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.
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