Plasma vs. Torch

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I realize that this isn't a welding question but couldn't find a better place to post this.  I don't do a lot of fab work, but I do enjoy what I do and would like to do more.  So my question, which makes more sense for a small time guy like me, a torch or an inexpensive plasma machine for cutting materials?  I seem to be doing most of my work in 1/8" - 1/4" material, mostly flat plate, a little structural tubing, angle.
Reply:IMO- kinda a no brainer if you can afford it plasma is the way to go, faster cleaner cuts. will cut thru almost any thing(but power (electric) is needed) no buying  gases but if just plan on cutting the mild steel, and dont have the funds go O/A or look around for a used plasma (some good  deals around)
Reply:I agree with prop doc, unless your using lots of stainless or aluminum then definitely a plasma.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:If most of your work is under 1/4", plasma is superior.  On the thicker stuff, you will find the torch can perform almost as well as the plasma.
Reply:I'm looking into a plasma cutter and I have a torch.A 120v Thermal Dynamics Drag-Gun is looking very tempting.
Reply:Both.
Reply:Plasma is the way to go with some cautions.  Make double sure your air is clean.  Add extra separators/cleaners.  This will increase the life of your consumables.  The other problem I have seen in shops is someone using the plasma who has no idea what he is doing.  The foreman got right choked when he had to replace the complete torch for 400 dollars.  We discovered that some ceramic nozzles will crack if they are set down on cold steel after being used.  One side cools faster apparently.  I have used a larger plasma unit that had gouging capabilities when you changed the tip.  I found as much control as a carbon arcair.
Reply:I love my plasma. But a caveat is in order. If you are limited on funds, rememer that a plasma unit requires a fairly substantial air compressor.Revenos
Reply:Plasma is nice for fast cuts, and some have built in compressor. If you are bending solid rod and things of that nature, O/A is a necessity. It really depends on what you are doing. A plasma cutter is certainly the 'cool' thing to have, but for all around performance, I would say an O/A settup would be higher on my list.Bill
Reply:I have both but I use my O/A more.Will   Supports Autism Awareness                            My ToysBobCat 225 PLusMillermatic 130Miller Spectrum 300 CutmateEverlast Power Tig 185 Micro April is Autism Month .
Reply:if you become proficient with the o/a torch you will find that it will out perform the plasma on thicker metals by leaps and bounds in quality of cuts. on thinner metals you could use a jig saw with a fine metal cutting blade, that works good.if you find yourself doing alot of metal work eventually you are going to need a torch, like preheating or removing rusted bolts. so if you are on a budget i would say a torch is the way to go.however my opinion is biased because i hate the plasma i think they suck. i might get slammed for that but anything you can do with a plasma i can do with a torch and a nibbler or jig saw. just my opinion i could be wrong.to give you some prices i just recently puchased a victor journeyman for $525and lifetime rights to oxy/acetalene bottles for about $350. the sizes are 160 and 80 on the bottles. you can get a smaller set of torches for about $200.you be the judge good luck.
Reply:Since you're doing thinner stuff, I'd recommend plasma.  Oxy-acetylene has greater versatility (when speaking only of steel) and portability, but (especially on thinner stock) requires a far greater degree of skill than the plasma.  If you can draw a line with a pencil you can cut with a plasma.  Oxy-acetylene requires a more skilled hand and either a greater amount of knowledge regarding tip and pressures or keeping copies of reference (no more than a page taped to the wall really) around.The versatility with oxy-acetylene is that you can cut 1/16" sheet, change tips, up pressures, and then go to cut 4" plate.  Plasma's versatility is that you can cut steel, stainless, hastelloy and aluminum.It really is going to depend on what you need near and long term.  If you're staying thin, I'd go with the plasma.Kalroy"It's all about the OODA Loop."
Reply:I'd say go with a O/A set up.  You can cut and weld (being that you take the time to learn it), anywhere with it, you never need an outlet or a compressor, all you need is a little gas.  I've cut 1/16" tubing and sheet with it and didnt have any problem turning the gas up and cutting 1" plate all on the same job site.  It's cheaper and I think its more versitile and worthy than a plasma cutter.
Reply:If you can only have one or the other and you are only working with mild steel then I would chose the torch for versatility. You can heat, bend, cut, and weld with a torch.  You are limited to cutting and gouging with the plasma. As already addressed, you need a good source of clean, dry compressed air as well as the hydro supply to run the compressor and plasma.I have both and would never give up the plasma. With a plasma on thin steel there is very little warpage and depending on the size of your machine the cut rate can be extremely fast. If you are going to be cutting aluminum or stainless at all (or any other metal that will conduct electricity) then in my opinion a plasma is a must have item.If you can afford it, get both. You wont regret it.
Reply:Iwould get OA set first,and plasma later . I have both in my garage and use plasma most of the time for cutting 5/8 and thinner material. I have no problems with using torch on 16 ga and heavier material,but in all reality on farm and auto repair i would be lost without atorch. If you plan on cutting nonferriious metal plasma is the only choice. You really need a 40amp plus plasma to cut 1/4" s.s. and aluminum,which prety much eliminates 110 machines. The oa setup is portable and cost less to get into.and can weld or braze along with heat stubborn shats etc. In my opinion torch first plasma as needed.
Reply:Originally Posted by JKC9392Iwould get OA set first,and plasma later . I have both in my garage and use plasma most of the time for cutting 5/8 and thinner material. I have no problems with using torch on 16 ga and heavier material,but in all reality on farm and auto repair i would be lost without atorch. If you plan on cutting nonferriious metal plasma is the only choice. You really need a 40amp plus plasma to cut 1/4" s.s. and aluminum,which prety much eliminates 110 machines. The oa setup is portable and cost less to get into.and can weld or braze along with heat stubborn shats etc. In my opinion torch first plasma as needed.