Easy Weld 20P Plasma Cutter

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About to buy this little plasma cutter: Forney Easy Weld 20P Plasma Cutter, 251 at Tractor Supply Co.$490. Not pilot arc, just drag tip. I've tried to search for reviews on this forum, other welding forums, YT, etc. Haven't been able to find many though for some reason. From the small amount of customer reviews I've found, seems like the cons are:- Consumables not last that long. Also, they are not available locally so most likely will have to buy them online (this part isn't a big deal to me). - No pilot arc. Since I've never used a plasma cutter, I'll most likely will not mind this. Ignorance is bliss. - Only 120V. May or not be a real con since it can still cut 1/4" material. - Only a 1 year warranty. It has a built-in air dryer. Don't have an air compressor so will probably buy this one: Makita 3.0 HP Big Bore Electric Air Compressor, MAC5200 at Tractor Supply Co.6.5 CFM at 90PSI, 140PSI max, only 5.2 gal though. Well got a bit carried away with the details. Does that seem like a good plasma cutter for a hobbyist? I like the fact that it's from a well established company vs a machine from a company that may or may not be around in 2-3+ years.Almost forgot, my immediate use would be cutting out the rusted piece of frame on my truck and panel replacement.Last edited by Ambull01; 1 Day Ago at 01:20 PM.
Reply:The built-in air-dryer is more like a filter.  It will stop liquid water, but water vapor will pass right through.  Couple that with the fact that the small air compressor you have in mind will have to run pretty much non-stop while you are cutting, means that little to no liquid water will fall out of the airstream, meaning it will go right to your plasma torch and wear out the consumables even more.

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Reply:

Originally Posted by Oscar

The built-in air-dryer is more like a filter.  It will stop liquid water, but water vapor will pass right through.  Couple that with the fact that the small air compressor you have in mind will have to run pretty much non-stop while you are cutting, means that little to no liquid water will fall out of the airstream, meaning it will go right to your plasma torch and wear out the consumables even more.
Reply:You don't necessarily have to get another larger compressor, even though it will help.  A lot of people use a tube-and-fine cooler on the outlet of the compressor head before the tank, and coupled with a good strong airflow across it, it can bring down the temperature enough that water vapor will condense back in to liquid water that is captured by a float-operated water separator.  This is actually something I'm planning on working on.

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Reply:

Originally Posted by Oscar

You don't necessarily have to get another larger compressor, even though it will help.  A lot of people use a tube-and-fine cooler on the outlet of the compressor head before the tank, and coupled with a good strong airflow across it, it can bring down the temperature enough that water vapor will condense back in to liquid water that is captured by a float-operated water separator.  This is actually something I'm planning on working on.
Reply:Yup, automotive style radiators/coolers are very popular for this sort of thing.  No need to re-invent the wheel.

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Reply:

Originally Posted by Lis2323

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Reply:Holy ****! That's a pro setup right there. Makes me want to find another welding forum that's filled with more noob people like myself lol.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Oscar

We're all impressed.....and jealous!


Reply:Primeweld CT520D...plasma, stick, tigbought about 3 years ago...works wellmain reason of purchase... plasma torch... AG 60

Primeweld


Reply:

Originally Posted by Ambull01

Holy ****! That's a pro setup right there. Makes me want to find another welding forum that's filled with more noob people like myself lol.
Reply:

Originally Posted by xmmancharl

Primeweld CT520D...plasma, stick, tigbought about 3 years ago...works wellmain reason of purchase... plasma torch... AG 60

Primeweld