Plasma cutter or OxyAcet torch

[andyvh1959]

Is a plazma cutter a better choice than an oxy/acet torch? Or have both? I know an oxy/acet torch can heat and cut through much thicker metal than can a plazma cutter. But for sheet metal work up to what thickness may be a better choice? I have a project coming up with a lot of sheet metal work where a plazma cutter may be the better choice. Any input is appreciated.

 

[dv8customs]

For thin sheet metal work I would recommend the plasma.

 

[finn]

Plasma for cutting, especially thinner stock.

I still use the oxy acetylene for heating and bending, but I’ve had too many occasions where something could have gone terribly wrong when using it on a vehicle.

In fact, I usually try a propane torch first. Sometimes only a little heat is necessary.

Time to invest in an induction heater.

One other issue with the oxy acetylene set is keeping the bottles full. I’m too cheap to keep extra full bottles on hand, and invariably run out at an i opportune time. The LWS is almost 20 miles away and not open evenings or weekend.

The plasma only requires power and compressed air. It should work with a quality generator if required.

 

[Spareparts]

We have both, in the shop the plasma is the go to, but in the field it is the torch. We cut all thickness
of metal both in the field and shop, the plasma gets used the most, it just cuts cleaner with less clean up

 

[M.Brane]

The key to the plasma is clean, dry air. Your cuts will be cleaner, and consumables will last much longer.

 

[rsanter]

Really need both, but that depends on what you do

general metal work, plasma

 

[LopezBart]

The plasma torch is better for cutting within its thickness rating. An O-A torch will cut, weld, braze, and solder. Which is better for you depends on which you do.... however, this being GJ,

 

[cvairwerks]

Go big or go home....5 axis waterjet......lol

 

[zendriver]

And under $200 plasma cutter will cut 1/2 inch steel.

Are you building a ship?

 

[cruzer75]

I bought an inexpensive CUT 50 a few years ago off amazon. It cuts good up to 3/8. Can't quite get it to cut 1/2. I use a pancake compressor(to small) and it works ok.
I used it to cut a variety of things and for the 200bucks it cost it is nice to have. I have a couple propane torches for heating.

 

[Renegade1LI]

We do a lot of demo with a plasma cutter, I can cut up boilers with no gas & no storeage problems. I would invest in a good plasma cutter first if most of your work is in the shop.

 

[Jackfre]

One thing I learned about plasma is always buy larger capacity than you think you will need. Buying a 1/4” capable machine gives you many options but you get to like working with plasma and you will want more. It’s kinda like Cu in. There is no substitute.

 

[nadogail]

I have not yet seen a plasma cutter used in a Scrap Yard for cutting up steel

 

[zendriver]

I have not yet seen a plasma cutter used in a Scrap Yard for cutting up steel

The OP didn’ indicate he was wanting to start a scrapyard, just cut some sheet metal

 

[LopezBart]

I have not yet seen a plasma cutter used in a Scrap Yard for cutting up steel

A cutting torch (oxy-propane, often) on a cart w/ big wheels is more portable than a plasma cutter that needs electricity and air, of course.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have not yet seen a plasma cutter used in a Scrap Yard for cutting up steel

Not in a scrap yard but for onsite demo they're great, especially if you're not paying for electric. We use them to demo boiler rooms, no gas or ox, which can't be stored onsite. I can use the same plasma cutter to cut 16ga steel or 1" boiler plate. I think the op would be better off with a plasma cutter, however it's nice to have both.

 

[zendriver]

The scrap yards I've seen i, they use big torches, large tanks of LOX and propane.

Gonzo cutting!, Maybe that's what the OP needs.

 

[Benw455]

I have both. But for sheet metal or car parts I use the plasma cutter.

 

[andyvh1959]

Thanks for replies. I do have a small oxy/acet torch set, but no bottles. Thinking a plasma cutter is my choice, I already have a 5hp 80 gal air compressor. But like said I'll opt for the bigger plasma cutter.

 

[kwb]

Have both, rarely use the OA setup.

 

[finn]

A cutting torch (oxy-propane, often) on a cart w/ big wheels is more portable than a plasma cutter that needs electricity and air, of course.

Exactly. Oxy propane is self contained and works out in the elements.it’s also pretty messy with uncontrolled sparks.

Plasma requires electricity and compressed air, and has better spark control, making it more suitable in an indoor shop situation.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Has anyone else noticed how a number of YouTube maker people have been promoting a new type of laser machine? They weld with a bead and affected heat zone smaller than a TIG welder, can cut metal faster and neater than a plasma torch, and also be reconfigured to clean metal. There's apparently a number of different brands on the market now. I don't know what they cost but the manufacturers are handing them out to these guys to test and comment on.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Has anyone else noticed how a number of YouTube maker people have been promoting a new type of laser machine? They weld with a bead and affected heat zone smaller than a TIG welder, can cut metal faster and neater than a plasma torch, and also be reconfigured to clean metal. There's apparently a number of different brands on the market now. I don't know what they cost but the manufacturers are handing them out to these guys to test and comment on.

Seen the ads, cutting / welding shovels, handles on screed teeth, etc...

I noticed 2 things....

(1) those are some mighty small beads. I'd love to see what those welds look like inside.

(2) Did you notice that the ads are all sourced apparently in china with no names?

Reminiscing on repairing that Chinese "cut 50" plasma rig we bought as a group purchase years ago. so, think I pass on that one for now.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Seen the ads, cutting / welding shovels, handles on screed teeth, etc...

I noticed 2 things....

(1) those are some mighty small beads. I'd love to see what those welds look like inside.

(2) Did you notice that the ads are all sourced apparently in china with no names?

Reminiscing on repairing that Chinese "cut 50" plasma rig we bought as a group purchase years ago. so, think I pass on that one for now.

On one of the videos (I forget which one) they cut through a laser weld to look at the cross section, and also tried a failure test by bending the two parts that were welded together. It had full penetration, and the metal cracked before the weld. It seems like it would be particularly good for auto body repair, such a tiny heat affected zone should mean less distortion. It does seem like they are all coming from one Chinese factory or another, but I think it's a technology worth watching - eventually the brand names are going to get on the boat too.

 

[finn]

On one of the videos (I forget which one) they cut through a laser weld to look at the cross section, and also tried a failure test by bending the two parts that were welded together. It had full penetration, and the metal cracked before the weld. It seems like it would be particularly good for auto body repair, such a tiny heat affected zone should mean less distortion. It does seem like they are all coming from one Chinese factory or another, but I think it's a technology worth watching - eventually the brand names are going to get on the boat too.

Laser welding is common in industrial applications.

The videos I watched last year were interesting, and the one Canadian fellow was using his laser on another video released a week or so ago, but it doesn’t look like it’s his go to process.

His machine is pretty large and not simple. It also wasn’t inexpensive when he bought it.

I forgot his name, but he’s the guy whose shop burned down a while back. He’s redoing a 35 or 36 Dodge that was fire damaged when it was almost complete.

Not sure how valuable the process would be in collision repair, as there aren’t many long welds requiring metal finishing on modern cars.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Laser welding is common in industrial applications.

The videos I watched last year were interesting, and the one Canadian fellow was using his laser on another video released a week or so ago, but it doesn’t look like it’s his go to process.

His machine is pretty large and not simple. It also wasn’t inexpensive when he bought it.

I forgot his name, but he’s the guy whose shop burned down a while back. He’s redoing a 35 or 36 Dodge that was fire damaged when it was almost complete.

Not sure how valuable the process would be in collision repair, as there aren’t many long welds requiring metal finishing on modern cars.

I know the guy you mean, but I forget his name too; I haven't watched any of his videos for a while. I was thinking more about restoration or custom work (chopping tops, etc.) that involve long weld seams, rather than collision work. I think most of the videos I've seen were from shops in Europe.

 

[finn]

I know the guy you mean, but I forget his name too; I haven't watched any of his videos for a while. I was thinking more about restoration or custom work (chopping tops, etc.) that involve long weld seams, rather than collision work. I think most of the videos I've seen were from shops in Europe.

I think he was using it to clean surface rust off a steel sheet he was going to use for some fab work.

Didn’t seem like he was as excited about it as when he was first learning about it.

The laser didn’t seem any faster than an abrasive wheel would have been.

He’s still using it a year after he got it, though, which is a good sign.

 

[mreisner]

One thing to note is if you're cutting a lot of dirty Steel you will go through more consumables with the plasma than normally.

 

[andyvh1959]

Huge spread in pricing for a plasma cutter. Miller and Lincoln in the $3000 to $4000 range, granted those are professional machines. Then on Amazon I find Arccaptain in various capability ranges from $279 to $329, and Lotos brand for $899. I need to do a lot more research on these before dropping the $$$.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Huge spread in pricing for a plasma cutter. Miller and Lincoln in the $3000 to $4000 range, granted those are professional machines. Then on Amazon I find Arccaptain in various capability ranges from $279 to $329, and Lotos brand for $899. I need to do a lot more research on these before dropping the $$$.

Take a look at Hobart at Cyberweld.com

Rarely does the oxy torch come out and I would stay away from Forney plasma cutters

 

[andyvh1959]

Thanks. I'd prefer a common brand name like Hobart, so that may be the one. Cyberweld shows a Hobart model for $970, or next $1501. Like welders, duty cycle makes a huge difference in construction and quality. If I'd plan to be using a plasma cutter continuously for hours, then a commercial model is the only choice. But for a home shop guy like me doing maybe five hours of plasma cutting in a week on mostly lighter than 1/4" material something like the Hobart 27i:

Hobart AirForce 27i Plasma Cutter for Sale (500575) - View Specs

Check out the cutting-edge Hobart AirForce 27i Plasma Cutter for sale at Cyberweld. Explore the Hobart 27i Plasma Cutter specs for more information today!

store.cyberweld.com

Just watched a DIY guy trying his Titanium45 plasma cutter from Harbor Frieght, $800. He cut through a brake disc, .40" thick, easily and clean. The Harbor Freight unit requires an air compressor but thats ok as I have an 80 gallon 5hp air compressor in my shop. For what I'll be doing, it should get it done:

 

[zendriver]

ARCcaptain on sale $170

 

[BobnCO]

I have not yet seen a plasma cutter used in a Scrap Yard for cutting up steel

Cuz the quarter mile O gauge extension cord is too heavy to tote around!!

 

[andyvh1959]

Just scored a new never used Hobart 27i plasma cutter on FBM for $1000. $1500 brand new on Cyberweld.com, plus more for taxes and shipping.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Just scored a new never used Hobart 27i plasma cutter on FBM for $1000. $1500 brand new on Cyberweld.com, plus more for taxes and shipping.

A little late .....but I have the 27i. As a home shop, it works fine.

I did have one issue with the air side...took it to a local authorized repair shop and they replaced a diaphragm or o-ring under warranty. Could have been my fault, leaving pressure on the system when done.

 

[andyvh1959]

Thanks for the input. Once I am into my 56 Dodge pickup project I expect to be using the plasma cutter quite a bit for metal working. Even to the point when I need to splice the donor Dakota frame I bet I can use the plasma cutter along with an abrasize wheel on a 6" grinder to make accurate cuts for the splice before welding. I'll also need to cut/fab material for the cab floor tunnel to clear the 8-spd trans going into the frame.

 

[MichaelP]

I think it's worth noting that plasma cuts any electrically conductive metal such as steel, aluminum, stainless steel, iron, copper, bronze, etc. while oxy-acetylene works only with ferrous metals (steel, iron).

 

[andyvh1959]

I'm looking forward to what I can create with the plasma cutter. Back in August I made new floorboard mounts on my 1600 Vulcan full dresser, to move the floorboards up 1.5" and back 3.5". I used 3/16 thick 3x4 angle, and had to make a bunch of cuts with my Sawzall and hacksaw to get the shape I wanted. A plasma cutter would have been the tool to use, especially when I had to cut the welds for the original floorboard mount ear bracket from the bracket weldment so I could weld those ears to my new brackets. It all turned out as I wanted, but a lot of hand work was needed.

I moved the floorboards because they touched down on turns way too easy (my other ride is a 07 BMW R1200RT), and the original position had over 1/4 of the floorboard length unusable past the brake pedal. Oh, and I also repositioned the brake pedal arm to get the right angle and position on the brake pedal so I can keep my heel on the floorboard for control. Did likewise on the shifter side.

 

[andyvh1959]

For what it's worth, the Hobart 27i is built and assembled right here in Appleton WI, not overseas (China). Appleton is also the corporate home for Miller Electric. Come to find out both Miller and Hobart are under the ITW Corporate parent name.