plasma cutter

Anonymous-0 · Dec 24, 2008

looking to buy a plasma cuter for shop use . looking for something in the 1/2 to 5/8 inch range what brand preferred and why .T-Bone any experience

Mike Dixon · Dec 24, 2008

I would only buy Hypertherm or Miller, because of the avalibilty of consumables and parts. With either brand you can usually have parts same day or next day. China brands and others good luck getting parts or service. I am a welding instructor and we use both brands in our shop that has 130 students a week using them.

S.Crum · Dec 24, 2008

I really like Thermal Dynamics systems. I started out with an old Century 40 and went toa TD Pakmaster 100 XL I cut up to 1 1/4" with the Pakmaster without a problem. When I put in the new CNC plasma table I had to go to a snap start system as the Pakmaster is High Frequency start which would fry the table's computers. I bought a new Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101 with both the hand torch and the machine torch. I really like this system. everything I cut looks like it was laser cut. If I need consumables, I buy them mostly from stores on Fleabay. I keep what I need on hand. Clean dry compressed air is an absolute must so consumables last a long time.

Jerry Bliler · Dec 25, 2008

Know a fellow that uses high pressure bottled -air- with his cutter. Air from a cylender is 100% dry and is very kind to the cutting tips. Just ajust regulator to work for you. At the price of tips, dry air is worth whatever it takes!!!

NcNE · Dec 25, 2008

One thing to keep in mind is that in order to cut 1/2 to 5/8 sufficiently, you need to have a machine that is rated for 1" or so. A machine rated for 1/2" will cut half inch but it most likely will be a jagged cut with a severe bevel. This is especially true if you're planning on running it on a cnc machine such as plasmacam. I would suggest something in the 75 amp range. Ive had pretty good luck with hypertherm machines. You might be able to get away using the HT 1000 if you're planning on non cnc use. Aside from the sizes mentioned, get a machine that you're able to easily obtain consumables, especially when you're just getting started. As some of the others have mentioned, an air dryer is extremely helpful in quality of cut and consumable life. Even with a dryer, and especially if you dont have one, you should try and drain as much water out of the tank and the line as you can. Water and oil in the air will zap consumables faster than you can replace them. Working in a fab. shop, I ran the plasma cutter for several hours each day so if you have any more questions feel free to shoot me an email.

Janicholson · Dec 25, 2008

I like both Hypertherm and ESAB machines. A dry supply is critical. We use a refrigerated condenser to dry the air, but if a good separator is used and kept dry, it will be OK. Do not drag the tip at all on the metal being cut. A good power range is in the 80 amp area. Use less for thin material, and get setup for two tip sizes (less than an eight, and more than) JimN

Anonymous-0 · Dec 25, 2008

A 3/4" machine would work fine. There are quite a few good plasma torches to choose from. Having a 90 deg. torch is nicer than a 75 deg. torch. Many welding supplies will sell more than one model and should be able to tell you the pros and cons of each. Look at consumable costs as well. See which one feels the most comfortable to you. You can buy air driers/filters which are a good idea with a plasma torch. Dave

glennster · Dec 25, 2008

i have a thermo-dynamics pak 5 xt air plasma. its an old machine now, but bought it new years ago. still cuts good. consumables, air cap and electrodes do get pricey. works great for long straight cuts on flat steel. mine is a 1/2 inch capacity. i made a little jig that the gun snaps in to, so it holds the tip about 1/8 inch off the material being cut. had a flat side on it so it can rest against a fence when cutting 4x8 sheet steel. tips last a lot longer, seem to stay cleaner too. they do have a drag cutting cap for the torck, but they seem to clog up pretty quick.

plasma cutter

Anonymous-0

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Mike Dixon

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S.Crum

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Jerry Bliler

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NcNE

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Janicholson

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Anonymous-0

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glennster

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