Plasma

[mud90mike]

Hi All

I have been looking at a plasma cutter for the workshop, it wouldn't be in constant use but would be very handy, we use up to 12mm plate Steel, not much thicker and would need a clean cut on this, looking to use it a fair bit for curves if that makes any difference, Any opinions appreciated!

 

[rikrobson]

What is the budget, that will kinda decide what machine you will be getting. a cut40 should do 12mm at a push ,but you'll probably need a 50AMP. It depends if you want a clean or severence cut. I have an eastwood 40A whish will cut 12mm butt its not clean and the waffle says 8mm. I think alot of suppliers over state the cutting ability and use severence figures instead of clean cut.

You should check out plasma part, r-tech and of course weldequip.

For a 50A i'd expect to pay around £500

Don't forget you need an air supply, but I expect you'll already have that.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I have a LTS CUT50 and with some tinkering I have got it to cut 12mm plate relatively cleanly but it is sensitive to small changes in the air pressure so it takes a few trial cuts once connected to get it right.
A better torch should improve things more, when I get round to it I will get a genuine Trafimet torch.

 

[mud90mike]

Thanks All, I would like 12mm clean cut, Max price I would want to spend is £750 I have had a look at all three of those and it is tricky to decide which is best, anyone else got one they could recommend?

 

[Wendelspanswick]

http://www.plasmapart.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3&zenid=p5fahtluae8rl2ac385eu4qin0
Have had no dealings with them but they have a good selection of plasma cutters, if you do buy one from them let us know how you get on.

 

[rikrobson]

I bought some spares of them and thay have a good rep on the forum.

just don't go for a cheap chinese one.

~Pilot start is a real boon too. You can start off the subject which then burns through paint, rust or powder coating allowing you to cut straight in without having to clean back first.

this seems like the jobbie for you.

 

[mud90mike]

Thanks, that looks like it would do the trick, they seem to have a good reputation so will probably order one next week,

 

[mud90mike]

Just ordered a cut 50, looking forward to playing with it.