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Plasma cutters

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Farmboy

08-16-2000 06:38:00




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Are they really as good as I hear? And do they make an attachment for an ac welder to plasma cut or do you have to buy the complete unit?
thanks




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Steve U.S. Alloys

08-17-2000 06:17:39




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 Re: plasma cutters in reply to Farmboy, 08-16-2000 06:38:00  
Fred made me think of something I should have said earlier.
If you want a good comparison between plasma cutters regarding performance, compare their individual ratings of 'inches per minute' of cut. The manufacturer puts out this info in their literature. Just make sure they talk about the same material and thickness.

Also, the new epoxy torches are far superior to the ceramic ones for durability and you will want a pilot arc on your machine so you can cut expanded steel. It also cleans the metal a bit just ahead of you.
HTH,
Steve

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jimmyzz

08-16-2000 23:29:43




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 Re: plasma cutters in reply to Farmboy, 08-16-2000 06:38:00  
i have small one for work sheet metal with. its great because it doesn't distort metal. the torch still works good for me on thick stuff, tractor cutting isn't like making watches.



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catblaster

08-16-2000 19:20:30




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 Re: plasma cutters in reply to Farmboy, 08-16-2000 06:38:00  
I've had a pack 50 from thermal dynamics for 4 years now with no problems and although pricey I wish I had bought it years before. They put less heat into the metal so you get alot less distortion, you can cut a piece of light guage steel and reach down immediately and pick it up with your bare hand. One drawback..if your hand is shakey then your cut will look shakey. I recommend you get as large a machine as you can afford, as usual, more is better.

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Steve U.S. Alloys

08-16-2000 10:21:47




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 Re: plasma cutters in reply to Farmboy, 08-16-2000 06:38:00  
Plasma cutters do work very well. Especially on thin material. They also cut the metals your oxy/acetylene torch won't cut. You can even get a gouging attachment. I'd stay away from the ones with built in compressors if you can. They cost too much in comparison of cutting capacity of the bigger units w/o built in compressors. Less problems with the non-compresor types as well.

There are lots of other systems used by major manufacturers with deep pockets that will someday be priced in the range of the rest of us like the laser cutters and water cutters for instance.

Panasonic makes welding machines that have integral systems. The "Gunslinger" is a 250 amp MIG with a stick welder built in. I believe the stick welder goes up to 150 amps. They will soon introduce the same thing with a plasma cutter built in. Problem is, the whole thing goes in for repairs and there you sit.

We always sold Miller plasma cutters but I think Thermal Dynamics has the better one. Those stack packs are easy to add to as your need for extra cutting capacity develops too.

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Fred OH

08-16-2000 10:12:57




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 Re: plasma cutters in reply to Farmboy, 08-16-2000 06:38:00  
I purchased a used one about a year ago and the thing fascinated me. Instructions said it would cut sheetmetal at 108" a minute??? That don't sound right to me! Laid a piece of sheetmetal over weld bench and as fast as I could run the torch across it, the piece would fall off at my feet. Hmmm. Theres got to be a little blackmagic in this thing. The machine (Powermax 800 by Hypertherm) is rated for 1/2" but I cut 3/4" with it a little slower. Don't have a source for the tips for it as I recently ruined mine but I sure would like to get it running again. I think you'll have to buy the complete outfit cause I never seen a attachment for a welder. Mine is rated at 50 amps, I thought it would be okay for sheetmetal. Boy was I ever wrong! Works best on new iron or stainless or brass or aluminum or whatever. (fascinated again) I think I'll try to carve a pumpkin with it next. (grin) Anyone know of the prices for the tips (consummables) for this torch, I sure would be greatful. If you work in metal a good bit, you could be missing something if you don't have one of these "magic tools." They do require an air compressor and electricity and some new imagination. L8R----Fred

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Gary Fuchser

10-16-2002 11:22:23




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 Re: Re: plasma cutters in reply to Fred OH, 08-16-2000 10:12:57  
Fred

I am considering a Hpertherm cutter. Our local shop has hypertherm and Esab , Hyperterm is the favorite by all there. I can buy one on E-bay , new in the box, quite alot cheaper than locally. How did you buy yours? Would you buy the same again? I am a farmer , I currently use the old acet. torch. Any luck finding a used hypertherm?

Thanks gary



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Tyler(WA)

08-16-2000 09:58:38




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 Re: plasma cutters in reply to Farmboy, 08-16-2000 06:38:00  
I've never heard of them coming as an attachment. I hear they have all but replaced tourch cutting of sheet metal.



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