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Plasma cutter question

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BIll (NJ)

06-23-2001 12:08:06




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I'm thinking about getting a plasma cutter and was wondering if there was any advantage or disadvantage of getting the built in air compressor. I have a portable pancake air compressor that I could use with the compressorless type, unless there is something else I should know about. I am leaning toward the Hobart 250. Any input or suggestions would be great.

Bill




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Franz

06-24-2001 18:24:25




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 Re: Plasma cutter question in reply to BIll (NJ), 06-23-2001 12:08:06  
Unless you're talking about a small plazma unit for cutting air conditioning ducts, stay away from onboard compressors. I've been running my Chemtronics for 15 years off shop air, and the only time I have problems is when somebody forgets to drain the moisture traps and chiller. Plazma likes clean dry air, and quite a bit of it, but it's sure worth the pampering for the cuts and speed.
Put the money into the Plazma, and get the biggest you can. You can always handle the air supply problem by adding a tank to your air system, unless you plan on continuous cutting all day.

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ferrell freeman

06-24-2001 14:21:09




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 Re: Plasma cutter question in reply to BIll (NJ), 06-23-2001 12:08:06  
The only thing I,like better than my, plasma cutter ,is the air arc cutter for haif inch and thicker plate and t1 steel for draw bars ,frame rails and cutting track systems out from under crawler tractors . both require a good supply of air.



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Steve U.S. Alloys

06-24-2001 09:10:24




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 Re: Plasma cutter question in reply to BIll (NJ), 06-23-2001 12:08:06  
Can't add much to what Mark said. When comparing brands, compare the cutting speed and capacity at inches per minute by a given thickness. Thickness ratings alone can be deceiving. Someone can say their machine will cut 1/2" material and it might, but does it take all day to do it? I would also add that all plaz cutter technology is Italian these days. Many of the brands you see will be of Italian decent on the inside. I agree that the built-in compressors are pricey and less reliable. The only way to justify that IMHO is the need for utmost portability. Compare other features such as torch durability (epoxy),pilot arc, and so forth.

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Mark Kw

06-24-2001 08:12:51




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 Re: Plasma cutter question in reply to BIll (NJ), 06-23-2001 12:08:06  
Depending upon the size of the unit you are getting and how much cutting you are planning on doing with it will determine the size of the air compressor you need to support it.

My plasma cutter uses 8 - 14 cfm at 80 psig depending upon the size tip I am using. A pancake compressor would not even last till the arc started before it was out of air.

The other condition you have is this: The more options you buy built into a machine, the more costly it becomes and the more things there are to go wrong with it.

You need to figure out how long you will be running the unit at a time in minutes, then multiply this by the air pressure and consumption rate, then add 20% to get the total and you have the size compressor you need to run this one appliance.

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Bill (NJ)

06-24-2001 10:05:33




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 Re: Re: Plasma cutter question in reply to Mark Kw, 06-24-2001 08:12:51  
HUMMMMM, Thanks for the replys. Are the built in compressors that good that they can put out more air than a 4 gal pancake compressor with a 2 HP motor? I also have a 25 gal compressor with a 5 HP motor but I only mentioned the pancake for portability. This is going to be used in a home shop not commerical use. Again, thanks for the replies.

BIll



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steve

06-24-2001 12:57:42




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 Re: Re: Re: Plasma cutter question in reply to Bill (NJ), 06-24-2001 10:05:33  
If you have the big compressor to use most of the time, then on the rare ocurrence that you need to go out of the shop, the pancake will do it. I've run my ESAB 1125 off my small craftsman pancake and it does it, its loud and annoying since it runs the whole time, but it works ok. spend the money on the plasma cutter, and let the compressor provide the air. I haven't heard many good things about the onboard compressors. steve

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