Plasma cutter

[yomax4]

Most common plasma cutters use closer to 7cfm but there is one that only uses 3.2. Normally if you are cutting and run low on air the unit will shut down until it's satisfied again. I have a 60gln and run out of air on a regular basis. Depends on the efficiency of the setup ( torch ). The air dryer is key as well because if your compressor runs solid for 20 minutes it will be spitting water as you cut which degrades consumables in a real hurry. The small units with built in air compressors are handy but I've never met anyone who is happy with them and I sold them for years. Can you imagine the size of the compressor in them? Cut Quick, Cut Short and deal with it I guess.

 

[cabinhollow]

It all depends on what/how much you are going to cut.
Me, I am maxing out a 80 gal ingersoll rand, 15.8 cfm@ 90 psi, using a hypertherm 85.
But then again, on a good day, I will cut 40,000" + of 10ga @ 190"/min. Just this one job I am working on will have over 750,000" of cut.

 

[CCWKen]

It all depends on what/how much you are going to cut.
Me, I am maxing out a 80 gal ingersoll rand, 15.8 cfm@ 90 psi, using a hypertherm 85.
But then again, on a good day, I will cut 40,000" + of 10ga @ 190"/min. Just this one job I am working on will have over 750,000" of cut.

I would be willing to wager that's not the normal use for most farmers and home shop users.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Curious what is it you are making @ 40000" of 10 ga / day? And how do you manage the dust and grit.

 

[jack707]

It all depends on what/how much you are going to cut.
Me, I am maxing out a 80 gal ingersoll rand, 15.8 cfm@ 90 psi, using a hypertherm 85.
But then again, on a good day, I will cut 40,000" + of 10ga @ 190"/min. Just this one job I am working on will have over 750,000" of cut.

This compressor would be good but I betting it cost over 2 k!.

 

[Shield Arc]

how do you manage the dust and grit.

A lot of people cut over a water tank. Really helps with the dust.

 

[CADplans]

Curious what is it you are making @ 40000" of 10 ga / day? And how do you manage the dust and grit.

I did enough cutting with my DIY CNC plasma cutter to generate a LOT of dust, sometimes I would run it for five hours constantly,,

5/16" and under, I cut with plasma, 3/8" and up, I used oxy/fuel.

My machine was located 5 feet from the roll up door of the shop.
No matter the weather, if the plasma torch was cutting,, the door was up.

Most times, the door was up for the oxy/fuel,, too,,
I had an industrial 42" fan that was directed out the door,
if I was cuttin', the fan was blowin'!!

I still have the machine, but, I have not needed it since I moved it.
Some day, I will get it runnin' again!! :thumbsup:

 

[jack707]

Nice set up there.

 

[cabinhollow]

Curious what is it you are making @ 40000" of 10 ga / day? And how do you manage the dust and grit.

Got a order for over a TTL of items. I do have 10 more months to make all of them. Have 1/4 of them make.
I have a 5'x10' table with a 3400 cfm fan under it.
I have a number of online shops and ship my metal signs worldwide.

jack707, the compressor cost 1K.

On a water table, if the water is close enough to catch all the dust, then it is so close it will short out the torch. Far enough away not to short out the torch, you will only catch app 1/2 the dust.

 

[jack707]

Northern tool has the same brand. of compressor for 1499. Must be cheaper to live by you

 

[downsizingnow48]

Got a order for over a TTL of items. I do have 10 more months to make all of them. Have 1/4 of them make. I have a 5'x10' table with a 3400 cfm fan under it. I have a number of online shops and ship my metal signs worldwide. jack707, the compressor cost 1K. On a water table, if the water is close enough to catch all the dust, then it is so close it will short out the torch. Far enough away not to short out the torch, you will only catch app 1/2 the dust.

Cabinhollow many thanks! Very interesting appreciate the info.

 

[SpringHollow]

If you do a lot of cutting, or painting. A cooler, after cooler, and a Motor Guard filter system are very good things to add to your shop.

I have installed the large black iron "U's" with drains at the bottom of each. The Franzinator installed before it catches 80 - 90% of the water relative to the "U's". I find it the cheapest reliable way to get rid of most of the water.

Ken