Mobile Plasma cutting

hudr · Apr 4, 2006

Ok, I have Lincoln Ranger 10000. I am about to pull the trigger on a Hypertherm600 plasma cutter. I plan to use it in conjunction w/ the welder on several "on-site" jobs (i.e.:building fence corners way back in the boonies). I notice in the specs it seems to require 6cfm@72psi (if I am reading this correctly). This model does not have an internal compressor. So, I will need to add a rack for a compressor on my 5x8 trailer that is now dedicated to all things "smithy". Anybody else doing something like this already? Any suggestions on a compressor? Looks like I am going to spend another $200-$300 for a compressor to mount on the trailer.

Highbeam · Apr 4, 2006

I don't know if it counts but I once ran the smallish hypertherm plasma cutter and the 5 HP shop air compressor at the same time from my coleman 5500 watt generator. All of this was setting in the back of my pickup running at the same time. It worked, the problem is that the plasma drippings and big sparks kept starting fires on the ground so I had to stop early.

hudr · Apr 4, 2006

I am pretty sure I have enough electricity to run everything. What I am concerned w/ is how critical is the air pressure/flow rating? Best case scenario: I find the compressor that will give the recommended rating, then go to the next size up.

Highbeam · Apr 4, 2006

The air compressor will become a valuable part of the smithy trailer so I wouldn't worry too much about the meager air needs of the plasma cutter but be more concerned with having enough air for doing things like running air tools and seating tire beads at the remote sites. I would find a compressor that fills the 5 foot width for sure and make it a third part of a threesome.

tlbuser · Apr 5, 2006

You could also just use an inert gas (argon, nitrogen, etc) or air bottles (SCBA type work great) on the trailer rather than buying a compresor. Just a thought.

gsganzer · Apr 5, 2006

( You could also just use an inert gas (argon, nitrogen, etc) or air bottles (SCBA type work great) on the trailer rather than buying a compresor. Just a thought. )

Inert gas won't work for the plasma cutter. You'd have to use compressed air.

I think I'd get one of those wheelbarrow style compressors. The kind with the two horizontal tanks. They seem to be what most folks mount on maintenance trucks. Definitely something big enough to run a paint sprayer and/or pneumatic nailers.

bigtater · Apr 5, 2006

I have a hypertherm 600. You can use dry nitrogen. If the pressure drops below it's rated input the cutter will shut down until the pressure comes back up. I'm using a a craftman 2hp compressor and it is right at the bottom of what I would want no problems so far but i've not used it for any long cuts yet.

gsganzer · Apr 5, 2006

( You can use dry nitrogen. )

I thought they needed the oxygen in the compressed air for the cut?? I guess my wifes right, I don't know everything. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Highbeam · Apr 5, 2006

The oxy-acetylene uses oxygen to combust the steel. Maybe the plasma cutter uses a different process.

hudr · Apr 5, 2006

Found out my answer. I don't think the plasma would be the best choice for what I plan to do immediately with the "smithy" trailer. What I gather from the guys around here is that plasma works best in a "controlled" environment. Don't know how it would fair bouncing around in the pasture going from corner to corner and brace to brace. Also, seems the consumables can catch up pretty quickly cost wise. So for now I have bought a new torch kit to replace the bomb I was using before.
But we will see where we end up w/ the smithy trailer. Hmmmm...need to find me a vise....
Thanks, guys.