Plasma cutter purpose...

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Hi.  I'm probably going to gain a few newby points by asking this question but here goes...I've never used a plasma torch and wonder if for thinner materials (say 1/4" and under) they are precise enough for a final cut before welding.  Right now I'm building basic things from mild steel -most out of 1x2 tubing and 1/4" pieces of flat steel.  I  use a chop saw to make all my cuts.  I just saw a you tube demo of a plasma cutter and the cut looks very clean (and it sure makes a lot less noise!).Does the plasma cutting torch/handle have calibrated lines or index markers so you can know exactly where the cut will take place?  Basically, if I wanted to individually cut 4 pieces of metal to a precise length using a straight edge as a guide, could I use a plasma cutter and get results similar to (or better than) my chop saw?In simpler terms, can a plasma torch serve as a good substitute for a chop saw when dealing with angle iron, tube steel or flat steel under 1/4"?Thanks in-advance...Last edited by Ray C; 09-28-2010 at 01:03 PM.Reason: Added to my question...
Reply:You can use a straightedge with a Plasma Cutter but for what you want the Chop saw would still be a better choice.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Purpose of a plasma cutter?To put the power of an intense focused stream/jet of hot (more like H-O-T )  plasma in a handheld or machine torch and let you cut through electrically conductive materials.  1/4 plate steel?  Sure, plasma can cut through that with the appropriately sized machine.  30 or more amps will usually go through that thickness of steel just fine. The 'little' plasma cutters made for HVAC and sheetmetal won't be the right power level to do that sort of cut.Hollow square or rectangular tube (or any other shaped hollow tube/pipe/etc) can be cut with plasma with the appropriately sized/powered plasma cutter, depending on the section/wall thickness.But for chopping a bunch of lengths to the desired length, a saw is usually a better 'first' choice.  Cutting a long or unwieldy or already in position piece might favor a plasma cuter over a saw though.There is usually more than one 'good' way to cut something.  Trade-offs of precision, safety, speed, cost, portability, power source(s), etc, etc all influence the choice of which method(s) to use.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...