plasma cutter vs regular torch

Even If you don't have the set up Patriot uses Oxy Propane is the way to go for scrap cutting. a 20lbs propane tank costs way less than Acetylene and lasts almost as long as the big Acetylene cylinders we had in the weld shop. I cut up two semi trailers and a chevy s10 with oxy propane and still haven't had to refill the 20lbs tank I'm using. I just got a plasma too and it does seem to cut thin steel way faster and neater than the torch but does seem like start up costs are way more to cut thicker stuff (>1") than what the torch costs. it seems to me like if your cutting a lot over and over again in the same area then plasma is the way to go. If your cutting really random stuff in really random places the torch would work best. Although plasma is also really portable as well. I got a 6.8kW generator that runs both the plasma and compressor and It could go anywehre if I needed it, the torch can blow through metal at really weird angles (like inside the frame of a crashed and bent up truck frame) if needed where as angling the plasma seems to just make it gouge. You can also bend/weld steel with a torch if you know what your doing. Each has their uses it seems.

Originally Posted by ScrapmanIndustries

Even If you don't have the set up Patriot uses Oxy Propane is the way to go for scrap cutting. a 20lbs propane tank costs way less than Acetylene and lasts almost as long as the big Acetylene cylinders we had in the weld shop. I cut up two semi trailers and a chevy s10 with oxy propane and still haven't had to refill the 20lbs tank I'm using. I just got a plasma too and it does seem to cut thin steel way faster and neater than the torch but does seem like start up costs are way more to cut thicker stuff (>1") than what the torch costs. it seems to me like if your cutting a lot over and over again in the same area then plasma is the way to go. If your cutting really random stuff in really random places the torch would work best. Although plasma is also really portable as well. I got a 6.8kW generator that runs both the plasma and compressor and It could go anywehre if I needed it, the torch can blow through metal at really weird angles (like inside the frame of a crashed and bent up truck frame) if needed where as angling the plasma seems to just make it gouge. You can also bend/weld steel with a torch if you know what your doing. Each has their uses it seems.

When your cutting large double clad truck frames woth shale rust between the frame rails, Plasma beats a gas torch hand down.