Air Filter for Plasma Cutter?

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I'm about to buy my first plasma cutter, I've never had any dealings with the airfilters but did a lot of reading on how you need a good one. Can someone recommend a good air filter/dryer or whatever I may need for this new machine? Thanks in advance.grizz_____________________________________________Miller DVITD-39HF 4x6 BandsawHF Bender & Ring RollerCraftsman 12 inch Drill Press4.5 inch Grinders10 inch Metal shearAnd numerous other little goodies!!!
Reply:Hey grizz,I use, surprisingly, a Harbor Freight item#1118-9VGA filter on both my plasma cutter and air compressors. They work superb. They are a fairly large unit and are quite hefty. On sale now for 26.99.....a good buy. Hope that helps.... Dennyhttp://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1118Complete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Thanks Denny, I was thinking I would have to buy one of those $100+ dollar filters. I'll check the local harbor freight to see if they have it in stock. What about an air dryer? Do I need one of those or is the filter all I need? Thanks.grizz_____________________________________________Miller DVITD-39HF 4x6 BandsawHF Bender & Ring RollerCraftsman 12 inch Drill Press4.5 inch Grinders10 inch Metal shearAnd numerous other little goodies!!!
Reply:Hey grizz,I don't believe you would need anything else as this unit does a great job. I use my plasma cutter daily and never an issue with moisture with this filter. I like the feature of being able to remove the filter, examine it, and cleaning if necessary. Depending on the size of your plasma cutter, you may have to install a bracket to support this unit as it weighs over 5 lbs. Hope that helps.... DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:I would also suggest a small disposable descontsent dryer. HF sold them a while back, don't know if they still do. I know McMaster Carr sells them and Napa. Personally I have a oil/water separator, large descontsent dryer, air particulate dryer, the route it to my plasma or to my oiler for the air tools. But I admit, I went overkill. Attached Images
Reply:It sure does help, glad to know I don't have to drop another $100 on a filter. I'll pick up one maybe two and give them a try, I need one for the rest of my airtools anyway, the one I have now is not worth a damn. I plan on getting a small plasma cutter, maybe a cutmaster 39 or the miller 375. Thanks again.grizz_____________________________________________Miller DVITD-39HF 4x6 BandsawHF Bender & Ring RollerCraftsman 12 inch Drill Press4.5 inch Grinders10 inch Metal shearAnd numerous other little goodies!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by h2oboyI would also suggest a small disposable descontsent dryer. HF sold them a while back, don't know if they still do. I know McMaster Carr sells them and Napa. Personally I have a oil/water separator, large descontsent dryer, air particulate dryer, the route it to my plasma or to my oiler for the air tools. But I admit, I went overkill.
Reply:The air filter takes out big 'junk' from the air stream.  The dessicant dryer is downstream of the air filter and works to absorb some more of the water vapor from the air stream.HF had/has them.  I've also seen them at Lowes.  Good idea for smaller air-demand tools that you want the air to be nice and dry, short of a refrigerated dryer or LARGE dessicant dryer column.
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRiseThe air filter takes out big 'junk' from the air stream.  The dessicant dryer is downstream of the air filter and works to absorb some more of the water vapor from the air stream.HF had/has them.  I've also seen them at Lowes.  Good idea for smaller air-demand tools that you want the air to be nice and dry, short of a refrigerated dryer or LARGE dessicant dryer column.
Reply:Do a web search for Motorguard Model M-30 Compressed Air Filter.  It's the "toilet-paper" type.  Prices vary wildly on them, so check all the hits out for the lowest price.  I use one with an in-line desiccant cartridge with no moisture problems when using plasma cutter.  When I looked at the HF in-line desiccant cartridges they were more expensive than a lot of other sources.TeddCoHTP Microcut 400 & Invertig 160DC  Smith Dual Guard MD-510 OA Rig  Lincoln SP135+  Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160
Reply:i just watched a video on welding tips and tricks.com where joey made a very simple to make air dryer for very little. im going to the hardware n get the parts and make myself one.he used it to dry argon but says it will work as well for a plasma cutter. the desiccant (silica gel ) was somewhat expensive ( $19/lb) but that much should last a very long time and it can be recharged after it turns pink.
Reply:The Motor guard "toilet paper" filter cannister  should be used with the replaceable filter that Moroguard sells. Toilet paper...used as a filter element will break down (as it is supposed to do in a septic system) into small particles (when wet) and will ultimately clog the air flow system in your plasma power supply as well as the torch. Hypertherm strongly recommends that toilet paper is not used in these filters, rather...use the proper element that is desighned for removing moisture and particulate from your air line.For most low duty cycle plasma applications...there is no need whatsoever for an additional filter for your plasma system...provided that you drain the moisture from your air compressor tank on a daily basis. Most air plasma systems come with a small coalescing type filter with an auto drain mechanism.....between this and daily compressor draining...your plasma system will operate fine.  If you are in a climate with extreme humidity...or are using your plasma for high duty cycle production work....then proper treatment of the air for particulate and moisture is necessary.I speak from 35 years of plasma cutting experience!Jim Colt   Hypertherm
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