Question on plasma cutter

[wadesgames]

I picked up a Powermax 600 at an auction, local trailer manufacture going out of business. Just under $600 out the door which I thought was a pretty good deal considering what these sell for new.

I don't have a good moisture trap system so I put one of these HF dessicant cartriges on the back http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=94733

Rated at 90psi max, (the inlet on the plasma says 120 psi max) so I ran at 90 psi. Cutting some 1/4 it seemed like it wasn't clearing the cut out. Could be technique, this is my first plasma. I noticed the pressure gauge on the unit drops to about about 40 when the trigger is pulled. Am I just not getting enough air across the desiccant or is that pretty normal based on how much air these units consume? I have an 80 gallon 175psi compressor so air supply really isn't an issue.

I work onplasma cnc machines and have found refirgerated dryers work best, wet air will cost you a lot of comsumables, not enough flow will cause poor cuts and can ruin the nozzle if you nick it.

 

[J_J]

I work onplasma cnc machines and have found refirgerated dryers work best, wet air will cost you a lot of comsumables, not enough flow will cause poor cuts and can ruin the nozzle if you nick it.

OK, but how much do they cost, and how long do they last, and can they be reused.

 

[kennyd]

I work onplasma cnc machines and have found refirgerated dryers work best, wet air will cost you a lot of comsumables, not enough flow will cause poor cuts and can ruin the nozzle if you nick it.

Welcome to TBN

For CNC machines that see daily use that is definitely the way to go, but we are talking about weekend warriors here-the machine might get a couple of hours a month.

 

[alltoys]

J J

What is the name brand of your CNC machine? Do they have a web site?

 

[J_J]

J J

What is the name brand of your CNC machine? Do they have a web site?

The company disbanded and the guys went their separate ways. They probably started their own company's with another name.

In reality a CNC machine is a combination of parts put together to work as a unit. The all work about the same way. The little ones cut as good as the large ones. Motors are the same style, maybe heavier. The frame is either aluminum or steel. Software, there is a lot of cutting software out there. and some good nesting programs out there which allow you to save and conserve metal stock. Some even include drawing programs, like BobCad. or Corel Draw.

50 x 50 travel CNC plasma machine.

Torchmate CNC plasma cutters, CNC cutting tables. Automated computer numerical controlled plasma cutting machines cut complex metal shapes.

PlasmaCAM Cutting Systems

Some of these systems, you can purchase complete, and some you purchase a kit which lets you purchase the metal to build the frame. You still have to add your plasma cutter, and a computer.

 

[lmalcomb]

anybody try one of these ?
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[J_J]

anybody try one of these ?
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

That would work, but the cost is very high up front, in comparison to the Motor Guard filter kit. Over the years it might be more economical if it last that long. Over a 5 year time frame, it might be cheaper to operate, but you have to factor in the operating cost of the dryer.

 

[2manyrocks]

I've seen a few plasma cutters pop up on CL from $400-$1,400. What should a person look at to figure out which ones to buy and which ones to leave alone?

 

[Scooby074]

I've seen a few plasma cutters pop up on CL from $400-$1,400. What should a person look at to figure out which ones to buy and which ones to leave alone?

First thing would be : What capacity do you need?

There are different capacity measurement standards (rated, quality and sever for miller).

"Sever" is the roughest cut measurement. Ugly cuts.

"quality" is its typical max cut, at "slower than normal" speed

"rated" is the typical cut depth at typical speed.
http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/PCBG.pdf
Remember, alot of companies over rate their plasma cutting capacity.

Second: Brand availability locally. look for something sold local so you can get the consumable tips easily.

Third: Power requirements for the plasma (3phase? Voltage? Amps?)

Fourth: Do research on the specific model your interested in, and see what
others say about the quality of cut and durability.

Go to the welding specific boards like weldingweb, hobart and millerwelds. Youll get your BEST advise there from guys in the know.

 

[2manyrocks]

I met a guy last week who was milling some aluminum brackets in a piece about the size of a postcard about 3/8 inch thick. There were three larger holes to cut down on the weight and then a couple of holes for screws for it to attach to a larger assembly made out of polycarbonate. One of the sides had a radius in it. I forget, but it seemed like it took the CNC machine about 1.5 hours to make this part.

JJ's post in this thread got me wondering if the same part could be made (maybe not the screw holes) with a computerized controlled plasma cutter more cost effectively? One of the things the guy complained about was having to buy German cutters that used to cost $370 last year that is now up to $550 or something. I'm sorry for the vague description --metal working is not something I know much about. I only understand small bits and pieces of it.