Plasma noob question

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Was told that I need an air compressor to run a plasma. Is it possible to get the air from a pressurized air tank instead of an air compressor?Thanks!
Reply:You will be out of air in 15 seconds....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterYou will be out of air in 15 seconds....zap!
Reply:My L-Tec calls for 5 cfm at 90 lbs..... that requires a reasonable air compressor...Weldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:You might avoid the air compressors with tiny tanks, look for one with a 20 gallon tank or bigger, in case your withdrawal rate is more than the compressor will put out.Note that there are a few plasma cutters which have compressors built in, very compact and portable compared to two boxes.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:if at all possible avoid the oiless compressors.  get one where the motor is separate from the compressor then has a drive belt between them.   these are more expensive but, for a reason.  better cfm flow and last longerTiger 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 soutthpawif at all possible avoid the oiless compressors.  get one where the motor is separate from the compressor then has a drive belt between them.   these are more expensive but, for a reason.  better cfm flow and last longer
Reply:I use a 6.5 HP craftsman 20 or 30 gallon oil compressor that works fine with my 875,  I think its now sold as their professional series.   its a great compressor. has seen a lot of use and keeps working.  even ran continuous all night once cuz a hose split on it.  it was hot but didn't break or burn up/ I did change the oil in the pump after that episode.http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...u=00916475000P after a few big class action lawsuits they have changed the way they rate the motors now..My next one will be the vertical one so it take up less floor space in the garageTiger 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:It is possible to run small plasmas using large compressed air cylinders you get from the LWS.  I run mine from 282cf cylinders on occasion. Jim could probably give you an idea how long one would run for off a cylinder. I'd guess I get maybe 20 minutes or so of cutting from one. The air is actually better than what you get from the most air compressors because it's so clean and dry. It's useful for guys that don't need to run the plasma all that much but want to be portable. Cost wise it's usually more cost effective for most to just run a compressor however..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 madmaxxxWas told that I need an air compressor to run a plasma. Is it possible to get the air from a pressurized air tank instead of an air compressor?Thanks!
Reply:Compressor size is totally dependent on what you will be doing with the plasma. I have run my plasma's in the field many times for short cutting jobs with a portable compressor designed for running nail guns on a construction site. The comprssor I have used has a rating of 3.2 cfm @90 psi......and my Powermax45 plasma has an air draw of 6.0 cfm @ 90 psi. I can get an approximately 25 to 30 second continuous cut with this setup before the compressor's output pressure drops to about 55psi....which shuts off the plasma (pressure switch). If cutting sheet metal at 250 inches per minute.....you can cut around 100 inches...then wait for the compressor to build pressure before cutting again. If cutting 3/8" steel at 30 inches per minute.....I can perhaps cut about 12 or 13 inches before the compressor pressure drops too low. Often....for field jobs this is adequate.In my shop....I use my plasma on a cnc table and often cut hundreds of parts...one right after the other. The small compressor would not be good in that situation. My shop compressor has an 80 gallon tank and it produces 13.8 cfm @ 90 psi....much more than the plasma requires....so the plasma can pretty much cut continuously with the compressor cycling on and off at less than 50% duty cycle.I have used high pressure air cylinders (around 250 or so cu. feet) for field jobs......with the Powermax45 I get about 30 or so minutes of actual cut time. (at the end of each cut cycle there is post flow cooling air flow...for 10 seconds.)Jim Colt
Reply:I have some old cylinders of various kinds .... Which types of cylinders might be safe for converting to compressed air cylinders ?  I had been trying to figure out a use for them for years...I will get them out and clean them to see what they say....  this discussion on portable plasma air---means my ' new ' L-Tec  plugged into my Weldanpower 225 might not require a portable air compressor for farm work .... and since my expanded steel box can only contain a certain amount of stuff.. this is pretty exciting potential option...Weldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanand quieter.The plasma cutters I've seen with the built-in compressor were for sheet metal work.  What kind of thickness metal will you be cutting?
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawI use a 6.5 HP craftsman 20 or 30 gallon oil compressor that works fine with my 875,  I think its now sold as their professional series.   its a great compressor. has seen a lot of use and keeps working.  even ran continuous all night once cuz a hose split on it.  it was hot but didn't break or burn up/ I did change the oil in the pump after that episode.http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...u=00916475000P after a few big class action lawsuits they have changed the way they rate the motors now..My next one will be the vertical one so it take up less floor space in the garage
Reply:My shop air is 15HP 180psig and 150CFM if I tap the 1" line. On the 3/8" taps I have never wanted for air.Nothing beats having near limitless air power.
Reply:To get the high pressure required in the cylinders (to get adequate volume) they will have to be filled at a gas suppliers location....they will supply the proper cylinders. You will also need a regulator to get the pressure down to the 90 to 120 psi range for the plasma inlet.Jim Colt
Reply:Originally Posted by GBMI have some old cylinders of various kinds .... Which types of cylinders might be safe for converting to compressed air cylinders ?  I had been trying to figure out a use for them for years...I will get them out and clean them to see what they say....  this discussion on portable plasma air---means my ' new ' L-Tec  plugged into my Weldanpower 225 might not require a portable air compressor for farm work .... and since my expanded steel box can only contain a certain amount of stuff.. this is pretty exciting potential option...
Reply:Thanks DSW, I will post pics and specs as soon as I can.. but these are heavy and it is 105 outside ..and I have to roll them to my tractor hay spears.. a ' cool ' of the morning job ... like 78 for lows here lately... LOLWeldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.