A plasma cutter thread

[ack]

I an effort to create a thread on plasma cutters that is easy to search, I start this one.  Hopefully the title wording and any content will make it appear at the top of the search results here at zuwharrie's BBS (...and you thought I only cared about Ack's FAQ search engine...  )


I want a plasma cutter so bad I can taste it!  (For me, it tastes like PIZZA!)

I want something inexpensive, but reliable.  Something that won't cost an arm and a leg when it comes time to buy consumables.  Something that will sever-cut up to 1/4 inch and run on 110VAC @ 20 Amps.  Something that is okay for a hobbiest/arteeste - not necessarily a production line environment.

Right now, I am looking at the under - $1000 price range.

In that group, we have:

The Chinese stuff that you can find at Ebay, Harbor Freight, etc.

Hobart Airforce 250 Ci Plasma Cutter at farm and home stores.

Miller and Thermal Dynamics found at AirGas and other welding supply stores (pricing is right at or just over $1000).


It has been pointed out to my by the local AirGas counter-guy that dry air has the biggest effect on the longevity of consumables.  Dry Air = Good!  "Wet" air = BAD
!

Okay, there's a pile of information to chew on...  What are your suggestions on a reliable hobbiest plasma cutter?  Feel free to back up your comments with your experiences. Remember - this thread isn't just for me... It's also for folks who are using the Search feature at Zuwharrie.com - so try to stay on topic!

[knunns]

Been using a friends plasma cutter from harbor freight. It does fine for 1/4''. I used it to build my front and rear bumpers. Paid $160 for it brand new at an auction. obviously its no professional plasma cutter but for the occasional use and price its unbeatable

[Copasetic]

Just in time Ack! I've been looking at getting one myself but it would be used just every so often if that much. thought about going to HF to get one but I thought about that when I was about to buy a welder. I'm glad I spent the $$ and got my Lincoln 175HD. I'm curious to see what input plasma cutter owners have to share.

[ack]

I am thinking of uses for one...

I am thinking about parting my '96 Tracker.  A cutter would make quick work of the tub.

If I decided to do some rust removal on the Samurai, a cutter would make quick work of removing the bad metal.  Removing the body beforehand would be a pain, though.

Making cupholders for mounting at the rear edge of the transmission boot would be easier with a cutter.

...and of course, cutting frame components for the amphibious truck would be a heck of a lot easier with a cutter.

[madbob]

I have a miller 125C.  (The one Art used to build the popsicle).  I'ts 110, has built in air and  cuts 1/4 inch steel.  I love it.

I have learned the hard way:

MAKE SURE you have a SUPER CLEAN ground, or it goes through tips faster $$$
DON'T drag the tip on what you are or cutting or it goes through tips faster $$$
The guy at the welding supply store said dry air makes the tips last longer, I guess that means don't use it when it's humid or $$$?

Tips and cups usually need replaced at the same time and cost about $12 for the pair. 
A cracked swirl cup will make it not work properly (would arc to material that I wanted to cut, but not penetrate)

Hope this helps.

[jmdave69]

i so want a Plasma Cutter after playing with one!!!!

[Surly]

The guy at the welding supply store said dry air makes the tips last longer, I guess that means don't use it when it's humid or $$$?

No, he means the incoming air should be routed through an appropriate water separator / desiccant unit like the one shown here: http://www.tcpglobal.com/spraygundepot/daircontl.aspx

[madbob]

little harder to set that up on one with built in air.

[Surly]

Please elaborate on the "built in air" feature... I've never seen one like that before. I know some of them have an option for connecting a pressurized cylinder, but I think you're supposed to use nitrogen or some other "dry" gas.

[catfishblues]

Please elaborate on the "built in air" feature... I've never seen one like that before. I know some of them have an option for connecting a pressurized cylinder, but I think you're supposed to use nitrogen or some other "dry" gas.

Nope. Lots of them these days have built-in compressors. I'm assuming they also have the appropriate drying system in place.

[madbob]

the air compressor on mine is built in.  you can hear it kick on and off as needed, but I haven't opened the case to look at it.

[Surly]

I'm assuming they also have the appropriate drying system in place.

That would be my assumption as well, unless they were super cheap. 

[ack]

The Hobart 250 CI has an internal compressor.  One would assume that it has a primitive drier of some sort.  Info is sketchy on it - all I can find is what's available at the Northern Tool and Tractor Supply websites.

Various, more expensive Thermal Dynamics units have more elaborate air handling setups.

http://store.cyberweld.com/thdyplcu.html

I am tending towards buying a Thermal Dynamics unit (more pizza deliveries to make!) as it is easily adaptable to automation welding and has circle and roller-cutting accessories available.  You never can tell how serious I might get with this tool!

Thermal Dynamics has a pretty cool video on plasma cutting:

http://www.thermadynenewsroom.com/thermaldynamicsvideo/

I hope we are all getting an educaton here!

[zukitough]

i have a thermal dynamics, its the one that can be 110 or 220 and can cut 5/8" steel. it is a beast and tends to trip breakers on a 30 amp circuit 110v. but it cuts like a beast. clean stuff cuts like butter, clean air cuts better. i paid $1115 on ebay from sum welding store in indiana. had it for 5 years

[madbob]

I don't think there is a dryer on the compressor as there is no holding tank.  I'ts on on demand system, and since the air isn't "stored" it should not build moister.  that being said, on very humid days the air will be a bit wet and there really isn't much you can do about it.