Should I get a plasma cutter/will I use it

[Burt Shaver]

I seen a CUT50 plasma cutter for sale on marketplace for 150.00 CDN, It’s dual 110/220 volt. I would only have a 110 /15amp circuit to run it on so I guess the most I could cut with it is 1/4” ?
I don’t really have a use in my mind presently but it’s super cool. I currently do all my own repairs on our vehicles, kids vehicles, my ATV’s, snowmobiles and seadoo’s as well as all our own home maintenance and repairs. I will need to make some repairs to my dump trailer one of these years soon and I have an interest in doing some body work but have never done any. I have a Lincoln Mig Pak 40 welder that I use very occasionally but it is handy to have when I need it, I bought that used as well for a good price so I’m happy to have it. I was thinking for 150.00 the plasma cutter would be the same?
Do I need some type of gas for a plasma cutter?

 

[Crazyjake8493]

You need compressed air to run a plasma cutter, typically using a regular shop air compressor.

I've been wanting to get one, and I would definitely find uses for it once I have it. I've just been waiting until I really need it before I buy one so I don't let part of the warranty period go by while it sits in the box in the garage for too long.

I really could've used one in the past instead of burning through cutoff discs and jigsaw blades.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Do I need some type of gas for a plasma cutter?

You need compressed air and a lot of it. Check the specs on the tool for the requirements !

 

[Burt Shaver]

AI says 90 to 100 psi at 4.5cfm . I will need to go check my tiny shop compressor, it’s pretty small so I doubt it will do it, I’m positive the compressor I use for duct cleaning would though

 

[Burt Shaver]

Darn, I went back to it to message and it was sold

 

[PCustoms]

I have a Lincoln Mig Pak 40 welder that I use very occasionally

If you use the welder very occasionally, you'd probably use the plasma cutter about half as much, if that.

Probably for the best this one got away

 

[carlaisle]

For future reference, 115v will generally struggle to cut 1/4". It will do 3/16" fine. If you're not going to be increasing electrical service, a torch would be better suited to cutting.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have a Thermal Arc Pak3xr that I bought cheap from friend and member Beyond1. Works fine. So far I have used it twice in ten years. I tend to do more repair and refurb work these days than fab work as I once did years ago.

 

[Burt Shaver]

Would a plasma cutter be the appropriate tool to cut out rusty pieces on my dump trailer? I can take some pics tomorrow

 

[whateg01]

A plasma cutter certainly could do that job. You may find that once you start cutting into it, by the time you get to good metal you've cut away 90% of the trailer. Btw, they do make or at least used to make plasma cutters with built-in compressors. As a plasma cutter, I don't think they were ever that great, but the convenience of not having a separate compressor I suppose does have some value. Of course a lot of those are older and not supported and probably hard to find parts for nowadays. I also think that you would struggle to run one of those off of a 15 amp 120 volt circuit even if they made them in 120 volt models.

 

[finn]

Would a plasma cutter be the appropriate tool to cut out rusty pieces on my dump trailer? I can take some pics tomorrow

Yup. Perfect application.

 

[jack stand]

They're not as cheap, but if you don't have an oxygen/acetelene rig in your shop for basic freeing or heating of parts along with the cutting abilities, I'd start there.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I've found they are great for demo work, also where having stored tanks is a problem. We can demo large boilers in place without oxy/act tanks which can't be stored in the building. Plus I uses the buildings power so that saves some$$$. In the field or the shop i use them alot, just size it accordingly.

 

[zimman]

Would a plasma cutter be the appropriate tool to cut out rusty pieces on my dump trailer? I can take some pics tomorrow

It'll spit and sputter (grounding is important) but it will work. I've done a few cars, including my Nova using a Miller.
Zim

 

[Bert_]

I got a 50A prime weld last December. I love it. It's hard to justify because you can do most of the same stuff with a cutoff wheel. But I don't use a cutoff wheel very much now.

I've cut 5/8 with mine. It wasn't super happy about it but it did it. 1/2" is no problem.

 

[djbmw]

Darn, I went back to it to message and it was sold

Im surprised it sold for that much!
They are $160 brand new from Amazon without a pilot arc... and $210 with a pilot arc.

If you use a cut off wheel often enough right now, your plasma will replace 80% of that work and will get the job done in a fraction of the time. Consumable cost is similar to a cut off wheel as well.

Longevity of a chinesium cut50 from amazon tends to be in the ~15 to 20 year range (or 250 hr-ish range) before components start becoming crispy.

 

[Burt Shaver]

got a 50A prime weld last December. I love it. It's hard to justify because you can do most of the same stuff with a cutoff wheel

In my mind I pictured the plasma cutter being able to cut inside bends where there are pillars and such easier than a cut off wheel, I also find the cut off wheels dangerous because they can explode. It’s never happened to me but it happened to a fellow I once worked with.

I've cut 5/8 with mine. It wasn't super happy about it but it did it. 1/2" is no problem

That’s 220v correct?

 

[Burt Shaver]

Im surprised it sold for that much!
They are $160 brand new from Amazon without a pilot arc

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07GB3T4KG?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_KATBJA65TP132C7535MT_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_KATBJA65TP132C7535MT_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_KATBJA65TP132C7535MT_1

The one I seen ion Amazon Canada was 289.00 plus tax.
The one in the ad looked brand new

 

[Bert_]

In my mind I pictured the plasma cutter being able to cut inside bends where there are pillars and such easier than a cut off wheel, I also find the cut off wheels dangerous because they can explode. It’s never happened to me but it happened to a fellow I once worked with.

That’s 220v correct?

It does everything easier and faster than a cutoff wheel. But it doesn't do a lot that you can't do with a cutoff wheel.

Mine is dual voltage just like what you are looking at.

120v is nice to be able to use it out somewhere on a regular extension cord. But if you are doing much cutting you will get tired of tripping the breaker.

If you're using it in the shop just wire a 240v plug

 

[zendriver]

Suggest not even getting hung up on one "brand". If they lunch most are throw away items, anyway.

have a 50A "Bestarc" that's about $30 less than I paid for one two years ago. I've used it a total of three times. Works great. If I were to wear it out i'd get another. If it unexpectedly quit, I'd get something else.

There are worse things to spend a couple of hundred on.

 

[PhantomEB]

I have the HeroCut Cut35i, my little compressor ain’t up to snuff but I can tell you when I upgrade the power to my garage over here in Medicine Hat Alberta, I plan to get another compressor like I had plus 20 amps down both sides of the shop. I very well could see myself getting the ArcCaptain 55 or even 65 plasma cutter. This ArcCaptain multiprocess was a game changer for me over my old Miller 175 MiG.

 

[Bert_]

I'm surprised at all the talk about not having enough air. I see some millwright guys running them with a pancake compressor. My 1.5hp has never struggled.

Maybe if it was on a CNC table doing constant cutting. Normal people will never have an issue

 

[willf650]

Would a plasma cutter be the appropriate tool to cut out rusty pieces on my dump trailer? I can take some pics tomorrow

I’m not a welder by any means but bought a cheap one similar to what you posted and used it for more or less that exact purpose.

I cut out frame sections on my jeep and welded in replacement sections on it. Have used my welder 3-4 more times since and the plasma cutter has sat on a shelf.

 

[neophyte]

You can cut 1/4” steel with a decent jigsaw.
The cuts would likely also be cleaner.

 

[Burt Shaver]

I’m not a welder by any means but bought a cheap one similar to what you posted and used it for more or less that exact purpose.

I cut out frame sections on my jeep and welded in replacement sections on it. Have used my welder 3-4 more times since and the plasma cutter has sat on a shelf.

You have it if you need it though

 

[Beerhippie]

I'm surprised at all the talk about not having enough air. I see some millwright guys running them with a pancake compressor. My 1.5hp has never struggled.

Maybe if it was on a CNC table doing constant cutting. Normal people will never have an issue

Average DIY guy is not going to be making continuous cuts for long enough to cause compressor problems.

If you're shopping for a plasma cutter, check what kind of handpiece it has. The "drag" contact ones are most common, but make getting a truly clean cut in thicker metals difficult. Non-contact tips are better for that. Some contact tips are better for making guided cuts--using a straight-edge or template. Our Hypertherm uses a contact tip that is not well designed for guided cuts.

 

[Burt Shaver]

Some contact tips are better for making guided cuts--using a straight-edge or template

This was something I had been thinking about. Knowing next to nothing about plasma cutters I was wondering if there were ways to make guided cuts. So you’re saying the contact tips are better for making guided cuts correct? The little machine I posted makes cuts using a contact tip? Correct? So I could make guided cuts with it? Different tips are available for machines? What are you looking for in a tip that you can make guided cuts with ?

 

[NUTTSGT]

A plasma cutter is one of those tools you don't use all the time but when you need it, you'll be glad you have it.

If you're young, it makes it easier to justify the tool purchase because you have a lifetime to use it. However, on the flip side, when you're older, you can generally spend more on tools than when you were younger.

 

[gimpyrobb]

I haven't seen anyone mention, they should use as dry of air as possible. Your consumable consumption will be high if not.

 

[zendriver]

These are great for making guided cuts, at least in straight line. Just measure the offset.

They are sometimes freebees

https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-magnetic-tool-holder-60433.html?hftm_sc=&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=23914512667&campaignid=23914512667&utm_content=194118217101&adsetid=194118217101&product=60433&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23914512667&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4ekomyayiRYEZkr9e6EjXe84&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6_HSBhCpARIsANvVltbPv7DnEgSLxNqy3fSzUbpxR55YEUzB_WQ185FIDyYv3PGiDYPbKJoaAhaFEALw_wcB

 

[Beerhippie]

This was something I had been thinking about. Knowing next to nothing about plasma cutters I was wondering if there were ways to make guided cuts. So you’re saying the contact tips are better for making guided cuts correct? The little machine I posted makes cuts using a contact tip? Correct? So I could make guided cuts with it? Different tips are available for machines? What are you looking for in a tip that you can make guided cuts with ?

Fer instance, our old Miller plasma had a contact tip of about 5/16" OD and was about 3/8" long cylindrical. Very easy to use for guided cuts and especially for using templates. Our new Hypertherm has a tip that's about 3/8" at the tip, but has steps about 1/6" high that get progressively larger. Not great for guided cuts.

You can buy template kits set up for various different tip offsets or just make your own from hard paperboard. The paperboard will burn a bit, but usually behind the tip. I frequently use found things like washers for corner radii, etc.

 

[zendriver]

Can't most of the torches be set up to use standoffs?

5pcs Spring Spacer, Plasma Cutter Torch Stand off for SG-55/AG-60/WSD-60P Wire Guard Plasma Plasma Cutter Lotos Plasma Cutter plasma cutter guide Airsoft Spring Spacers ag60 - Amazon.com

5pcs Spring Spacer, Plasma Cutter Torch Stand off for SG-55/AG-60/WSD-60P Wire Guard Plasma Plasma Cutter Lotos Plasma Cutter plasma cutter guide Airsoft Spring Spacers ag60 - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

No brainer (lucky for me) to make guided cuts at least on flat metal.

 

[danielbuck]

I mostly work with tube, angle and flat bar instead of plate, so for me a plasma cutter isn't something I use a lot. It's great for cutting off things from frames. Body mounts, shock or other mounts. It gets the bulk of the material off of the frame quickly, I find that alot safer than trying to cut things off with a cutoffwheel angle grinder.

I don't use the plasma cutter that much compared to my other tools/machines, but I really like it, wouldn't want to be without it. Mine is an older Hypertherm, never had a single problem with it, but now days there are super cheap plasma cutters out there, I'd probably get a cheap one if you don't use it much. One thing I do like about the hypertherm is the "flush cut" 45 degree cutting nozzle, that makes cutting brackets and stuff off of frames alot more flush to the frame, less to grind down afterwords. if I'm cutting stuff off of a frame, that's normally what I use. Not sure if that's an option for cheaper machines or not.

I occasionally make things out of some real big box/rectangle tube I got for free years ago, cutting that stuff with the plasma is so much easier than anything else. I just let that stuff sit out side, it's got alot of surface rust, but the wall thickness is so thick on them that doesn't matter. plasma cuts right through it.

I think mine is rated for 5/8", but it will definitely cut thicker than that if you need to, it's just slow.

 

[Beerhippie]

Can't most of the torches be set up to use standoffs?

5pcs Spring Spacer, Plasma Cutter Torch Stand off for SG-55/AG-60/WSD-60P Wire Guard Plasma Plasma Cutter Lotos Plasma Cutter plasma cutter guide Airsoft Spring Spacers ag60 - Amazon.com

5pcs Spring Spacer, Plasma Cutter Torch Stand off for SG-55/AG-60/WSD-60P Wire Guard Plasma Plasma Cutter Lotos Plasma Cutter plasma cutter guide Airsoft Spring Spacers ag60 - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

No brainer (lucky for me) to make guided cuts at least on flat metal.

Our Hypertherm seems to want the tip in contact with the work. Not sure if I could just get a non-contact gun for it.

One accessory I'd love to have is a gouging tip. Being able to cut welds at 90 degrees would be nice.

 

[whateg01]

Fer instance, our old Miller plasma had a contact tip of about 5/16" OD and was about 3/8" long cylindrical. Very easy to use for guided cuts and especially for using templates. Our new Hypertherm has a tip that's about 3/8" at the tip, but has steps about 1/6" high that get progressively larger. Not great for guided cuts.

You can buy template kits set up for various different tip offsets or just make your own from hard paperboard. The paperboard will burn a bit, but usually behind the tip. I frequently use found things like washers for corner radii, etc.

Just run the retaining cap against a guide. It's 1" OD, IIRC, so it's easy to figure out how far away you need to be.

 

[Bert_]

Once you have one you will find many uses for it.

Sometimes it might sit there a month. Other times I use it multiple times a week. Turns 20 minutes of cutting with a grinder into <5 minutes with the plasma cutter.

 

[Burt Shaver]

Once you have one you will find many uses for it.

Sometimes it might sit there a month. Other times I use it multiple times a week. Turns 20 minutes of cutting with a grinder into <5 minutes with the plasma cutter.

I want one, I have no immediate need for one so I’m going to keep my eyes open for a good used one on marketplace, although I am debating whether or not this is something I should buy used. Maybe new with a warranty is a better option ?

 

[KwikFab]

Would a plasma cutter be the appropriate tool to cut out rusty pieces on my dump trailer? I can take some pics tomorrow

It's exactly why I bought one a few years ago.



Careful though cause the garage can go from looking like this



to this just a few years later

 

[djbmw]

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07GB3T4KG?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_KATBJA65TP132C7535MT_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_KATBJA65TP132C7535MT_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_KATBJA65TP132C7535MT_1

The one I seen ion Amazon Canada was 289.00 plus tax.
The one in the ad looked brand new

The internals are mostly the same across all the chinese brands....and, with a chinese model, consumables are cheap and plentiful. Im on my 2nd unit in 23 years. This one is currently $161 CAD:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D2KDSFWQ?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_DVNHV6TB4YQH9W3SPASG&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_DVNHV6TB4YQH9W3SPASG&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_DVNHV6TB4YQH9W3SPASG

 

[whateg01]

... Maybe new with a warranty is a better option ?

If this is something that ends up being used twice a year, is a warranty really that important? If it fails on the third use and the warranty is already expired, it didn't really do much for you. At least with the cheap ones, if it fails, it's just a throwaway thing anyway. You just buy another one