Saw and plasma?

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Hey guys/gals, new to the forum here...1st post. I have been lurking for quite awhile and have spent a lot of hours reading old posts on a ton of topics. I recently bought a Miller 211, my first welder.On to my question, I will be in the market for a thermal dynamics 42 once I save up some more $. Im wondering if I should purchase an Evolution Rage 2 first and then keep saving for the plasma or if I should just keep saving for the plasma and scrap the saw idea for now. My first 2 projects will be a workbench and then a cart for my 211. My welder is just for general hobby stuff and hopefully making cool $hit. I would like to make a BBQ/smoker in the future and I thought it would be cool to do a bicycle. Any info is appreciated
Reply:I would say go ahead and get the saw first, as this will let you start cutting and welding projects right away. Then you can save up for the plasma later. If you have to wait to save up for the plasma first then you won't be able to do ANY projects until you have it. At least having the saw will give you a means to cut material to length, unless all the steel you have is already the length you need(highly unlikely). There will also be times when you would probably rather just use the saw than the plasma.
Reply:for what u want to do I would say the saw also.  Look at a hypertherm unit as well if you decide to get a plasma.  Unless you need to cut freeform shapes the saw will be more accurate, faster and give better fit up on thin material.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:Agreed.  I read too many posts from too many people talking about how great plasma cutters are, and went out and bought one ( two, actually, but I sold one ).  For a few projects, it has been indispensable... but for cutting tube and angle, my Evolution saw is light years faster.  I'm glad I have both, but if I had to pick one it would be tough.  The plasma does make cuts that the saw can't dream of ( large circles and other shapes ) but the saw is much better at what it's designed for.  I guess if I had to pick one, I'd keep the saw, and try to design my projects around the need for making complex cuts.__David Hillman
Reply:I do a lot of structural rectangular tube cutting...about 1/2 of the cuts have 45 degree miters. I used to use my horizontal bandsaw.....nice cuts, accurate, but not the fastest process in the world...especially setting it up for long pieces.I designed a couple of slip on template/guides (slips over the tube) for one of my plasma torches....and now I do all of this cutoff with the hand held Powermax30...on tube with wall thickness to 1/4". The cut takes about 30 seconds (including rotating the tube)....and another 30 seconds or so with the angle grinder to clean up. Much more productive for my application to use the plasma as compared to the horizontal band saw.The best tool for the job totally depends on the application...as well as user preference!Jim Colt
Reply:Jim,  post up some pics of your templates,    however the Evo will do that cut is about 10 seconds and no grindingTiger 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:I'll take some pics. My biggest issue was with handling the 24' stock....as I cut it into much shorter peices.....and with some straight cuts and some 45's...as well as other angles. Handling and setup were tougher in my small shop.Jim Colt
Reply:You can't go wrong with a chop saw to start with.  They will easily do relatively accurate 90s and 45s, which will be most of the stuff you build to start out with.  That being said, I love having a plasma cutter, a Powermax 30.  Like was stated, it cuts things very easily that would be hard with a saw.  I probably use it the most for cutting sheet steel to size.  It's very quick and accurate with just a straight edge clamped to the material to follow.  I couldn't imagine not having one again.Jim, I would love to see your templates.