OA vs. Plasma for hobbyist

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Ok,I've been through whole no real support for import plasmas, and $1000+ HT Powermax 30 is probably what I'd buy if I could.Realistically, I want to be able to work 1/4" steel, maybe up to 1/2" if I come across it.So, I'm back to looking for a used OA set up.Do you guys use some type of guide fence to get straight cuts, and can I expect smooth enough cuts to basically cut parts / pieces, fit up joints and weld away?I made another post about cutting methods, lots of great info.I'm not sure if the porta band and swag off road table may be more versatile while still in the $300-400 range as the use OA set up.Last edited by jtcnj; 11-11-2012 at 11:08 AM.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 and WP17. 75A AC is for pipe thawing!HH 140 - new addtion 9/2012.I didn't agree, but hoped for Hope and Change.I got change for myself and my family: for the worse.This is the reality of: Barackalypse Now. Again.
Reply:Should factor in the cost of OA bottles and refills
Reply:I have a plasma and pretty much only use it for bigger jobs or longer straight cuts. That's probably because the setup time is much longer for me than just grabbing a torch.You can't heat with a plasma, so I would definitely recommend getting a torch first. For longer straight cuts with a torch you can use a piece of angle to drag the tip nut on. Do a search, I remember a lot of threads on this. Also, look at the home made tools thread."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:OA or oxy/LP etc wins hands down. You can get quite smooth with practice, but you'll still have some grinding to do to remove mill scale, rust etc and fit. For just cutting/heating use, oxy/LP works fine and is inexpensive. Read the many threads on the subject. I can afford a plasma easily and like using them, but they aren't mobile or versatile enough for me and there are MANY ways to cut metal.I have a porta-band but my angle grinder with 6" cutting disks gets MUCH more use. I got the porta-band cheap or I wouldn't have bothered. They are mostly good for cutting conduit, uni-strut, and small diameter pipe. The angle grinder cuts quicker and straighter.Six-inch cutting disks are terrific because they have more surface speed than smaller disks. They'll cut a truck axle, for example.
Reply:Get a set of torches and don't look back, you can do just about anything with an OA rig. I run propylene, so just cutting and heating for me. You can pick up a good USA made set for short money if you keep your eyes open.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Agreed, a torch is more versatile and with a guide you can make nice straight cuts with a bit of practice.As far as smooth cuts, that depends on how well you set the torch and how much you practice. Making decent quality cuts isn't all that hard. I had a student who had never used an OA torch before, at the tech school getting fairly decent results after a bit of advise and about 30 minutes of practice last Thursday. Most guys with issues don't have the torch set right and are going too slow.If you haven't read Irish's thread on how to cut with a torch and the videos he did with it, I'd highly recommend it. It shows just how nice and clean a cut you can get with a hand held OA torch with good settings and a  bit of practice.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=63275.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:Originally Posted by Stick-manI have a plasma and pretty much only use it for bigger jobs or longer straight cuts. That's probably because the setup time is much longer for me than just grabbing a torch.
Reply:Originally Posted by jtcnjDo you guys use some type of guide fence to get straight cuts, and can I expect smooth enough cuts to basically cut parts / pieces, fit up joints and weld away?
Reply:Originally Posted by k45I'm confused with that.  My "setup time" for the plasma is: flip the power switch on, turn the air compressor valve on, connect the ground clamp, and start cutting.   30 seconds?  It takes me longer to get the gloves and face shield on.   Am I doing something wrong?Ken
Reply:Originally Posted by BCRDTrue if you are cutting at your bench. What happens if you are at the other end of the shop or outside the door working on a larger piece of equipment. Then you must roll the machine into position, get out the extension cord, plug it in both ends, get the air hose out and connect it, then power it up and git er done. Some times its just easier to roll the OA cart into place and cut.Jason
Reply:Here is a couple of cutting guides I made recently.  I made ones for my OA years ago.  The pipe cutting wheels work great as they don't wander or slip like fender washers that some use...http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=171931If you only have 1, I agree OA over Plasma.   Unless u need to cut aluminum etc.   A cold cut chop saw would be my choice over a porta band saw too.Tiger 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:Hmm, this thread makes me want to get a oxy set.Plasma wouldn't work for me here I don't think - rental, only one 10amp circuit to the shed. I might get the plasma of that if i fudge it, but then I still need a compressor.I like the idea of Oxy/LPG, especially for hobby level use, mainly because its one less expensive bottle to rent/buy. I can have a bottle of LPG on the BBQ and grab it when I need to cut / heat something.But I'm getting ahead of myself though. I don't really NEED it just yet. I'll make do with my grinders. First gas purchase I want is a bottle of argon so I can give TIG a go. Baby steps
Reply:since you say hobbyist, personally I'd be very leary of an OA setup at home in a residential setting. not something I'd trust personally, so at home I'll only tig weld and plasma cut, especially if you're working in an attached garage... the safety factor at home, especially with my family there and me out working much of the time is just too much risk for an OA setup. I really do want one at home, just not comfortable with the safety aspect of it being stored in my home garagemiller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:There is more risk every time u drive yr vehicle than having OA at home. Now u r breeding paranoia.... probably mlore stuff in your kitchen closet that will pose a health risk than OA.   Of course if the person does not have common sense or is just an idiot. Then that cannot be helpedTiger 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:Originally Posted by turbocad6since you say hobbyist, personally I'd be very leary of an OA setup at home in a residential setting. not something I'd trust personally, so at home I'll only tig weld and plasma cut, especially if you're working in an attached garage... the safety factor at home, especially with my family there and me out working much of the time is just too much risk for an OA setup. I really do want one at home, just not comfortable with the safety aspect of it being stored in my home garage
Reply:I guess I'm thinking more along the lines of god forbid if there is ever a fire... certainly not looking to breed paranoia but to me there is a difference between a fire and an explosion miller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:The cylinders have safety feature built into them so they won't explode. Both oxygen and acetylene cylinders have pressure relief valves. And the acetylene cylinder has plugs that melt and release the gas in case of over heating. So no explosions just lots of fire.
Reply:Originally Posted by the_noviceThe cylinders have safety feature built into them so they won't explode. Both oxygen and acetylene cylinders have pressure relief valves. And the acetylene cylinder has plugs that melt and release the gas in case of over heating. So no explosions just lots of fire.
Reply:Originally Posted by turbocad6I guess I'm thinking more along the lines of god forbid if there is ever a fire... certainly not looking to breed paranoia but to me there is a difference between a fire and an explosion
Reply:Oxy fuel is nice for heating but it will not cut stainless steel or aluminum. Plasma will cut and gouge any metal.Plasma if much faster at cutting thin gauge sheet metal.Plasma cost more to get set up.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by turbocad6I guess I'm thinking more along the lines of god forbid if there is ever a fire... certainly not looking to breed paranoia but to me there is a difference between a fire and an explosion
Reply:For a hobbyist do you need either? Have to look at the amount of use vs. investment Probably money ahead to just farm out the few jobs that would absolutely need either fuel or plasma. Get the job set up so it's just a quick cut and probably find someone to do it pretty cheap. If you do have the work, fuel is the way to go. I've been doing this sort of stuff a while and have probably used or seen used a torch 2 bazillion times to the times I've used the plasma. But when the plasma was needed it was NEEDED.Any stainless or non ferrous work forget the fuel gotta have the plasma.If you decide on the plasma there's quite a few companies making them that I've seen. The only three I remember are Hypertherm, Hypertherm and Hypertherm. If I were you I'd get a Hypertherm. Just like shops, trucks and bank accounts you can't get one that's too big.AlA man is judged by what's between his legs...always ride a good horseMiller DialArc HFLincoln Classic 300DThermal Arc 181iPowermax 45Scotchman Ironworker(2) BridgeportsOkomota Surface GrinderAutoCAD 2010
Reply:I can do 99 percent of my cutting with a band saw or cutoff wheel (both of which make nice cleancuts!) . I do need to heat bend from time to time, so OA for me.I have worked in shops with plasma and OA, I've yet to need a plasma. Me and my family do almost exclusively stainless and aluminum work. From huge smokers, 1/4 plate utility  aluminum trailers and high HP drag cars. Not a one of use has ever felt the need for a plasma. Get a bigger welder with the money you save buying OA over plasma.  People want a plasma so bad, and always seem to have some rinky dink snail maker instead of a properly sized machine for what they want to do. If I did a lot of farm repair, maybe a spark bazooka (plasma) would be nice for outdoor work. But for home shops they have a pretty huge fire starting potential.Syncrowave 350Coolmate 3Millermatic 251Spoolmatic 30A
Reply:You will be surprised what a good circular saw and a decent steel blade will cut.  I do a fair amount of cutting with a freud wood (carbide) blade on my cordless makita 6 1/2 inch saw.   Even cutg 1/4" wall x 2" tube with it in a pinch..Tiger 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:If storage is an issue, don't store in your garage! I store mine in a vented metal detached shed. That's why welding carts should have large diameter wheels, and if you use oxy/LP you only need a hand truck with a safety chain or a single cylinder cart since you can carry the LP jug. All you need is a small pump-house style shed and your cylinders can live there. Make it blend it and don't have it near the house.I don't store gasoline indoors either. Tan G.I. water cans disappear in my backyard foliage. Their plastic doesn't need protection and a bit of algae etc just blends them in. I leave them out all year.Another OA advantage for me is mobility. I can take a small oxy/LP outfit to the salvage yard. This setup was inspired by various posters on Weldingweb. It works nicely. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/87...ane-setup.htmlthat was really my whole point and the reason I brought it up in the first place is a hobbyist may store this in a garage without being aware of the dangers in storage being attached to your house. I'm not talking about in use, which is why I said I worry more of the what if's if I'm not even home, but my wife and kid are... in use then of course it boils down to common sense and safe practices and a plasma cutter can cause a fire just as easily as an OA setup, BUT when not being used the plasma cutter is inert and you are not adding any danger to your home and family just by it being there.  same thing goes with gas cans and other highly combustibles... were not talking about a shop here, were talking about a home user and the risk of storing these things in your home should at least be known.personally I agree that you probably don't even need a plasma cutter, and if you have a shed or barn or whatever then maybe an OA setup is fine for you, but in my own home attached garage I wouldn't feel comfortablemiller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:You people act like a OA setup is bomb waiting to go off. Our houses have gas pumped in and open flame pilot lights all over.Properly stored, there is no issue at all. No more than natural gas.I bet the same people store all firearms outside, just in case they "go off".Syncrowave 350Coolmate 3Millermatic 251Spoolmatic 30A