Plasma Cutting Angle Iron, Square and Round Tubing

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I couldn't find any posts on this so I thought I would ask. Does anyone out there use their plasma cutter for one or more of the above? If so, any interesting setups/methods? I would be interested in:1. Mitering or coping angle iron2. Mitering or just cutting square tubing all of the way around3. Fish Mouthing or cutting round tubing all of the way aroundI know that these must be common. For 1 and 2, a "Radial Plasma Saw" idea comes to mind - not sure about the extra dimension though. For 3, something like a "Plasma Lathe" maybe. The idea is to find something short of full CNC, or alternatively, that CNC is the only way to do these things.Thanks for any input.JoMo
Reply:all three could be done with plasma, speed and thickness of materail would be key.a jig or template could be set up for multiplies.o/a can also do the same,but not limited just to cutting IMObilly
Reply:JoMo,I have used one extensively.  Its not hard if you invest in a speed square like I was talking about in the other thread. Plastic or metal will work.  I have never had an issue with either.  It'll help you make precise, straight cuts.  The bevel can be used to mitre with on angle. And on square tubing, you can use it to make precise square cuts as well and just flip it over and keep cutting.  I had a project where I had to cut about 2700 ft of square tubing into 4, and 8 foot lengths.  It was faster than cutting with a bandsaw.  Occasionally you will miss your next cut line as you flip the tubing, but you will get better so after you cut all four sides, the final cut will run true into the starting cut. Fish mouthing tubing is more challenging.  You can use a large thin flat fender washer that can be bent around the outside of the tubing so it can be used as a guide.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Lugweld, I assume you mean faster than a porta-band saw where you can only cut one tube at a time.
Reply:I use a my Powermax30 often for cutting 45 degree angles on 2 x 2 , 2x3 and 2x4 .250 wall rectangular tube. I need to cut one end square and one end at a 45 degree angle......so I built some simple slide on jigs to guide the torch. The process is much faster than using my horizontal band saw.....and with some practice you can get very nice cuts that just need a few seconds touch up with an angle grinder. Here is a pic of the Powermax30....it is nice for cutting 45 degree bevels due to its very pointy shape.Jim Attached Images
Reply:Lugweld, I think that I follow all of that. When you miter your angle iron, do you hold the torch at 45 degrees for the small angle on the one edge, or just grind it to match the large angle on the other side? Jim, what did you fabricate the jigs out of? Do they handle the small angle? Thanks Guys.
Reply:My jigs are made out of 3/16" plate and welded to fit around 3 sides of the pipe. I do tilt the plasma torch at a 45 degree angle on the sides that require that angle. I am on the road this week....but when I get back home I'll see if I can take some pics of the jigs and the resulting cuts.Jim
Reply:Thanks Jim, I appreciate it.Joe
Reply:I would definitely be interested in seeing that as well.  Picked up a PM 30 a little while ago and I love it.  Up until this point I have just been using it for flat pieces.