cheap plasma

[bigdavesproule]

im looking for a cheap plasma cutter, would need 2 be single phase and able to cut a max of 12mm plate or bigger, just wondering if anyone has any recomendations and also do they run off an aircompressor or do they need bottled oxygen??

 

[Wozzaaah]

If you're looking for a 'cheap' one then it'll probably be a Chinese one Dave. Most of the 40A ones say they'll cut 12mm. The quoted cut thickness is normally the severance thickness though, not the clean cut thickness so even if it does cut 12mm it will need a lot of post-cleaning.
If you want a good quality one with a decent warranty that will last you then you'll need to spend a reasonable amount on one. I have a Sureweld Plasma 41, it's a nice little machine with a good quality torch but it wasn't 'cheap'

 

[bigdavesproule]

i have no idea about prices, so any quotes would be useful, i just think one would be a lot handier than the oxy-accetelyne

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

take a look on ebay for cheap ones but be aware that if you buy one from overseas you may be stuck if it any faults come up. There's a company in the Midlands who say they test all of the gear before they sell it and they offer a guarantee with some service available after that (replacment parts, etc).

I have a 40A and it'll manage to cut 12mm but as stated above it's not too 'clean'. You'd be better off with a 60A model if you regularly cut 12mm.

Regards
Peter

 

[bigdavesproule]

do they run on compressed air or oxygen???

 

[Wozzaaah]

Just normal compressed air, they use quite a lot of it so you need a reasonably powerful compressor to keep up with it or you have to keep stopping to let the receiver fill.

 

[bigdavesproule]

well we have a 300l tandam singlephase compressor and we are goin to plumb in a diesel road compressor and a BOC industrial gas tank, like a school would have for cooking gas, to run a 1" airgun, will be loads of air then lol

i always thought they used compressed air but when i was working with an engineerign firm their plasma profiler used oxygen so i got confused.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Don't think you'll have any deficiency with that setup Dave!

 

[bigdavesproule]

thats the idea anyway lol

 

[lexi]

Oxygen gives a cleaner cut.

Alex