Thinking of getting a Plasma cutter

[Bsavulis]

Anyone have an Arc captian Plasma cutter? Suitable for very limited use by a backyard hack?

Thanks
Brian

 

[Rustyiron]

What are your current metal cutting methods?
A plas wouldn't be my recommendation for a "first step".

 

[Jrasband]

wouldn't a angle grinder be first?

 

[Happy in NC]

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

 

[J&K]

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]

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.

 

[Rustyiron]

wouldn't a angle grinder be first?

That's the reason for my question for the op.

 

[chim]

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.

 

[TWD]

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

 

[chim]

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.

 

[grsthegreat]

I have a hypertherm plasma table. Have used it so many times over the many years ive owned it. Huge learning curve. I wish i hade a hand held torch head also, but only straight head designed for plasma table use.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

If you have to cut curves, plasma is wonderful. You can put a template down and follow it with a plasma cutter. Try that with a grinder.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I have all sorts of options cutting stuff and now have 3 plasma cutters, my first one doesn't work (did at first but I got it years ago when pilot arc was hard to find) and happened on a Harbor Freight one open box for cheap so I grabbed that which is my go to but I have a Thermal Dynamics older version that I got for even less (under $100 and works)...

When I need to make straight cuts on flat material plasma is my go to or just other cuts in flat plate, at this point it would be a pain without it on some projects... For a straight edge I went full simple and just use a $2 harbor freight magnet bar, space it 10mm from my cut line and I'm good to go with my setup...

Pilot arc is really nice to have, I'm not sure scratch start would be as fun to use... I've done scratch start TIG and it's doable but frustrating at times...

Watch the reviews on Amazon or the like, Lotos has some of the highest ratings when I was looking but a lot of the "Cut 50" models are basically the same thing...

 

[etpm]

A lot depends on what you are cutting and how thick. A thin wheel on an angle grinder will cut 1/4 steel without too much trouble, especially if you don't need to cut very far. But 1/4 aluminum will tend to clog even wheels made for aluminum. Stainless is tough to cut too with a thin wheel. But plasma will go through aluminum and stainless pretty easy. You can also cut thick rubber with a plasma cutter. Just lay a sheet of mild steel on top and cut away. Lotsa smoke but way faster than sawing.
Eric

 

[t1kilo]

I have an Amico CUT-50HF that has served my needs well. As was mentioned by Plowboy, the plasma is great for cutting shapes. There are times when an oxy-acet torch is useful, but I have to go borrow my neighbors for those times.

If I’m doing straight cuts, my go to is a Skil metal saw:

SKILSAW OUTLAW SPT78MMC-01 15 Amp 8 In. Worm Drive Metal Cutting Saw https://a.co/d/h6rZbkU

For punching perfect circles, it’s hard to beat a magnetic drill for smaller holes.

 

[Racer4]

I got a hypertherm from a guy that was selling out his shop. It’s old and requires air. It has its uses, but definitely not the first thing I grab.

 

[monkeyduster]

If you go to YouTube and lookup a welder named “NBS Welding”. He is a promoter of Arc Captain and has several videos of him putting them to the test. I think he also has promo codes for a discount on some of their products. After watching several of his videos of Arc Captain welders and Plasma cutters I would definitely purchase one if I needed one.

 

[grsthegreat]

I just have no interest in ever purchasing a Chinese made plasma, or much less any Chinese made thing, unless it isnt made In the good old USA. Mind you i know alot of stuff just plain isnt made here. Not much else ya can do then.

 

[etpm]

I just have no interest in ever purchasing a Chinese made plasma, or much less any Chinese made thing, unless it isnt made In the good old USA. Mind you i know alot of stuff just plain isnt made here. Not much else ya can do then.

What China is doing now with cheap products our country did starting at the beginning of the industrial revolution. England even prohibited the importation of many goods from the "Colonies". Many of these goods were produced with slave labor. India is now starting to compete with China. It all kinda looks like a repeat to me.
Eric