plasma cutters

[ash00]

Hey gang

Does anybody have any experience with internal compressor based plasma systems, versus the seperate ones? I'm looking at the thermal dynamics cutmaster 39. Seems like a neat unit

[roadhog0]

I don't have any experience with internal compressor units but I routinely use an external tank unit and man, if their is a drop of water in the system it is a bear to use! Their fun tools though!

[ash00]

what system are you running?

[roadhog0]

I'm running one of these, thing does a real good job if you have it set right!

http://www.hypermax.org/Specs%201250.htm

[JackF]

I've got a Hypermax 380. No exp with internal. The 380 is a nice piece for a hobbyist or sheet metal shop. I can cut about 3/16 mild steel well with it. If I spent more time with it I could probably do a good job on 1/4", but as yet have not done so. Heavier Aluminum is tough. For sheet metal the 380 is excellent.

I like the 380 a lot. Plasma is the kind of tool you always wish you had a "little more". I have some 1/4" AL plate that the 380 cannot do...in my hands anyway. Don't underbuy.

[JohnN]

or do you try an hold it off of the surface?

Do you know of any books for the complete idiot about how to use a torch?

I've already discovered that wearing sandals and using a plasma torch is a bad idea ;-)

Thanks!

John N

[ash00]

just like welding without....

yeah won't go there...

[JohnN]

(nt)

[roadhog0]

Reall it's not that hard. Just set your air pressure to about 80PSI and the thicker your metal the higher your turn up the AMP's. Other than that ground what your working on, rest the torch on the metal then pull the trigger! You'll want to play with the setting a bit. I do not know of any books on how to plasma cut though...

[dubois]

I have one with the internal air, and it doesn't work. Buy a big industrial one so you won't be limited, otherwise use a die grinder, acetylene torch, nibler, chop saw, even a radial saw with a carbide tip blade can cut steel (BTW that is a blast to see all the fat chips fly)