?
Happy in NC
Gold Member
I bought a cheap Lotos brand from Amazon. I have used it quite a bit. Small learning curve but it's really pretty easy. Small one handed carry around. 110 or 220 and air compressor required. Been using it recently to cut up my old bridge tank. About 7/16" steel plate. Rated to cut 1/2" but I suspect it would be pushing it's limit to do that.
Been quite happy with it.
Only "extra" expense is for the tip sets.
My two cents
Been quite happy with it.
Only "extra" expense is for the tip sets.
My two cents
J&K
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I also bought a Lotos off Amazon and I am very happy with it. Haven't used it too much yet but have a couple winter projects that it will get used more.
sd455dan
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Lotos as well 3 in 1 with pilot arc. Wow How time flies, in October I will have been using it for Ten years.
Just used it to cut a copy pattern of my existing Rhino 554's Cross FEL joystick control and made one for my identical back up tractor to replace the worn two stick.
Just used it to cut a copy pattern of my existing Rhino 554's Cross FEL joystick control and made one for my identical back up tractor to replace the worn two stick.
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Rustyiron
Super Member
That's the reason for my question for the op.
chim
Elite Member
There are many options, and the choices for me were made with consideration of what (and how much) needed to be cut, budget, potential future use of equipment, etc. My tools went hacksaw - borrowed ox/acetylene torch, bandsaw (HF table), bandsaw DeWalt 20V), sawzall, angle grinder, jigsaw (for lighter stuff), plasma cutter.
Nearly everything here is less than 1/2" thick and most is less than 3/8". The plasma cutter is a Hypertherm 30AIR (30A at 240V). It's handy, lightweight and has its own on-board air and runs on 120 or 240.
Nearly everything here is less than 1/2" thick and most is less than 3/8". The plasma cutter is a Hypertherm 30AIR (30A at 240V). It's handy, lightweight and has its own on-board air and runs on 120 or 240.
TWD
Gold Member
I have owned a hypertherm, various models for the last 25 years.
The plasma is the last cutting tool I grab, it's corded, it needs air, it' blows sparks\heat all over so careful use in summer, it blows magnetic metal dust all over, it's just not an exciting tool to grab and use... that's saying a lot, because a angle grinder, bandsaw, etc, aren't exciting but they get the job done 90% of the time
Now, on a CNC table... plasma for sure
I have oxy\acet too, but again the time to wheel it over and get it going I grab a M18 angle grinder and off I go.
Disregard if you're doing metal art, or can't fit another tool to cut, but my o2 don't spend more than you need to see if a plasma is right for you
The plasma is the last cutting tool I grab, it's corded, it needs air, it' blows sparks\heat all over so careful use in summer, it blows magnetic metal dust all over, it's just not an exciting tool to grab and use... that's saying a lot, because a angle grinder, bandsaw, etc, aren't exciting but they get the job done 90% of the time
Now, on a CNC table... plasma for sure
I have oxy\acet too, but again the time to wheel it over and get it going I grab a M18 angle grinder and off I go.
Disregard if you're doing metal art, or can't fit another tool to cut, but my o2 don't spend more than you need to see if a plasma is right for you
chim
Elite Member
The plasma isn't usually my first choice for cutting, but it is sometimes the best tool. With on-board air, anywhere I have power to weld, there's more than enough power to run it. With a straight edge or pattern to follow it can be very handy. While it does create a stream of sparks, it is almost always directed away from the user.
Sometimes for similar cutting situations I use a cermet (not abrasive) metal-cutting blade in a circular saw. That's what I'd call unpleasant, second only to the die grinder.
Quick cuts on small stuff - angle grinder with thin metal cutting blades is the first thing. I blow more black junk from my nose after using this. No shortage of sparks, dirt / magnetic dust.
Different tools work better at different tasks. Part of the decision is considering the kind of "pollution" each will produce and if it can be controlled or directed away from the user. Some people don't appear to care. I've seen guys hunched over a part they're welding with the smoke rolling around their hoods.
Sometimes for similar cutting situations I use a cermet (not abrasive) metal-cutting blade in a circular saw. That's what I'd call unpleasant, second only to the die grinder.
Quick cuts on small stuff - angle grinder with thin metal cutting blades is the first thing. I blow more black junk from my nose after using this. No shortage of sparks, dirt / magnetic dust.
Different tools work better at different tasks. Part of the decision is considering the kind of "pollution" each will produce and if it can be controlled or directed away from the user. Some people don't appear to care. I've seen guys hunched over a part they're welding with the smoke rolling around their hoods.