plasma cutter really?

[GIJOE]

I have both and use both. Most people that have an O/A rig also have some type of welding machine. When it comes time to stick two pieces of metal together, I'll grab the MIG, TIG, or Stick machine. Not the O/A rig. When it comes time to cut something with O/A, you're limited to only iron or steel. IMO the plasma is more versatile. Not only can you cut iron and steel, you can also cut cast iron, aluminum, cast aluminum, chrome, nickle, brass, copper, just to name a few. If it conducts electricity, a plasma will cut it, and you can also gouge with it. I'm not saying O/A doesn't have its place in the shop, but for cutting, I,ll take the plasma (and the band saw) any day.

Joe

 

[powerstroke444e]

I had never used a good plasma till the local salesman @ ilmo let me try a miller 375 x-treme and I wouldn't let him take it back. I like being able to use it on 110v and with my Generator and air compressor out in the field. I am really impressed how well it does on scrap and junk, as well as in building/fabing up stuff. I still like the o/a and my portable bandsaw but would hate to be without any of it.

 

[GEB]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but could you post some pictures of this water trap? I have heard of using toilet paper, but I'm not sure what the whole filter system would look like.

Thanks, Mike

Well there ya go Mike, Scooby074 found a pic of one just like mine.
When the paper gets damp and or dirty...change it.
BTW you want to use unscented paper
Gene

 

[MikesTractor]

Thank You both.....as i said, I have heard of them, but never seen them. Now I know what I'm looking for. I don't have a plasma at home, but they have one out in the shop at work. Not sure what size, but it is an Esab. I do know that they have a heck of a time with wet air.

Mike

 

[J_J]

Thank You both.....as i said, I have heard of them, but never seen them. Now I know what I'm looking for. I don't have a plasma at home, but they have one out in the shop at work. Not sure what size, but it is an Esab. I do know that they have a heck of a time with wet air.

Mike

Dry air will make a big difference.

 

[Scooby074]

Thank You both.....as i said, I have heard of them, but never seen them. Now I know what I'm looking for. I don't have a plasma at home, but they have one out in the shop at work. Not sure what size, but it is an Esab. I do know that they have a heck of a time with wet air.

Mike

Are they currently using any filtration?

On my system i have a coalessing filter a few feet after my compressor ( not ideal) then a run of about 40' of black pipe (works good to cool the air and cause the water to naturally drop out), then it goes to a dessicant type filter (you REALLY would have one if dry air is important) than another coalessing, then regulator, then to my tools. A toilet paper filter would come next if i had a plasma.. My understanding is that there a "last chance" filter and not intended for your main filter.

Yes i know it looks like i have a lot of filters, and i guess i do, but dry air is going to cost. After screwing around for a few years with a single filter and regulator and a rubber hose, i finally got wise and built a proper system.

At least,try to get a good run of pipe in your system prior to the filter, cooling the air helps alot. Most mechanical shops dont really care about dry air (in my experience). Usually its just for air tools, although wet air can do a number on them too.

 

[MikesTractor]

I rode over to the shop today to look at their plasma cutter. It is an Esab 650. I couldn't make out all of the writing on the tag, but the guys said that when it worked right that it would cut more than 1/2 inch. I told them what has been discussed here. They looked at me like I was crazy and said "Air Dryer?"

After talking to the shop foreman for about 20 minutes about this and him telling me that it didn't make any difference, we went and found the manual. It mentioned "Dry Air" and an "Air Dryer" was necessary for "Optimal Results". Still not convinced, the foreman called their welding supply and talked to someone there. They told him the same thing about Air Dryers.

After all of this, we traced all of the lines back to the compressor and the only thing in that line that could help them any at all was a water separator. You know the kind with the drain cock on the bottom.... oh, and there is an automatic oiler in the line beside the compressor. They put that in so they wouldn't have to oil their air tools.

So, the plasma is trying to cut using oily, wet air. The welding supply guy is supposed to be down tomorrow to help them clean up the air. The foreman seems to think that they may run a new line with an air dryer just for the plasma.

They just might get it to where it works right again. Thanks guys, for all your help.

Mike

 

[Scooby074]

Oily AND wet air..... well theres your problem

A dedicated air line for the plasma would make sense with the line oiler. Also dont forget that the plasma has been contaminated with oilly air, so thats going to have to be cleaned. But i imagine the guys from the welding shop will do that anyways.

Glad to have been of help///

 

[J_J]

I can't believe that they did not even read the manual. Very sad indeed.

 

[cdhd2001]

I am making my new setup completely portable.

Building 4 ft. x 6 ft. trailer to carry my Miller Wildcat 200 amp welder/generator, Miller 375 X-treme plasma cutter, 4 hp 10 gal air compressor, and my other tools like the chop saw, grinder, jack stands, and other tools. That way I have the right tools at all the right places.