The Sheet Metal Shop .Com

Sheet Metal Machinery Talk - Plasma Cutter - Justify me one :)

MattM - May 13, 2008 - 02:49 PM
Post subject: Plasma Cutter - Justify me one :)

I'm mesmorized by those plasma cutters. What is a good one for overpriced hobbyist toy that can also be used for semi-serious work? I keep dreaming of getting one. Just don't know much about them. Can someone educate me on them? Price wise. Electrical demands. Etc.

Thanks in advance!

bordontn2 - May 13, 2008 - 05:33 PM
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MattM..............hand held or a table w/computer????????
bordontn2

MattM - May 15, 2008 - 02:16 AM
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I didn't know they made a handheld!?! I'd think that must be quite a trick to aim. Was thinking tabletop w/ computer.

bordontn2 - May 15, 2008 - 02:55 AM
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MattM.....you can get a hand held for less than $1000.There's an add on the left of this page(Longevity Co.) $499..Add your own compressor.Some plasma tables run upwards of $40,000. Some of the bigger shops have gone to the water-jet..No smoke,heat or big mess..You can cut your duct liner with it....
bordontn2

MattM - May 15, 2008 - 02:04 PM
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Thanks for the vendor name, I went to their website.

I looked at the $1200 one and its 49 AMPS!? Definitely too much to use at home. I could probably handle 35A here, but definitely not 49A w/o causing some major disruptions in the house. But the wimpy 50A only draws 22-23A, so its not so bad. I doubt my hand is steady enough for that kind of stuff. I was more looking to do precision work.

Their website doesn't carry the table top versions. Any idea on a vendor for them? If its not an approved vendor then perhaps you could pm me a suggestion. Is it true the cnc tables are generally interchangeable between cutters?

ccrayjr - May 15, 2008 - 06:23 PM
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For the hobbyist, there are several mfg's of hobbyist plasma systems...plasmaroute, plasmacam, and numerous others. The only problem is service and support...you are pretty much on your own! If you are looking for a commerical grade plasma system look at... Advance Cutting, Lockformer, etc. Waterjet is good for cutting liner, but not duckwork. When you cut metal with waterjet you use abrasive (garnet) and it is very expensive, very messy, and very slow. Waterjet does not require an abrasive to cut duct liner and does a wonderful job with little to no mess. The only down fall is the cost of the waterjet insulation cutter!$!
Hope this helps!

MattM - May 16, 2008 - 01:24 AM
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Yes it does. I've learnt more from you two than the wiki junk descriptions. I guess its because you are answering questions that have been looming on my mind for awhile which the wikipedia folks just don't seem to do well at times.