PLasma cutter help

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I have been thinking about a plasma cutter.  But I know very little about them. I got a chance to try one, on Sunday.  Wow?  are they slick.  I went from cutting a piece of Aluminum checker plate, to a piece of 1 1/4"  flat plate.   Well almost cut the plate.  It cut about an 1" of it, and I was moving really slow.  I realize they are rated to cut only a certain thickness, and try to get a 7/8" machine to cut 1 1/4" is pushing it..... But I had to try.   So I have the very basics of how it works.  I have a bunch of 5/16" steel plate to cut, and the old OXY/propane, just doesn't cut it. (No pun intended)       I was thinking of renting one, to do this, since I can't quite justify the cost of one.... But would like to no more about consumables for these units.  What are the consumables on a Plasma cutter?The one I tried had a tip with cutting guides on either side of it. so you could not get close enough to the plate, to cause any damage to it.  Is there any special care required to these units.  Will I need to up my power supply or would a normal 220 50 amp outlet be enough to run a machine capable of cutting 1/2" material? Any info or help you can provide or direction to a info site would be great ThanksLincoln 225 AC/DC, Hobart 140 Mig. Oxy/propane Victor torch.(2) Makita 5" angle grinders  one with zip disk, 14" chop saw.  and just about every other tool you can think of. Whoever has the most toys when he die's ..... Wins!
Reply:The tips and Shield are the most used parts on a plasma.  You want to get dry air if you deside to go compressed air, even better is comp air in cylinders (it is dryer) and mosture is bad for the cut and parts life.  normally a #75 machine will sever 3/4" and clean cut 1/2.  a # 100 machine will sever 1" and cut 3/4 clean.  For gougging, Nitrogen is the best.  Lots to learn about Plasma.  Pattened by Bob O'Brian of Linde, Divn. Union Carbide.   JohnLast edited by weldgault; 11-05-2007 at 07:43 PM.SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by Packrat I have a bunch of 5/16" steel plate to cut, and the old OXY/propane, just doesn't cut it. (No pun intended)
Reply:The tip is big enough, will cut up to 1".  but oxy propane uses up twice the O2, that O/A uses.  Takes longer to heat before the cut can start.  too.  I made cuts with my first porject, and even using a guide, I ended up with a plate that was cut to small.  All 4 plates need to be the same size.  I had thought that, a plasma, would make a better cut, and figured. it would be even cheaper to rent than 4 bottles of oxygen.....Lincoln 225 AC/DC, Hobart 140 Mig. Oxy/propane Victor torch.(2) Makita 5" angle grinders  one with zip disk, 14" chop saw.  and just about every other tool you can think of. Whoever has the most toys when he die's ..... Wins!
Reply:As for your power question.  Yes a 50A circuit will be sufficient for a machine rated to cut 1/2" steel.  My Spectrum 625 recommends a 35A circuit.TimMiller Dynasty 200DX; MM180; Spectrum 625; Bobcat 3-Phase; and counting...