|
|
Adding another tool to the collection TODAY, Im either gonna go with a Millermatic 211 or a Miller Plasma cutter. I got to thinking, Ive made it a long time without ever needing a plasma and the only thing I can think it would be really nice for would be cutting circles and stuff out of sheat metal. BR Welding seems to have the dirtiest prices so that probably who Ill go with. Opinions?Thanks
Reply:I'd go with the mig. My plasma's useful for many things, but primarily I got it for a CNC table I no longer have access to. The only time I really use it is doing alum or stainless thats a PITA to cut other ways. 98% of the time I use the OA, one of the saws or the grinder rather than drag out the plasma. If I could only have one cutting method, it would be a toss up between OA for heavy stuff and one of my saws for lighter metal and sheet goods.My mig on the other hand is my go to machine. I probably mig 85% of the time, Tig 10% ( almost all alum or stainless work) and stick weld only when I have no other choice..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks DSW, I was just trying to figure out my next most logical move would be since i do all my welding right now with my Diversion.Ive got a chop saw already but Im am considering a bandsaw too for a little more accuracy.Last edited by Cory151; 04-04-2011 at 02:22 PM.
Reply:Well I just ordered the 211 from Cyberweld because of BR Weldings customer service (or lack there of).
Reply:I would agree. I use my plasma infrequently. However, I used it a great deal when I had a major stainless steel project going on. Plasma was essential for that project.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:In order of use, for me:1) Cold cut 14" cut-off saw ($400)2) 7-1/4" circular saw with a metal cutting blade ($40)3) 4-1/2" angle grinder with a cutting disk ($20)4) Jig saw with bimetal blade ($40)5) Oxy-AC (hardly ever, but it's ready for thicker stuff) ($120 for the tanks, used)I think the gee-whiz factor is huge for plasmas, but for the kind of stuff I do. I'd get a horizontal band saw long before I got a plasma.But then, it depends on the kind of cutting you need to do.I use my 211 all the time. Great little welder.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:I use my plasma on my CNC table.I use my plasma off my cnc table exclusively for cutting stainless steel.I also use my plasma for gouging, It works great for that. Washes old welds off real good.Plasma is cheaper to cut and gouge with than O/A once you get over the initial investment. No need to buy bottled accetaleen or oxygen. Just a bit of electricity and compressed air. Of course, the cost to get going with the plasma is higher than the cost to get going with O/A. O/A can be much more portable for remote work than plasma.Up to you....Last edited by snoeproe; 04-04-2011 at 08:54 PM.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Hey Cory,As you can see, needs vary with usage. Since I do a lot of production items, I cut in quantities generally 100-200 pcs & I use my dry cut saw, table saw, band saw, & my plasma cutter. All the large pieces of sheetmetal, I cut with the plasma to the size needed & generally I'm using 16ga. in steel & alum.. I use my plasma at least twice a week & sometimes more, & then may not use it for a couple weeks. I find the plasma is quite cost effective, does a superb job, & only the alum. gets the edges cleaned prior to welding. It is a great tool IF you have need for one. I also like the fact that I can cut some very thick steel much easier than O/A. If you only need to do cutting occasionally, you will do ok with an O/A outfit, although now the price will escalate quite a bit according to all the LWS's information. May want to look into oxy-propane as a last resort. Just another perspective with cutting.....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 mainly use my plasma for cutting long straight lines because I use a straight edge and I drag it. But exactly like others said, I thought I would use it ALOT more than I do. If you're proficient with a torch, you will hardly use it."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Every piece of metal that is cut in my shop is plasma cut. It is faster and far less expensive to use as compared to oxy-fuel, with the added advantage of being able to cut non ferrous materials. I only use the oxyfuel for heating applications.Many that have used older plasma torches, or even newer (cheap) imports...and have not tried a well engineered new technology plasma from Hypertherm or T-D....simply don't know what they are missing! Drag cutting, template cutting (use a piece of cardboard) is extremely easy with shielded technology on the torch. Consumables last a long time on the high quality torches, and contrary to reports I keep seeing on this and other sites...plasma has no issues with rusty plate, painted plate, or even sheet metal that is stacked up.I have one plasma for hand cutting...that I usually use for cutting plate to a smaller size, as well as cutting structiral tube and pipe to length (rarely use my horizontal band saw anymore). I have another plasma on a 4 x 4 cnc machine that I cut every part with....even if it is a simple gusset or bracket..it literally takes less time for me to draw the part at the machine computer than it would to layout a part with a marker and cut it by hand. For multiple parts...I can push the start button on the cnc machine and go do something else...when I come back I will have hundreds of parts ready to take off the table. This machine paid for itself (I had about $12k invested) in the first 6 months that I owned it. I do a lot of cutting for small shops that don't have plasma torches! My home shop is a hobby for me....I do just enough work to pay for the tools, keep them running, and buy the occasional new tool/toy. I have to say the cnc plasma is definitely the best mony maker in my shop....and when I retire from my full time occupation I will run my cnc plasma much more often!Jim Attached Images
Reply:Lots of good responses for both sides of the coin.
Reply:Lets see the last time I used my plasma cutter. ummmmmm a few years ago. A buddy used it last week for the first time in at least 2 years to cut out some thin steel for art work. Right now its a good place to sit my coffee down on in the shop. Worst part is, I have a nice one too. A hypertherm 1250 with all the goodies. I bought it to do a job 3 years ago cutting out old metal that was more structural rust then good steel. So nothing else worked real well. Since then I think I cut one circle out with it in some 1/4" plate. I guess the reason why I hardley used it is because I have a 60 ton ironworker and a 8 x 16" capacity band saw. Either can cut or shear metal faster than the time it takes to pull the plasma out.Lincoln 300 Vantage 2008300 Commander 1999SA250 1999SA200 1968Miller Syncrowave 200XMT350MPA/S-52E/xr-15Xtreme 12vs Millermatic 251 w/30A Millermatic 251 Dialarc 250 Hypertherm 1250 GEKA & Bantom Ironwokers
Reply:Its all with what you are used to. I have a few repeat jobs that I do that involves cutting some 2x2, 2x3 and 2x4 (1/4" wall) rectangular steel tube to length, with one end at a 45 degree angle. I used to set up the band saw.....however I built some nice little slip on jigs for cutting the straight cutoffs as well as the 45's....I use a Powermax30, with the jig as the template. Way faster than the band saw, and only needs a slight touch up with the angle grinder. If it was just straight cuts...I'd use the band saw....but adjusting the vise for the 45's adds more time. I am on the second nozzle (about $2) in over 4 years with the Powermax30....Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by cory151adding another tool to the collection today, im either gonna go with a millermatic 211 or a miller plasma cutter. I got to thinking, ive made it a long time without ever needing a plasma and the only thing i can think it would be really nice for would be cutting circles and stuff out of sheat metal. Br welding seems to have the dirtiest prices so that probably who ill go with. Opinions?Thanks
Reply:I dont have plasma, but I do have OA. With some practice OA can do some really impressive detailed cutting, is great for heating for bending and works well for welding this stuff as well.I keep thinking that I want a plasma, then I realize that whatever it is I am doing can be done fine with the OA, grinder or chopsaw
.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:This is cut with the same plasma I use to cut up to 1-1/4" as well as stainless and aluminum. These were memorial wall hangings for two local guys that died in a dirt bike crash....I designed these in about 2 hours, and cut about 15 of each from 14 gauge steel (for a family benefit auction) in about 1 hour. Can't do this type of work very well with oxy-fuel! Attached Images
Reply:Those bike cutouts look awesome! I have to agree that plasma seems to be the bomb when it comes to that sort of thing. I don't do any art - just equipment repairs. Guess the process choice really depends on what's in front of you.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:I agree....I would not own a plasma until after I had, and was proficient with...an oxy-fuel setup!Jim Colt
Reply:WOW, not the type of responses I was expecting. I run a production job shop, we do carbon steel, stainless, and alum. We have 2 O/A setups and 3 plasma cutters. The plasmas get used EVERY day while the O/A may get pulled out every 1-2 weeks. One of the plasmas, Hypertherm 1650, is on a 5' x 10' CNC that sees use at least once a day, sometimes for several days straight. For example, I have 20 sheets of 3/16 x 48 x 120 HR steel coming in tomorrow and every sheet will get cut on the CNC before braking or welding them into parts. I wouldn't even think of using an O/A for that now, even without CNC.On the other side of the coin, I weld and fab at home too. I don't have a plasma in the garage and get along without it cause I have an O/A torch or can cut the parts at work and take them with me.
Reply:i have 3 o/a sets. 1 set of bottles i keep a rose bud on. 1 set i keep cutting torch on. the other one is set up for welding and brazing. i have 2 plasma cutters that get far more use than the cutting torch both inside and outside the shop.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Exactly what were you expecting?Not being smart, just wondered what you meant.
Reply:if you have a lot of old garden tools around your plasma cutter could come in real handycheck this out http://www.callane.com/works.html#felonCaution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a 24 of MGD"
Reply:I don't use my plasma, because I don't have a plasma. This is by choice, I do heavy repairs, and other jobs not conducive of a plasma. My oxy fuel torch, and carbon arc torch do what I need them to do. If I did SS fabrication, or lots of sheet metal I would have one in a second. Sorry just not for me.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:7A749, Cory nailed it. I would have figured more used plasma than did not. What really surprised me was the number that don't want or don't use their plasma. I guess whatever works for you and keeps the nickels coming in.Thats what I get for thinkingI admit, in our shop we generally don't do HEAVY metal fabrication. The thickest I personally have seen in is 1-1/2", but most work is under 1/2" for us.On a side note, we have some weldments we are fabbing that use W10 x 68 (overkill). When I asked the engineer about it he said "that's to keep the forklift drivers from tearing up anything lighter when they hit it".
Reply:Since my post two days ago. I just used the crap out of my plasma cutter after not using it once in year or more. With current acetylene shortage, my 3 full tanks are going to stay that way unless I have use them. I had a dump trailer floor to redo and it was welded all over the freaking place and was more structural rust than steel. So out with the gourging tip came with the plasma vs torching it all out. Used it so much I burned up the electrode and cup. Worked better than I thought. Still took 8 hours to stripe and clean a 6 by 12' dump trailer floor and 4" up the sides. It was that bad. Last one I did, it took 4 hours.Lincoln 300 Vantage 2008300 Commander 1999SA250 1999SA200 1968Miller Syncrowave 200XMT350MPA/S-52E/xr-15Xtreme 12vs Millermatic 251 w/30A Millermatic 251 Dialarc 250 Hypertherm 1250 GEKA & Bantom IronwokersI've been wanting a plasma for years but until 2 weeks ago never afforded myself the luxury. There has been many times during those years that a plasma would have been the best tool for the job and made projects go so much smoother. Well, tonight I just used it as the ideal tool and immediately thought of this thread.I was cutting the front and rear axles out out a dually truck and had been going at it for a while with a 4.5" grinder with a zip wheel. I got the front out 100% with the zip wheel and thought the rear would be easier since there's less to deal with. Then I discover the furthest back U-bolts were tight up against the brake calipers and inaccessible by the zip wheel, reciprocating saw or anything else I had. I was thinking I'd have to remove the dual wheels, calipers and rotors but then I remembered I bought a plasma cutter So I plugged in the newly acquired, 7 year old Cutmaster 50 and zapped the 2 hard to reach 3/4" diameter bolts out in seconds. It was so quick (and fun) I zapped the other 7 too.I picked up the plasma cutter off Craigslist for $750, which is half the price of an equivalent new machine. The previous owner bought it new while taking a "metal arts" class and got it to cut copper. He said he used it during the class then put it on a shelf for 6 years. It was a good deal so I treated myself. Glad I did and can't wait to do some "fancy stuff" with it.
Reply:Once you buy a plasma you will think you can't live without one. You will get your money back in time by the time you save not needing to grind the heck out of everything you cut.Scottwelders360.comNew guy.
Reply:I am a bit old school and agree that you should learn and get proficient with OA and Stick welding first. I had messed with Plasma a few times over the years and never had much success with it. I can cut anything easily wit OA due to lots of hours of use and practice... Then a friend kept raving about his plasma. came across a deal on the one in my sig on CL. bought my consumables off ebay and they work great. after trashing a few tips I finally got the hang of Plasma and love it now. my OA is only used for heating and brazing now. Definitely get one that can do the thicker stuff. If u can wait and find a deal used thats the way to goTiger Sales: AHP Distributor www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P, Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma. For Sale: Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun. Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:last time i used my torch?? oh yeah to heat something up. plasma rocks
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Exactly what were you expecting?Not being smart, just wondered what you meant.
Reply:Originally Posted by DanthemanI think what he was expecting for a response is that . The plasma cutting system, if you take aside the initial cost is a way better process then OFC cutting hands down. - It is faster.with cutting speeds of up to 300" a minutes. For cutting 1" plasma is up to 5 time faster than OFC.- Surface hardening is minimal.- it is use to cut every metal, especially those that cannot be cut with OFC.- It doesn't overheat the surrounding area of your cut as much as the OFC process, even on very thin materials. Try this on 1/8" thin sheet of mild steel.."" prime example make a cut on a 1/4 or 3/8 of an inch plate with both process and see which one as more heat distortion "'-The cuts are virtually slag free. requiring less clean up before welding. In any real fabrication shops plasma system is a most, although wiht the portability of the plasma arc cutting machine they find their use in the field more and more.
Reply:I keep my Powermax 30 strapped down to a dedicated cart with all filters also mounted to the cart. When I need to cut Just roll the cart out plug in power and air. I think if I stored it on the shelf and had to cut something it would be easier to get the hack saw out I store my O/A without Gauges attached For fear of getting the gauges busted off. Tanks are out in the storage shed For me the plasma gets used a lot. Attached Images
Reply:How many filters do u have on that plasma? I think it might be a little over kill for that little thing.Lincoln 300 Vantage 2008300 Commander 1999SA250 1999SA200 1968Miller Syncrowave 200XMT350MPA/S-52E/xr-15Xtreme 12vs Millermatic 251 w/30A Millermatic 251 Dialarc 250 Hypertherm 1250 GEKA & Bantom Ironwokers
Reply:I repiped the set up. Took the little filter on the bottom off because there is one just like it inside the unit Then added a gauge directly to the rear of the cutter Changed all fittings to High flow Looks like a lot but 2 are desicant the small one on the back I use as a site glass It lets me know if the other 2 are doing the job.I cut a lot of 1/4" coupons because just bought a new MM 211.and really giving it a work out I am on my second set of consumables The first set is only about 50% gone . I am convinced there are never to many filters as long as you have Pressure and Flow at the cutter It does a nice job
Reply:Let me show you a task that I don't believe I could have done with plasma.These beams are being "repurposed" and there isn't an inch of length to spare.The connector plates must be removed without shortening the beam, and of course the web shouldn't have nicks or divots cut into it, so any cutting must not extend beyond the welds.Cutting the welds:Once the plates drop, the welds can be "washed" thin or left for a grinder.New connector plate:Little, if any, grinding needed with simple through cuts.Since we have room for another picture, the "repurposed connections look like this:Plasma User, could you have separated the plates without cutting into the beam's web, if so, how?Good Luck
Reply:I would have used an air arc for this. This is the 21 centery boys come on.
Reply:Hypertherm plasma torches have available gouging nozzles....these produce a fatter, softer arc....designed specifically for gouging out welds. This job cold have been done with plasma gouging......with the possible exception of one of DenReps pictures with minimal clearance between the flange and the weld. removing a weld with a standard nozzle can be done....but because the process is pretty aggressive...there would likely be nicks in the base material.Jim Colt |
|
发表于 2021-9-1 00:16:25