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Posted by Paul (in NY) on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 20:02:42 :
In Reply to: plasma cutter posted by Bill in PA. on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 19:05:09 :
I have a Thermal Dynamics 80xl. Its rated for a genuine cut of .875" and a sever cut of 1.50". Its over 3 years old and has never failed me. I use it all the time from body work to cutting heavy stock. I could not live without it. My Oxy/Acet torch is now only used for heating/bending and brazing.
A few things to keep in mind. ONLY ! buy a Name brand like Thernmal Dynamics, Hypertherm, Miller, Lincoln. Air Plasma torches are a miracle of electronics inside, you should see the two huge circuit boards in mine. If you ever have a failure, you want to be able to get service or talk to a American Speaking Tech.
Air Plasma torches are rated at a Genuine Cut (clean almost like a shear) and a Sever Cut which is rough. The Sever cut is the Max the machine is designed to cut. Dont buy a small Air Plasma Torch. Buy one that will cut the largest steel you can dream you will ever need. In most applications for a home hobby, .500" Genuine Cut on stock will work well. You also need ( MUST HAVE) a air source of CLEAN and DRY air. If the air is dirty or wet, you will use up your consumables much quicker. Dont even consider a 120 volt AC Table top unit. They simply dont have the power needed. You will say bad things to your self after spending money on a cheap small unit.
Using a straight edge, I can cut a piece of 10 gauge sheet, 8 feet long so clean it approaches a shear. Dont be fooled by a large capacity Air Plasma Torch, they can be turned down in amps to handle thin sheet also. Its just that you have the ability to cut large or small. As with anything, cutting takes practice. When you get used to your torch, freehand work is a breeze. You can write your name on a piece of sheet and cut it out on the line.
I wish you were closer, I would be happy to let you test drive my Thermal Dynamics in my shop on heavy stock and sheet. And if you want to make the trip, your always welcome.
I got a great deal on my 80XL. It was Brand Spanking New, but used for one weekend at the welding supply as a demo at their open house. I got all new consumables, a tremendous price break and they threw in a nice cart to roll it around the shop as its about 80 pounds. As Doug mentions, get your supplier to demo a like unit, you want to see it work in your hands. Talk with them and ask questions. It will be one of the best investments in tools you have ever made.
Email me if you have specific questions.
PAul
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