plasma cutter vs regular torch

**taterjuice** · 05-05-2012, 08:26 AM

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

**freonjoe** · 05-05-2012, 08:30 AM

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.

**gustavus** · 05-05-2012, 09:24 AM

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.

**devo** · 05-05-2012, 08:31 AM

Been wondering about this myself.

**easyrecycle** · 05-05-2012, 08:57 AM

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.

**danielo** · 08-21-2012, 03:15 AM

Originally Posted by easyrecycle

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.

Well explained. I would definitely go for a plasma cutter over a torch.

**devo** · 05-05-2012, 09:00 AM

What are the consumables like for a plasma? I assume the tips must get used up.

**Joethai** · 05-21-2017, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by devo

What are the consumables like for a plasma? I assume the tips must get used up.

I started using a plasma cutter with 125A a couple of days ago the nozzles lifetime is two-three hour now

**alloy2** · 05-21-2017, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Joethai

I started using a plasma cutter with 125A a couple of days ago the nozzles lifetime is two-three hour now

What thickness metal are you cutting.

**Joethai** · 05-21-2017, 05:37 PM

Hi thanks some half an inch to three quarter of an inch and some one inch

**alloy2** · 05-21-2017, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by Joethai

Hi thanks some half an inch to three quarter of an inch and some one inch

To get more milage from your consumable cut down on the amperage when cutting that lighter metal. That 125 amp plasma must be one heck of a machine, the farm just bought a new Hypertherm 85 amp and I love it.

**eesakiwi** · 05-22-2017, 04:29 AM

Don't 'strike' it in mid air, and watch out for blowback into the tip, that made the tip last all day for me, once, when I really needed it to.

**Joethai** · 05-22-2017, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by eesakiwi

Don't 'strike' it in mid air, and watch out for blowback into the tip, that made the tip last all day for me, once, when I really needed it to.

Thanks

**easyrecycle** · 05-05-2012, 09:05 AM

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.

**freonjoe** · 05-05-2012, 09:07 AM

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.

**taterjuice** · 05-05-2012, 09:22 AM

any cheaper to run ? Can it be run off a generator ?

**freonjoe** · 05-05-2012, 11:47 AM

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

**RustyDollars** · 07-06-2012, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by freonjoe

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?

Thanks

**taterjuice** · 05-05-2012, 04:44 PM

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

**Dunemaul** · 05-05-2012, 05:14 PM

Tater u just described the old welding shop rigs i grew up on lol

plasma cutter vs regular torch

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