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Plasma cutter
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2022 8:19 pm
by Eugen
A new gizmo made it to the pile of junk in my so called shop. The cut50 plasma cutter.
Will report later on it. Barely was able to test basic functionality cutting some 1/8 plate.
Re: Plasma cutter
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2022 8:34 pm
by JSinMO
Looking forward to your updates. That is something I would like to add to my shop too.
Re: Plasma cutter
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2022 8:49 pm
by thebuildist
I have one like it and it works pretty well. It's not quite as capable and flexible as the cutting torch, but it is a lot cheaper to run, because you don't have to buy gases.
I look forward to hearing your impressions.
Bob
Re: Plasma cutter
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2022 9:21 pm
by Spike188
I agree with Bob on the operating cost compared to a torch. The plasma requires a steadier hand and is not as forgiving when slag builds up. I salvaged one off of a cnc plasma table that was being scrapped. The hand unit was the only cost involved in converting it.
Re: Plasma cutter
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 1:43 pm
by propane1
Be a nice tool to have. Gas torches is all I have.
Noel
Re: Plasma cutter
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 1:58 pm
by Eugen
Propane57 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 18, 2022 1:43 pm
Be a nice tool to have. Gas torches is all I have.
Noel
I got a bottle of B size of acetylene and one about the same size of oxygen, an old torch, new regulators and gauges, even with spark arrestor. I am honestly afraid to use it on account it'll explode.
I meant to buy a plasma cutter for the last couple of years, and my wife told me several times to get a new one. But I tend to be very cheap about certain things and just delayed and delayed, could not get myself to fork out the $300 for a new one. This one showed up on marketplace very cheap and right next to my sister's place, just couldn't pass. It's supposed to cut up to 1/4 thickness, we'll see.
Re: Plasma cutter
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 2:15 pm
by propane1
A buddy of mine has a truck repair shop, he has one of those plasma cutters. I think he said it will do 3/4”, maybe 1”.
Noel
Re: Plasma cutter
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 2:18 pm
by Eugen
Propane57 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 18, 2022 2:15 pm
A buddy of mine has a truck repair shop, he has one of those plasma cutters. I think he said it will do 3/4”, maybe 1”.
Noel
my guess is he didn't pay 50 buck for that one
Re: Plasma cutter
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 3:12 pm
by propane1
I’d say your right Eugen.
Noel
Re: Plasma cutter
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 5:38 pm
by JSinMO
Eugen wrote: ↑Mon Jul 18, 2022 1:58 pm
Propane57 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 18, 2022 1:43 pm
Be a nice tool to have. Gas torches is all I have.
Noel
I got a bottle of B size of acetylene and one about the same size of oxygen, an old torch, new regulators and gauges, even with spark arrestor. I am honestly afraid to use it on account it'll explode.
I wouldn’t worry about it exploding. You’ve got new regulators and gauges. The old torch should be fine. The only thing you didn’t mention were the hoses. If you have and question about them then I would replace them. I have seen fires start due to poorly cared for hoses.
I guarantee you almost every farm in North America has a torch set. And I’d be willing to bet there are a lot of them that are much more sketchy then what you have.
The fire wrench sure comes in handy, a nut or bolt can’t be stuck if it’s liquid!