$1500 budget what to buy ?

[Shield Arc]

Should also note when using a plasma to cut aluminum that is going to be welded. You should cut the material big, (at least 1/16 inch) and grind to the correct measurements.
Go ahead and ask me how I know.

 

[dynasim]

How much do others pay for their oxygen and acetylene tanks(upfront cost)? I am just curious. When I investigated this, the tank lease was >200$ each, plus fill cost.

chris

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

??? 200?

About 60-70 bucks each here.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Should also note when using a plasma to cut aluminum that is going to be welded. You should cut the material big, (at least 1/16 inch) and grind to the correct measurements.
Go ahead and ask me how I know.

That was a bad day wasn't it?

 

[Shield Arc]

That was a bad day wasn't it?

That was the first aluminum project with the Dynasty. I was having a little trouble with contamination but just wrote it off as bad aluminum that I got from the scrap yard. I posted a question about it on a welding forum, that is when I learned when using a plasma to cut the material big, and grind / sand to the dimensions you want. $3,000.00 for a plasma cutter when a $150.00 skilsaw would have worked better.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I have customers occastionally that try to cut and weld aluminum, with very little edge prep. Then they call frustrated. A lot of time, I find out later that it was cut with a plasma...which makes for some challenging conversation trying to figure out the issue. A customer or two have tried to send a unit back because of it.

 

[monckywrench]

I'd have to be doing massive amounts of sheet metal work to bother with a plasma. I can afford one easily but have better uses for the money.

My cutting torches don't need AC power, an air compressor, and an air drier. Small tanks for portable work, large tanks for the house, and LP tips so I can grab a barbeque cylinder if LP is more convenient or I want to run a rosebud.

I keep accumulating OA tanks by watching Craigslist and knowing in advance what I can exchange. Beats leasing.

 

[jake98]

The thing I like about plasma, is being able to cut and then set the thing down while I get ready for the next move. With OA cutting, not that I would set it down, but I always feel like I'm about to set something on fire. And people must be shopping in the wrong place if they are spending $1500 and can only cut 1/2".

 

[dynasim]

Seriously, the normal bottle deposit/purchase is 60-70$ for a standard bottle? The LWS is going to hear from me if that is true.

Chris

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Yes...and at airgas too.