Plasma Cutters anyone?

[wroughtn_harv]

The metal templates to screw up consumables. But silly me I figure that's the reason they call them consumables./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

I like the soapstone line. Something to keep in mind is it's a lot like driving. You're focusing ahead of the torch and not right on it. Another thing I've found is pulling is easier to keep straight than sweeping.

The biggest thing I've found to help is accepting that it isn't magic. It doesn't take something special that only a few blessed folks can do. It's just a matter of doing it and understanding that improvement comes with practice. And practice means you gotta.

I'm learning a new technique today on bending material. If I get the time I'm going to make a couple of jigs anyone can do just about. Then they can do things they hadn't considered doing. That's always fun.

 

[micromike]

brantley

I tried cut and past to the Navy site you listed to read about the oragnepeel technique that has been discussed here. I'm getting a site not found. I did find the Navy site but can't seem to navigate my way to the area you posted about. Could you please check your URL or offer any additional instructions to get to this site? tia.

Mike

 

[brantley]

I just checked the URL and it worked for me. The url was broken up into two lines. You might try grabbing each line separately. A linefeed might have gotten included if you tried to grab both lines at the same time. Below is the url again. I looked at the posting
faq this time. So maybe it will be easier to reach.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.advancement.cnet.navy.mil/products/web-pdf/tramans/bookchunks/14251_ch3.pdf>http://www.advancement.cnet.navy.mil/products/web-pdf/tramans/bookchunks/14251_ch3.pdf</A>

 

[DavidInNH]

Try this <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.advancement.cnet.navy.mil/products/web-pdf/tramans/bookchunks/14251_ch3.pdf>brantley's url</A>

-david

 

[micromike]

Worked great guys. Twice! A lot of good information there, printing it out now. Thanks for sharing, and responding.

Mike

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Ditto!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have a Miller plasma cutter. It is definitely cool, but pretty wimpy unless connected to 220V. If you are not making your living cutting metal, I bet a torch would do the trick. The torch can be used to heat rusted and stuck bolts and nuts too. The plasma cutter will not negate the need for a torch, but if you are not cutting too much stuff you can live without a plasma cutter.

 

[JohnInCA]

texasjeff,

What do you think of the Plasmacam unit? Solid? Work well? Is the software good? I have their video and printed material, and it looks like a fun tool.

 

[TexasJeff]

I like the plasmacam. Good software but for me a long learning curve. It does everything it said it would so far. I have only had a couple of problems. If you get one follow the wiring directions closely esp the limit switches. I thought I did but it cost me 2 drive belts at $10 each.(that was the biggest suprise for me the cost of the tiny drive belts) I did buy an extra hand torch for the plasma cutter because it was a hassle to install or remove the torch out of the cutter and get reset correctly

 

[centex]

This thread is going to cost me some $$. I am going to buy a plasma cutter. Can't get around it this time. One dealer is trying to sell me a Thermal-Dynamics 38XL for $1300 and another wants to sell me a Hypotherm 600 for $1750. The Hypotherm is a larger unit hence the higher price. He told me this price is $150 over his cost so it is probably a good price. The Thermal-Dynamics dealer is one I have done business with for many years but they never give me a discount.

Both dealers clain that their product is the best on the market. Since I know nothing about either except that Thermal-Dynamics is a Thermadyne brand, I need some advice on which way to go.

One of my concerns that both assure me is not a problem is the long term availability of consumables. My fear is that I will buy one of these products and not be able to get the consumables in two years. I bought Linde TIG and MIG welding machines in 1981 because they had been around for many years and their TIG machine was the most advanced of its kind at that time. Union Carbide sold off the welding business a couple of years later. Forutnately I had stocked up on consumables for the MIG torch and there are lots of copies of the TIG torch so I have not had a problem but at the rate welding companys are comming and going I worry about anyone being around in 5 years.