Using co2 gas with plasma cutter

[Dbzrocks]

Hi I’m getting a new plasma cutter but I don’t have compressed air (air compressor yet.) could I connect it up with my bottle of co2 that I use on my welder. I’d be cutting mild steel would it do the job for the time being? If so would it use a lot of the gas up?

 

[Erie Fred]

Hi I’m getting a new plasma cutter but I don’t have compressed air (air compressor yet.) could I connect it up with my bottle of co2 that I use on my welder. I’d be cutting mild steel would it do the job for the time being? If so would it use a lot of the gas up?

Yes
Yes
and
Yes.
Won't cut as thick, harder on consumables, draws allot.
I froze my regulator and everything ground to a halt.

My Co2 supplier also did soda fountain (and beer taps) repairs, so had to cut some stainless
out on a job once in awhile.
He ran Co2 from a bottle, and said it worked o.k. on sheet stainless.

 

[Dbzrocks]

Yes
Yes
and
Yes.
Won't cut as thick, harder on consumables, draws allot.
I froze my regulator and everything ground to a halt.

My Co2 supplier also did soda fountain (and beer taps) repairs, so had to cut some stainless
out on a job once in awhile.
He ran Co2 from a bottle, and said it worked o.k. on sheet stainless.

Thanks the job I have to do isn’t massive so hopefully doesn’t use too much haha. Thanks again for your help

 

[knighty]

Plasma cutting uses a lot of air... wouldn't expect a bottle yo last long

 

[Erie Fred]

Plasma cutting uses a lot of air... wouldn't expect a bottle yo last long

They make electrically heated regulators for Co2.....

 

[Mark 2]

Is it aluminium that can be plasma cut with Co2, or have I dreamt that?

 

[tigdlo]

I don't think you will have a great experience, CO2 is used as a shielding gas on dual gas plasma setups, I think you will have to increase the current and cut slower than you would with compressed air.

Is it hand held or CNC?

 

[Fazerruss]

Is it aluminium that can be plasma cut with Co2, or have I dreamt that?

You can plasma cut Aluminium with compressed air

 

[Erie Fred]

Is it aluminium that can be plasma cut with Co2, or have I dreamt that?

I have cut Arooneeum using air.
Hypertherm cut charts are the best to consult, IIRC you might have heard correctly.

 

[tom2207]

would it not be cheaper to buy a compressor than pay for gas ,,, and a compressor will do other things too of course.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I'd be surprised if c02 will work at all.
I thought it was the (80%) nitrogen in air that was used to create a plasma arc?

Ie, if you use pure nitrogen you get a 20% increase in cut at the same power setting.

Maybe c02 will conduct electricity if you get it hot enough though?

My other question is if you can get enough pressure from a c02 bottle without heating it?

 

[Erie Fred]

I'd be surprised if c02 will work at all.
I thought it was the (80%) nitrogen in air that was used to create a plasma arc?

Ie, if you use pure nitrogen you get a 20% increase in cut at the same power setting.

Maybe c02 will conduct electricity if you get it hot enough though?

My other question is if you can get enough pressure from a c02 bottle without heating it?

It does work.
at a reduced capacity, but it's used "In a pinch".

 

[oldbikedavey]

Compressed air is cheap enough, and I have enough to be getting on with.
Could very well do with improving my plasma cutting technique, though.
It's a bit rough and ready, and would be better being a deal more ready, and greatly less rough.....

 

[Turbo]

You can buy a plasma that has a built in compressor.

What you are suggesting is an expensive way to cut metal.

 

[BrokenBiker]

would it not be cheaper to buy a compressor than pay for gas ,,, and a compressor will do other things too of course.

yes...although i can see how for small SHTF situations that co2 could be the saviour if no compressed air, but then a plasma with no compressor is an expensive hobby that way, maybe a stop gap while a compressor is being repaired...although i dont have pure co2 so theres that...id probably resort to drills, grinders and hacksaws before using gas

 

[anto44]

I've no idea what cfm my plasma uses but a lidl direct drive 50l compressor cuts in after a few seconds and struggles to keep up with the plasma on long cuts. I'd imagine the cut time per cylinder would be ridiculously low using a 50l co2 cylinder.

 

[Erie Fred]

I've no idea what cfm my plasma uses but a lidl direct drive 50l compressor cuts in after a few seconds and struggles to keep up with the plasma on long cuts. I'd imagine the cut time per cylinder would be ridiculously low using a 50l co2 cylinder.

1. the 50l tank of air is at 125 Psi ?
2. the 50l tank of CO2 is approx 1800 psi, and is a liquid.

A very large factor of more gas in a CO2 tank than a tank of compressed air.....Much More than you would "imagine"

 

[oldbikedavey]

1. the 50l tank of air is at 125 Psi ?
2. the 50l tank of CO2 is approx 1800 psi, and is a liquid.

A very large factor of more gas in a CO2 tank than a tank of compressed air.....Much More than you would "imagine"

Ain't never seen liquid CO2.....
Must be quite sublime.....

 

[Misterg]

Ain't never seen liquid CO2.....

Ask, and ye shall receive:

(I happened to see this the other day!)

 

[dieselsamurai]

1. the 50l tank of air is at 125 Psi ?
2. the 50l tank of CO2 is approx 1800 psi, and is a liquid.

A very large factor of more gas in a CO2 tank than a tank of compressed air.....Much More than you would "imagine"

Correct but a 50l tank at 1800psi is only 102 cubic feet of air pretty sure my plasma runs about 5CFM at 80psi so will use it up pretty quick, can be done but very expensively. 1-2hrs of use probably buys a compressor