PLASMA CUTTER

[SCEXPLORER]

HEy all! I know 220V MiG welders are the way to go but what about 110 plasma cutters? Are they sufficient enought?

 

[jimbo74]

it should probably be fine... never used a plasma cutter, but i do know that they are only for cutting nd destruction purpose... and you dont have to be precise or structural as like with welding....

 

[Brian1]

It all depends on what you are going to cut with it. Look at the size it will cut and go from there. Also something else to look at is if it has its own compressor, if not you will need to hook an air source to it before cutting. A Plasma cutter is on my wish list. For stuff I do it needs to cut 1/4" like butter and sever 1".

 

[mmsdrummer]

Our 220 plasma only effectively cuts up to 3/4" thick metal. Not sure about 110s though... In general plasma cutters are good because they don't build up a great deal of heat and they don't use any consumables. A much cheaper alternative though would be a cutting torch. With practice, it can be a very useful tool.

 

[FLYIN 5.0]

I use a 110 plasma cutter and it works pretty good up to around 1/4 in. above that it sucks.

 

[Okrazie1]

Originally posted by mmsdrummer
In general plasma cutters are good because they ........ don't use any consumables.

I'll have to disagree with you on that point. Plasma cutters do use consumables, such as electrodes and nozzles, which need to be replaced occasionally for optimal performance.

Plasma cutters are best for thinner materials. I deal with heavy-duty plasma cutters on a regular basis and we max out at about 1 1/2 inch thick steel, thicker than that is done with oxy-fuel torches. I've never dealt with a 110v machine, but I would think it wouldn't be much good for anything heavier than thick gauge sheetmetal.

 

[mmsdrummer]

I agree Okrazie1, I was talking about the major things like oxygen and a fuel