harbor freight plasma torch

**gustavus** · 11-02-2011, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by PistoneScrapProcessing

Can I ask why you want a plasma torch and for cutting what materials if you don't mind me asking? IMO I wouldn't purchase anything from HF that I wouldn't put in category of "Throw away tools". I ask why because I might be able to save you some time and trouble by just having you change your gases you are using and specify a different tip for your torch that would help you process certain materials faster then a plasma cutter. If that makes sense.

Besides yourself and me I doubt anyone on this forum has prepared heavy melt, the plasma will do everything required of our members and especially shine for cutting stainless and aluminum scrap or splitting a brass valve free from a pipe fitting.

For burning heavy scrap and dismantling machinery I use the liquid oxygen freshly filled with propane on a Harris torch and have cut steel upwards to 8 inches in thickness. I've owned my Harris for over 30 years and never had a problem with it, replaced hoses several times.

Purchased my 70 amp IGBT Plasma inverter 2 1/2 years ago, I'm on my second torch head and had no other issues with the machine. It shines for preparing scrap in the 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch thickness range. Especially like the fact that it will cut stainless and other non ferrous metals with ease.

No yearly bottle contracts to worry about, running out of propane or oxygen, just hook up to a clean air supply and plug in your machine your ready for work.

With the newer heavy amperage plasma cutters coming out that use nitrogen in place of compressed air I think that your going to see more scrap yards using these machines over the old gas torch. It takes considerable skill to use a gas torch whereas with plasma anyone can pick it up and be cutting expertly within minutes.

Another thing I like about plasma is that the sparks from cutting do not fly as far as they do using an oxy rig, which lessons the fire hazard especially around my shop.

You soon learn not to drop heavy metal onto your feet, or wear open footwear.

**ozzy214** · 11-02-2011, 10:44 PM

Only reason I want the plasma is savings. I go through a bottle of 02 every few months. Never run out of propane as I find the stuff for free. But its the smaller harbor freight torch and ran into a issue where it wouldn't cut cast iron boilers. I could get it hot enough to burn the black pipe, but took a while.

If I took the genny and the plasma torch on these missions instead of the oxy/propane rig, I think it would be quicker and cheaper.

Anyway I found a used matco 120v on craigs for $400. According to Matco it puts out the same as the 230 at HB. So thinking of going that route.

Oh another thing. As far as Im aware, plasma will cut aluminum, copper, and brass. You try that with a heat hammer, your just melting into a glob. Been there, done that. At least with the plasma torch it will CUT not melt.

Also, besides, I like new toys. Its something to play with. And I think it will be quicker ripping open ac compressors as well versus the torch.