Metal cutting??????
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J_J
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If you want to get real serious about metal cutting, get a plasma CNC cutting table.
It can also do woodwork projects, etch glass, etc.
It can also do woodwork projects, etch glass, etc.
Shield Arc
Super Member
What is a Handy auto torch?
J_J
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Handy Auto Professional Motorized Cutting Torch Kit for Acetylene | Fastenal
http://www.koike.com/Machines/Machine.aspx?MachineID=424
I have one of the older models. Found it at one of our flea markets.
It primary cuts circles and bevels.
http://www.koike.com/Machines/Machine.aspx?MachineID=424
I have one of the older models. Found it at one of our flea markets.
It primary cuts circles and bevels.
Shield Arc
Super Member
Metal fabrication is just like wood working- it takes many tools to cover many tasks, to complete one project. No one cutting tool will do it all. You may find one, like a band saw or a sawzall that will do a lot of it, but it won't do everything neatly, and it can get expensive over time (sawzall blades, for instance). You will need some different tools, if you want to do the job well, effecient, and cost effective. It takes money to make money, and it takes tools, plural, to do the job. I have a small fabrication business, and I use a portaband and an Evolution chop saw the most, along with my grinder/flap disc. I also have a sawzall, plasma cutter, cutting wheels, die grinder, hydraulic press, drill press, and my welders. The welding is usually the shortest part of the process- manipulation/preparation of the metal takes the time, and is the most important part of the job.
So, if you saw fit to invest $1500+ in a good welder, you will need to do it justice and start investing in other tools.
So, if you saw fit to invest $1500+ in a good welder, you will need to do it justice and start investing in other tools.
Scooby074
Super Member
Those Auto torches are the cats ***.
Basically its like a hand powered CNC. Torch height and speed is constant, so nice clean cuts. All you have to do is trace the line. We had one in a fab shop where I worked and some of those guys there were REALLY impressive with what they could make it do, almost looked laser cut. Ours was a little bit different in design than the one above (might have been a Victor?) but it sure was a slick concept.
As to the OP, I suggest a regular OA torch, for the reasons Buckgnarly mentioned, and you already have a chop saw which will suffice for cutting everything besides plate or extremely large pieces. For most "tractor" people on here OA is a better choice than Plasma because it allows you to heat items for bending or removal. Not as sexy as plasma though
Basically its like a hand powered CNC. Torch height and speed is constant, so nice clean cuts. All you have to do is trace the line. We had one in a fab shop where I worked and some of those guys there were REALLY impressive with what they could make it do, almost looked laser cut. Ours was a little bit different in design than the one above (might have been a Victor?) but it sure was a slick concept.
As to the OP, I suggest a regular OA torch, for the reasons Buckgnarly mentioned, and you already have a chop saw which will suffice for cutting everything besides plate or extremely large pieces. For most "tractor" people on here OA is a better choice than Plasma because it allows you to heat items for bending or removal. Not as sexy as plasma though
jwmorris
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I have a few Handy Autos, they cut circles, straight lines or curves (with or without bevels). They work best with a guide but also work much better than a regular torch free hand because of the height and speed control.
You can also make simple fixtures for standard plasma or oxy/act torches that give you height control but you still have to drag them.
The track torch, like the one above is also a good machine to have, I use mine for heavy plate mostly. They are quite stable but you can't cut around pipe like you can with a handy auto. If you wrap a pipe with a guide, like a section of spring steel, you can cut around something with a Handy Auto where a track torch cannot.
For short runs I use the pantograph machine I built with templates, faster than I can program my CNC plasma.
You can also make simple fixtures for standard plasma or oxy/act torches that give you height control but you still have to drag them.
The track torch, like the one above is also a good machine to have, I use mine for heavy plate mostly. They are quite stable but you can't cut around pipe like you can with a handy auto. If you wrap a pipe with a guide, like a section of spring steel, you can cut around something with a Handy Auto where a track torch cannot.
For short runs I use the pantograph machine I built with templates, faster than I can program my CNC plasma.
jwmorris
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I have a few Handy Autos, they cut circles, straight lines or curves (with or without bevels). They work best with a guide but also work much better than a regular torch because of the height and speed control.
You can also make simple fixtures for standard plasma or oxy/act torches that give you height control but you still have to drag them.
The track torch, like the one above is also a good machine to have, I use mine for heavy plate mostly.
For short runs I use the pantograph machine I built with templates, faster than I can program my CNC plasma.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/273086-show-what-tool-you-made-3.html see post #30
You can also make simple fixtures for standard plasma or oxy/act torches that give you height control but you still have to drag them.
The track torch, like the one above is also a good machine to have, I use mine for heavy plate mostly.
For short runs I use the pantograph machine I built with templates, faster than I can program my CNC plasma.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/273086-show-what-tool-you-made-3.html see post #30