Are Plasma Cutters "Finicky"?

[crazyal]

OA torches allow you to go where the work is. A plasma limits you unless you have a generator large enough to supply power. To me a torch is finicky though. You need to get the flame just right and once you shut it off you're starting over again getting the flame right. Just like a plasma once you get some time using it setting it up is much quicker.

I personally like the idea of when I'm not cutting there is no flame. I'm not playing the game of, do I shut the flame off or can I reposition or cut the next thing quickly enough so I don't have to. With a Plasma you just pull the trigger.

As for drying I got a refrigerated drier for free that a company wasn't using but because it had freon (actually has R134a) in it they couldn't just toss it. However I think, like Shield arc has done, you could make a system that works very well for not much money. The side benefit is that most things you use an air compressor for also like dry air.

 

[Dargo]

How do you guys dry your air?

I had to go look, I guess I'm getting senile and couldn't remember the brand name of the dryer. It's a Motor Guard M26. There's thousands of them out there in service doing a great job. Some people use a roll of toilet paper for replacement filters, but I'm afraid I'd get some small particles of the toilet paper going through my expensive plasma cutter. I dunno, maybe that works fine. I have no proof it doesn't, but I just feel safer spending 7 bucks or so every 2 or 3 months (depending on the ambient humidity outside and how often I use it).

Others may have some very good ideas for in line dryers, but I'm perfectly pleased with my $50 eBay deal where I bought this Motor Guard 26 new several years ago. As I mentioned, I really don't use consumables and the filters for this dryer aren't bad IMHO.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Shield arc,
That arrangement around here is known as a Still. Keep production under 5 gallons for personal consumption and you'll do fine.:thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

Shield arc,
That arrangement around here is known as a Still. Keep production under 5 gallons for personal consumption and you'll do fine.:thumbsup:

Yah, but why is his "worm" down in the "mash barell":laughing:
James K0UA

 

[jimcolt]

You can find excellent comparisons of oxy-fuel to plasma with cut speed and relative cost per foot of cut on the Hypertherm | Plasma Cutters | Plasma Cutting Equipment | Metal Cutting Equipment website.

Here is a direct link: Plasma or Oxyfuel? | Hypertherm


Jim Colt

 

[jimcolt]

Here is a link to a short youtube video.....showing how easy it is to cut with a Hypertherm plasma. This clip shows a Powermax1250 drag cutting on 5/8" plate.

YouTube - Powermax1250 cutting 5/8" steel

Jim Colt

 

[trouble007]

personally i love my miller spectrum 2050 had it for a couple of years and never had a problem with it. if you get a plasma you wont regret it as long as you buy a quality product like Hyperthem or thermal dynamics i think there less "finicky" then AO too but thats just my opinion

Good luck with you dicission

Ryan

 

[zman007007]

Yah, but why is his "worm" down in the "mash barell":laughing:
James K0UA

James I am sorry but if you know that much about bootlegging I have no choice but to send the authorities to your home to investigate you. LOL zman :laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[dstig1]

Jim Colt - I, for one, appreciate your input on these things as I am trying to learn more about this stuff (thanks for the video links). I know you have noted occasionally that you work at Hypertherm, but in threads like this, you really should disclose that directly so that everyone is clear where you are coming from (especially the newbies or infrequent posters). Saves a lot of potential animosity down the road - I've seen "angst" happen on other forums due to non-disclosures like this.... Keep the good stuff coming!

Thanks,
Dave

 

[crazyal]

Jim Colt - I, for one, appreciate your input on these things as I am trying to learn more about this stuff (thanks for the video links). I know you have noted occasionally that you work at Hypertherm, but in threads like this, you really should disclose that directly so that everyone is clear where you are coming from (especially the newbies or infrequent posters). Saves a lot of potential animosity down the road - I've seen "angst" happen on other forums due to non-disclosures like this.... Keep the good stuff coming!

Thanks,
Dave

I'm kind of split about this. When I first started reading some of his posts I kind of dismissed them thinking he was just somebody who really liked one brand. After reading enough of his posts I read about his connection to HyperTherm. It would have been nice to know sooner.

But Everlast and Mark are advertisers who pay money to TBN. They are the ones who keep TBN free. They haven't been here long and before they came Jim could have stepped up but didn't.

So how do you be fair to both?