Posted by Paul (in NY) on Saturday, January 08, 2005 at 2:52PM :
In Reply to: Plasma Cutters posted by Bob on Saturday, January 08, 2005 at 2:30PM :
There are consumables in the torch. The actual tip is consumed. They are not that expensive, I buy them by the bag full. You need different tips for drag cutting or heavier steel or gouge. I have a Thermal Dynamics 80xl. Its rated for a max cut of 7/8" and a rough sever cut of 1.5", yet it will turn down and drag cut 20ga sheet steel. MIne was over $2K and when I got home with I too wondered why they were so expensive. So first thing I pull off all the covers. There are 3 large circuit boards full of IC's and 2 processors. A lot of electronics. Be sure you have clean dry air. Otherwise you will use tips faster and get splatter. Clean Dry air can not be over stressed. I bought the Thermal Dynamics air filter and water separator on top of my house air filters. Your right, the best thing since sliced bread.
Paul