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Hello, i just joined today. I'm a hobbyist welder and need advice on plasma cutters. My first question is can i cut thin sheet metal with a plasma cutter? And my next question is about buying a plasma cutter. I cant afford an expensive machine and I'm looking for a cheap one, but i worry that i wont be able to get the consumables if the machine is discontinued in the future. Are plasma cutting torches interchangeable? Are the consumables interchangeable? Thank you.
Reply:Yes you can cut thin sheet metal with a plasma cutter, if the machine is discontinued you will likely still be able to find consumables on ebay. Torches are not always interchangeable, but on the cheap plasma cutters there are only 2 or 3 manufacturers and they all seem to copy a couple of common designs (Trafimet, etc.) But I have to ask, have you researched alternate cutting methods? If you are working on thin sheet metal, there are many viable alternatives that won't cost hardly any money and may actually work better than your garden variety Chicom made plasma cutter that you get off of Amazon. A jig saw comes to mind, as does a metal cutting circular saw, zip wheels, and any number of others.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Thank you. Yes i have researched other cutting methods such as you mentioned, along with air tools such as shears and air nibblers. I also want to cut thicker metal too, and I want to use patterns to cut out shapes. I thought about using my oxy propane torch on thicker metals but I'm not sure if I can use patterns with it, and I've never tried cutting sheet metal with it. I have considered your advice and its still a good option for me, but i would like to use patterns.
Reply:Can i just plug a different torch into a cheap machine? Or are the connection ports on the machines not interchangeable?
Reply:What's the best cheap plasma cutter? Im totally ignorant and need advice.
Reply:This is overwhelming. The more i learn the more questions i have. I learned that a PT-31 torch uses affordable consumables, which i like. How do i know if a plasma cutter uses the PT-31 torch? Can i put that torch on any cheap plasma cutter? Does that torch get good cutting results?
Reply:Even inexpensive plasma cutters tend to be a bit pricey. You might want to take a look at the PrimeWeld plasma cutter line...only three models, but they are a U.S. company with great customer service. The machines are imported, but that will be any inexpensive machine right now.https://primeweld.comCheck out my bench vise website: http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT
Reply:Thank you @G-ManBart. I was considering Lotos machines but your advice about customer service is welcome. I'll check them out
Reply:
Originally Posted by G-ManBart
Even inexpensive plasma cutters tend to be a bit pricey. You might want to take a look at the PrimeWeld plasma cutter line...only three models, but they are a U.S. company with great customer service. The machines are imported, but that will be any inexpensive machine right now.https://primeweld.com
Reply:I have bought and used a few Plasma cutters so here is some info, Hypertherm is the best but not cheap. You may try to find a used one from someone upgrading. Most 45 amp models will cut up to 3/8" it just gets slower with thicker metal. One thing you do need to understand is plasma will cut things faster then you want if you are not steady (shaking hand no straight cuts). You can use wooden templates for design cuts as you can with OA torches. You may look at building a Panograph to do better pattern cutting. There is not many switching of torches due to the connectors with signal and air flow combined in the cables.Now I see Razorweld is sold on Langmuir Plasma CNC tables, and I think there was a member here who sold them, but that was a while ago.If you may be looking at building a CNC table for plasma cutting buy a better brand now to be used on the table later. And do buy a blowback type not HF start (they are to noisy for most CNC electronics). The PT-31 torch may be used by many but the cable and connector may not work out. The nozzle size varies due to metal thickness .9 mm for thin about 50 amps 1.1 or 1.2 MM for 1/2" and above and higher amps.https://razorweld.com/find-a-dealer/Last edited by acourtjester; 6 Days Ago at 02:47 PM.DIY CNC Plasma table USB BOB Price THCHypertherm 65Everlast PowerTig 255 EXTMiler 180 Mig13" metal latheMill/ DrillECT, ECT,
Reply:
Originally Posted by acourtjester
I have bought and used a few Plasma cutters so here is some info, Hypertherm is the best but not cheap. You may try to find a used one from someone upgrading. Most 45 amp models will cut up to 3/8" it just gets slower with thicker metal. One thing you do need to understand is plasma will cut things faster then you want if you are not steady (shaking hand no straight cuts). You can use wooden templates for design cuts as you can with OA torches. You may look at building a Panograph to do better pattern cutting. There is not many switching of torches due to the connectors with signal and air flow combined in the cables.Now I see Razorweld is sold on Langmuir Plasma CNC tables, and I think there was a member here who sold them, but that was a while ago.If you may be looking at building a CNC table for plasma cutting buy a better brand now to be used on the table later. And do buy a blowback type not HF start (they are to noisy for most CNC electronics). The PT-31 torch may be used by many but the cable and connector may not work out. The nozzle size varies due to metal thickness .9 mm for thin about 50 amps 1.1 or 1.2 MM for 1/2" and above and higher amps.https://razorweld.com/find-a-dealer/
Reply:Here is one thing i would like to cut out, see image below. Its a steel rose template. I would like to sell steel roses for profit but dont want to put a lot of time in it so i can sell them cheaper. I don't want to use hand tools. I know a plasma cutter will cut this but how about a oxy fuel torch? I want to use wood patterns.
Reply:For pattern cutting with oxy-fuel you would want a pantograph as the heat from the flame would destroy most patterns. For plasma you would make the OD of the pattern smaller and the ID larger by half of the shield diameter, and trace the pattern. Soaking the pattern in water will extend the life of the pattern considerably when using the plasma. I have the razor cut 45 with the optimal hypertherm style torch and have been very satisfied with that unit.
Reply:
Originally Posted by M J D
For pattern cutting with oxy-fuel you would want a pantograph as the heat from the flame would destroy most patterns. For plasma you would make the OD of the pattern smaller and the ID larger by half of the shield diameter, and trace the pattern. Soaking the pattern in water will extend the life of the pattern considerably when using the plasma. I have the razor cut 45 with the optimal hypertherm style torch and have been very satisfied with that unit.
Reply:I'm not sure. I've had mine 4-5 years. From what I've heard the primeweld is a decent unit. I personally hate that style torch and prefer one with shielded consumables.
Reply:
Originally Posted by M J D
I'm not sure. I've had mine 4-5 years. From what I've heard the primeweld is a decent unit. I personally hate that style torch and prefer one with shielded consumables.
Reply:I've had my Cut 50 for a few months now.... I think it was around $250 Cdn. on Amazon and better quality low priced consumables are available. I wouldn't get too excited about the torch handle at these prices. I would consider the whole machine as pretty much disposable. It won't quite make the 1/2" cut that some have managed to attain, but if your metal is all 3/8" or thinner, it will work fine and is much easier to control the heat on that a large O/A unit. There are fine cut torches for O/A as well, but I don't think you'll find a lot in your price range once you consider the tank rental etc.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:For most things a pattern cut out of 1/4" or so plywood works good. Hardboard is better yet. If you have a printer, mark out a print out, allowing for tip or shield distance. Use spray adhesive to stick it to your pattern material and cut it out. A jigsaw works well if you place the pattern material on 2" styrofoam and cut it out. Depending on the size and shape you can either clamp the pattern or use adhesive to secure it to the material. With some practice and a steady cut speed you can turn out some very accurate parts that won't require much clean up.
Reply:You might want to read this thread about the dedicated wiring, air consumption and filtering requirements of the low priced units. https://weldingweb.com/vbb/threads/7...-plasma-cutter250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:More good info on low cost consumables on the last couple pages of this thread...https://weldingweb.com/vbb/threads/7...eap-can-you-goYou do realize you'll need clean compressed air and enough current to deal with the power needs of the unit, right?Last edited by whtbaron; 6 Days Ago at 07:11 PM.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:The primeweld comes with a 3 year no hassle warranty and 24 hour service in the US
Reply:
Originally Posted by whtbaron
I've had my Cut 50 for a few months now.... I think it was around $250 Cdn. on Amazon and better quality low priced consumables are available. I wouldn't get too excited about the torch handle at these prices. I would consider the whole machine as pretty much disposable. It won't quite make the 1/2" cut that some have managed to attain, but if your metal is all 3/8" or thinner, it will work fine and is much easier to control the heat on that a large O/A unit. There are fine cut torches for O/A as well, but I don't think you'll find a lot in your price range once you consider the tank rental etc.
Reply:
Originally Posted by M J D
For most things a pattern cut out of 1/4" or so plywood works good. Hardboard is better yet. If you have a printer, mark out a print out, allowing for tip or shield distance. Use spray adhesive to stick it to your pattern material and cut it out. A jigsaw works well if you place the pattern material on 2" styrofoam and cut it out. Depending on the size and shape you can either clamp the pattern or use adhesive to secure it to the material. With some practice and a steady cut speed you can turn out some very accurate parts that won't require much clean up.
Reply:
Originally Posted by whtbaron
You might want to read this thread about the dedicated wiring, air consumption and filtering requirements of the low priced units. https://weldingweb.com/vbb/threads/7...-plasma-cutter
Reply:
Originally Posted by whtbaron
More good info on low cost consumables on the last couple pages of this thread...https://weldingweb.com/vbb/threads/7...eap-can-you-goYou do realize you'll need clean compressed air and enough current to deal with the power needs of the unit, right?
Originally Posted by whtbaron
You might want to read this thread about the dedicated wiring, air consumption and filtering requirements of the low priced units. https://weldingweb.com/vbb/threads/7...-plasma-cutter
Reply:That will probably get you started depending on how steady you want to cut. The lower cost plasma's won't have a very high duty cycle anyway. Another option is to add an extra storage tank. Be aware that the harder you run it, the more you will need a good moisture removal/filtration system.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:
Originally Posted by whtbaron
That will probably get you started depending on how steady you want to cut. The lower cost plasma's won't have a very high duty cycle anyway. Another option is to add an extra storage tank. Be aware that the harder you run it, the more you will need a good moisture removal/filtration system.
Reply:These filters work good. But they sure are expensive. I never knew they cost so much.https://www.amazon.com/Motor-Guard-M.../dp/B000GI0H2M
Reply:
Originally Posted by Need Advice
Thank you. Have you used a pantograph or copy machine? I plan on building one. They seem pretty simple and i assume you wouldn't have to worry about your patterns getting damaged.
Reply:Hi I bought a cheap Reboot plasma cutter 50 amp on Amazon a few months ago. It has the PT 31 torchI have been very impressed with the performance of that little plasma Cuts 1/2' cleanly and quickly. I thought it would need a lot of consumables so as they were very cheap to buy in larger quantity I bough a few packets But I have only used a few. I keep a small file and clean the tip if it gets splatter on it I also have an Esab 80 amp whichI use for most things I thought the smaller one would be handy for smaller jobs. If You were closer to Me I wouldgive you a good deal on the Reboot But cross border shipping would be expensive.
Reply:
Originally Posted by M J D
Never used a pantograph or " tracer" . Oxy-fuel is usually done free hand or a " burn bar" , sometimes a circle guide. Plasma is done with a straitedge for straight cuts. Circles are usually done with a template or a circle guide for larger ones. Patterns for odd shapes. For odd shaped curves I will bend 1/4" steel rod or 1/4" nickle- copper brake line to use as a template.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Josey
Hi I bought a cheap Reboot plasma cutter 50 amp on Amazon a few months ago. It has the PT 31 torchI have been very impressed with the performance of that little plasma Cuts 1/2' cleanly and quickly. I thought it would need a lot of consumables so as they were very cheap to buy in larger quantity I bough a few packets But I have only used a few. I keep a small file and clean the tip if it gets splatter on it I also have an Esab 80 amp whichI use for most things I thought the smaller one would be handy for smaller jobs. If You were closer to Me I wouldgive you a good deal on the Reboot But cross border shipping would be expensive.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Need Advice
Here is one thing i would like to cut out, see image below. Its a steel rose template. I would like to sell steel roses for profit but dont want to put a lot of time in it so i can sell them cheaper. I don't want to use hand tools. I know a plasma cutter will cut this but how about a oxy fuel torch? I want to use wood patterns.Attachment 1731248
Reply:
Originally Posted by psacustomcreations
Are you trying to sell the rose blanks or completed roses? If you look on Etsy you will see people selling the same rose blanks for $12 -15 each. One shop is laser or plasma cutting them and selling them for $3-4 for each set in bulk quantities. The reality is that it will be cheaper in time and resources to buy the blanks from the second place if you are selling the completed rose.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Need Advice
Thank you. I want to sell completed Roses. I didn't know they went $3-4 each in bulk. But i also have other ideas i would like to make as well.
Reply:
Originally Posted by psacustomcreations
The blanks sell for $3-4 each. The completed roses can go for anywhere from $30-150. All depends upon quality of work and selling location. At only $3-4 each for a blank, that is very reasonable. Your best bet is to buy a bunch of blanks and make the roses. Then attempt to sell them for what you think is the price you want. You may be able to make enough money to afford a better tool or plasma cutter. This also allows you test the market for a low initial investment. Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk
Reply:That is an appropriate amps. Your travel speed will play an important part of the quality of the cut part. Too slow and you will have ugly cuts with a lot of dross. You will have a hard time controlling a fast cut. Which then results in more work with the grinder to clean up the part. Sent from my SM-G996U using TapatalkMillermatic 252 MIGMiller Dynasty 200DX TIGMiller Spectrum 625 PlasmaAltas 12x36 Metal LatheBridgeport Milling Machinewww.psacustomcreations.com
Reply:
Originally Posted by psacustomcreations
That is an appropriate amps. Your travel speed will play an important part of the quality of the cut part. Too slow and you will have ugly cuts with a lot of dross. You will have a hard time controlling a fast cut. Which then results in more work with the grinder to clean up the part. Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk
Reply:
Originally Posted by psacustomcreations
That is an appropriate amps. Your travel speed will play an important part of the quality of the cut part. Too slow and you will have ugly cuts with a lot of dross. You will have a hard time controlling a fast cut. Which then results in more work with the grinder to clean up the part. Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk |
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发表于 2021-9-23 23:26:58