Shopping for quality plasma cutter.

[Big Barn]

With the help of a friend I built this homemade dryer for my shop compressor many years ago. Less than a couple hundred dollars worth of parts and fittings and lots of head scratching.
Incredibly dry air.
Maintenance free so far.
My recommendation? Buy a refrigerated unit like Shield Arc. If my compressor ever packs it in my 'dryer' will consist of nothing more than a box of hardware and fittings.
This wasn't exactly one of my 'best good ideas' but then again if it's the dumbest thing I ever do I'll be doing okay.



Terry

 

[Fawken]

I'll say this (because I have used both) if your previous cutting experience was with a torch get a plasma with pilot arc as opposed to contact or push start. The Esab is a push start and I went through a bunch of consumables getting used to it. Also, I have used the (mega $$$) Esab consumables and the ultra-cheap, buy-by-the-hundred, Chinese tips and see very little difference.

 

[Big Barn]

I'll say this (because I have used both) if your previous cutting experience was with a torch get a plasma with pilot arc as opposed to contact or push start. The Esab is a push start and I went through a bunch of consumables getting used to it. Also, I have used the (mega $$$) Esab consumables and the ultra-cheap, buy-by-the-hundred, Chinese tips and see very little difference.

I agree. For my previous Miller Spectrum I purchased 50 tips and 50 electrodes from Riverweld for less than a pack of ten from Miller. Didn't notice any difference in useable life.

Terry

 

[Shield Arc]

I don't hardly use my plasma, but having the air dryer really comes in handy for painting too. Right now I'm letting the primer dry on a friend's hood to his Lincoln SA-200 welder. Later today I'll spray the color on the hood. This is a before picture, and what I have done so far.

 

[Fawken]

Wish I had a nice dryer. Actually, I'd be happy if our trailer shop had one. At least $50k in plasma cutters and air tools and they just run straight out of the tank. Most times of year where I am it isn't an issue, but not everyone lives in a desert called Texas.

 

[Mysfyt]

Thermal Dynamics (Victor) was top of the line in the 90's, but IMHO, Hypertherm seems to own that title now. Dry air is a 'must have' with any plasma cutter.

 

[muddstopper]

I made my first air dryer. Used copper tubing for the intercooler, (fill the garbage can full of tap water). Black pipe for the after cooler. Years later I bought a refrigerated unit.

You aint fooling us hillbillies. we all know those first couple of pics are of a worm. Just what is it your brewing??

 

[Shield Arc]

Just what is it your brewing??

Oh no, I've never been tough enough to drink or smoke!

 

[RickeyS]

I have used the thermal Dynamics, Hypertherm, Lincoln, Miller, and esab. The only one I ever had a problem with was my Miller. After about 7 years of daily use we needed a new torch. Well to get one was going to be over $600 so we just bought a new Lincoln for a little over $1000. That ESAB is a little beast also. It comes in a very small package but works great. As far as filter, you got it above, heck yeah you need all you can get with plasma. Water is the DEVIL to plasma! I like the external ones you can put a roll of toilet paper in. I use them painting and air brushing also.

 

[RickeyS]

Oh no, I've never been tough enough to drink or smoke!

That was my first thought too! Time I saw that coil I had bad thoughts for its use!