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plasma cutter vs regular torch

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    taterjuice started this thread.
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    Question plasma cutter vs regular torch

    Maybe this has been asked already asked but what's the pros and cons of the plasma cutter vs regular torch ?

    Alvord iron and salvage
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    With a plasma cutter you can cut stainless, copper and aluminum. When cutting compressors you don't get oil fires like you get with a torch.

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    Been wondering about this myself.
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    plasma cutters will cut just about anything fast and easy. Makes a clean cut but will need to be careful as the cut can be very smooth (sharp) unlike a torch that will have the edges "burnt".

    plasma cutter take a good bit of power to run so its not something you can just toss into the back of a pick up and run with it unlike the torch where it needs no power...just the two gases and a lighter.

    The plasma cutter wont heat the metal as hot as a torch will so the risk of a fire is much lower

    Thats all I think of on the top of my head.
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    What are the consumables like for a plasma? I assume the tips must get used up.

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    The one I used back when I worked at a power plant (pipe fitter) we had to replace the tip and it was hooked up to a air compressor. The tip does not wear out fast or anything but will get buggered when starting the ark when touching the metal if you hold it there to long or do it wrong.

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    The only consumables that I go through on my plasma torch is the electrode and cup. A 5 pack of each runs about 40 bucks total and lasts about 4 to 6 months. I use it about 10 hours a week so I think it is pretty cheap to run.

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    taterjuice started this thread.
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    any cheaper to run ? Can it be run off a generator ?

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    gustavus is offline Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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    Love mine, does not really explain much. I use my 70 amp for gouging and beveling joints to be welded.

    This short video says it all.


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    Tater, my 5000w generator will run my air compressor and plasma cutter at the same time.

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    taterjuice started this thread.
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    By the time you buy the generator and air compressor, and burn the fuel, don't think there's much benefit to a mobile setup like mine. Not to mention itd take the entire bed of my pick up

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    Tater u just described the old welding shop rigs i grew up on lol
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    gustavus is offline Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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    Plasma in a shoe box, 110 volt operation with built in compressor what more could you ask for.

    http://www.amazon.com/PLASMA-CUTTING.../dp/B003DPXB4G

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    gustavas is back!!!!

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    Quote Originally Posted by PistoneScrapProcessing View Post
    gustavas is back!!!!
    I guess you could say he came out of the closet, lol
    No offense Gus,,,
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    taterjuice started this thread.
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    Pretty sweet setup, but you read the reviews ? And needs to cut deeper than 1/4, otherwise I'd be ordering one right now

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    Quote Originally Posted by freonjoe View Post
    Tater, my 5000w generator will run my air compressor and plasma cutter at the same time.
    Joe could you tell us what size plamsa cutter you are using?

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    Rusty, I'm using a Hypertherm 30. Cuts up to 1/2 inch with no problem and has almost 100% duty cycle on 220v.

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    Thanks for the quick reply Joe.

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    gustavus is offline Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mechanic688 View Post
    I guess you could say he came out of the closet, lol
    No offense Gus,,,
    Got a chuckle, no offence taken.

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