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Hello, Im a fairly new and young scrapper looking for a good cutting torch. I do not know many things about cutting torches but I am seeking one that can cut alot of metal, And fast. I have heard alot of good things about a plasma cutter, and I don't know what it costs, if it needs a tank to work it, Or anything if someone could explain that would be awesome!!!!
I would get set up with a oxyacetylene or oxy propane outfit. You will need bottles, a cutting outfit, hoses regulators and cutting handle, and a cart to tote it all round in.
A plasma would be nice but a oxy fuel torch would be a better entry level rig I feel. LOts of debate on the accetylene vs propane, both have pros and cons, you'll have to make that call tho. I run oxyacetylene and like it, considered petrogen, setup cost too high, and both propylene and propane use a considerable amount of oxygen more than accetylene so I went that route.
using a cutting torch is an aquired skill, you won't be able to just start cutting steel without alot of trial and error in the process you can get burnt or even worse. both are expensive, a cheap victor is around $130 not counting the tanks, a cheap plasma probably 4 to 500 plus you have to have an air compressor but is easier to use. in my opinion for saftey alone i would pass on either since you don't have any knowledge on the subject. home depot has a 12amp milwaukee sawsall on sale right now for 89.99 and unless your cutting steel beams should handle anything you come across
i just read some of your others posts and seen you are 14, next year when you sign up for classes sign up for metal shop or entry level agri, either one will teach you how to cut with a torch safely. im sure these days they would even have the plasma cutter. also i take back the milwaukee sawsall, i would at least ask your parents first and if they are okay with it, your only 14 and you dont want to loose anything that sticks out this early in lifeQuote:
Originally Posted by corycouch
corycouch, I actually have just signed up for classes I signed up for intro. to metal fabrication and Welding
we usually use liquid oxygen tanks on demo jobs, they are alot easier and faster to move around than 30 oxygen bottles, i have about 20 pounds of torch tips and strikers ive accumulated over the last 10 years from demo jobs ive worked, my full/part time job is in the metal trades
What do u want to learn? If the previous poster was right and u are 14 then I gotta congratulate you. I was a bit younger then you when I first got started scrapping and running a torch. I love the younger generation that wants to get down and dirty. There aren't many kids like you anymore it's a specialized skill that can pay big bucks if you know how to do it and do it big. I learned the ropes cutting in auto and steel mills. I didn't start out cutting small stuff. My dad and the crew basically said here's the torch here's what u need to cut up. At first your slow then you pick it up and get fast. The secret is the angle u take with the torch and tip. The faster you figure out to move the bead the more you will cut. It's a learning experience that is honestly 100 percent on the job training. good luck. If it wasn't child labor I would hire you. I love to teach the willing!!!!
A torch setup is one of the best investments you can make. I have used harris and victor torches and a harris is a far better torch imo, about like comparing a new corvette to a 1979 chevette lol. I personally prefer propane over acetelyne for cutting scrap. Like the other guys said it is a skill you have to learn. The adjustment knobs greatly effect how hot the flame is and the angle you have the tip at will determine how fast you can cut stuff. Also be sure to not stick the tip in the slag it's common sense but I've seen a moron do this until the torch wouldn't blow, he took the tip off without turning the bottles off and acetylene went in his sleeve and he got third degree burns. When you first start I would recommend getting a green welders jacket, face shield, welding gloves and slip on boots because if you have never used a torch you will blow sparks all over yourself until you learn tip angle, when to pull the trigger and so on. All in all being a burner is the most fun thing to do on a yard other than sell a big load lol.
I've never had any problems with a victor torch set. Ive ran Harris, smith, Marquette, and victor torches, and prefer victor hands down. NOT a victor knock off actual victor, the knock offs are junk and a waste of money.
A very good boss. :)
For a starter I'd suggest a Plasma, you need a compressor as well. That'll get you sorted with compressed air tools too. Allways use earmuffs, they let you work faster too.
You are a lot less likely to get burnt with a plasma. But Allways have a second person around when you use it.
The world can go all to hell around you when you are welding behind a helmet & chasing a little spark about the place. And you will have no idea that its happening at all.
Believe me.
Most fires are started by Welder that didn't have a 2nd safety person beside them...... & its always the companys fault, not the workers.
Don't strike the plasma in mid air & avoid blowback into the tip & it will last you a lot lot longer. Tips are a consumable item.