O/A or Plasma Torch cutting quality

[deerhunterf350]

A standard 5 HP , 80 gallon air compressor at 175 PSI, is that sufficent for Compressed air.

I was thinking you would need a Tank of CO2 or some other inert gas, that is at HIGH Pressure , to Blow the molten metal.

 

[dfkrug]

Some PCs have their own built-in compressor. Many do not.
Pressure and flow rate is not high, so almost any one will do.
Mine has is own regulator and good water separation is desirable
for best cutting performance.

 

[slowzuki]

Also they always have a bevel, it is the nature of the expansion of the plasma. On 1/8" you don't notice but 1/2" thick the 3 degree or whatever it is bevel can mess up your bolt hole.

You can cut rusty dirty metal if you start at a clean spot but it is hard on the torch tips. It is not a torch ie it is not to hack and chop steel with so don't get one thinking you can cut a seized balljoint out of a steering knuckle or that you can lop bolts off in tucked away places. The tip needs to be close to the work so you can't cheat blowing out bolts down in holes etc. It also is not forgiving when crossing two metal surfaces. It will not give you a few moments lag to save the good metal like a torch does.