“As far as multi use machine, I wouldn’t get one that would do Plasma.MAYBE stick, tig and mig at most, but get a stand alone plasma.YES, if the plasma machine is larger output, it works much better on thicker stuff.On older numbers, an ESAB 785 will do 3/4″ thick OK. An ESAB 1000 will do 1″ thick OK, both will do thinner stuff much easier. I’ve used the 785 a lot and it’ll do 1/4” thick like it is tin!
In the future, I will need to cut out the strut towers of my 1960 Ford Falcon with a plasma cutter. The advantage of using a plasma cutter is that you can “Draw” cuts in metal as if you are using a big pen. The electricity comes from a big metal box that is nothing more than a gigantic power supply, not unlike the one you have running your home-built PC. A plasma cutting machine doesn’t make much sound on its own.
“Looking for advice: I work on boat trailers as a hobby and recently have been looking at plasma cutters. I refurbish trailers and sell them for a small profit and or repair my own trailers as they wear out. Sometimes it is helpful to have a cutting tool to get rid of compromised pieces or cross members and either bolt or weld on new pieces to improve the integrity of the vessel. Generally cutting 1/8″ galvanized tube or up to 3/8″ stock soft iron used in automotive and trailer applications. A plasma cutter looks really sexy but I’ve used a cordless 4.5” angle grinder with good result.
A plasma cutter certainly seems like a magic piece of kit. You can’t cut stone with a plasma cutter or clean scale and rust off a sheet of metal etc. The big advantage of the plasma cutter is, of course, it can cut curves and cut holes, even square ones.
They can cut thicker materials than a laser cutter, and you have the option of handheld and CNC plasma cutters while laser cutters are only available as CNC. This means that laser cutters are often more expensive than plasma cutters. Laser cutters can cut through loads of materials so if you don’t solely work in metal and don’t need to cut much thick sheet metal, a laser cutter can provide everything you need. A water jet uses a jet of water that can cut through any material.
There are other ways to cut steel without either a plasma cutter or oxy/fuel torch. Plasma cutters produce a very thin stream of superhot plasma to cut with. Plus, the additional things you can do with an oxy/fuel torch outweigh the limited abilities of a plasma cutter.
angle grinder vs plasma cutter Related Question:
Is plasma cutter better than angle grinder?
The advantage of using a plasma cutter is that you can “draw” cuts in metal as if you are using a big pen. You can make curved cuts in tight spaces where an angle grinder or hacksaw won’t fit. With skill, you can make cuts much cleaner than an angle grinder as well.
Can you use an angle grinder as a cutter?
An angle grinder is a power tool that can be used for cutting through different types of materials, including metal and other solid materials such as bricks, aluminium, stone and concrete. This type of hand-held power tool does not have a cutting blade but a grinding wheel.
What cuts better than a plasma cutter?
Plasma Cutters might have the precision, but power goes to Oxy Acetylene. It should be noted that each process has different material type limitations, but most experts will still agree Oxy Acetylene can cut a lot more than Plasma.
How useful is a plasma cutter?
Plasma cutters can slice through materials faster than oxy-fuel torches. This increased speed can result in an increase of productivity in the workplace. Plasma cutters are also much safer devices than oxy-fuel cutters, as they don’t involve high flammable gas and open flames.
Can you use a plasma cutter on a car?
Optimize your plasma cutting. Most every custom car fabrication or repair involves a lot of cutting and welding of metal, and that starts with a plasma cutter. Whether you’re cutting sheet metal for body panels or thicker stock for steel frames, a plasma cutter is an essential tool for your custom build.
Can an angle grinder cut hardened steel?
Hardened steel is a very useful material, but working with it is tough because it is nearly impossible to cut with simple tools. What you really need is an angle grinder, and this video will show you how to use one of the powerful power tools to cut a hardened steel ring.
Can plasma cutter cut cast iron?
One of plasma’s greatest advantages is its ability to cut non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, stainless steel and cast iron, materials that are becoming more common in many applications.
How thick of metal can a 50 amp plasma cutter cut?
This inverter plasma cutter has 50 amps of power on tap, able to cut up to 1/2-inch thick steel plate.
Can a plasma cutter cut wood?
Plastics and wood are not electrically conductive and cannot be plasma cut. However, you can use a rotary saw, router, or other tool if you want to cut these materials in the PlasmaCAM machine. The accuracy of the machine is better than that of the plasma cutter.
Will a plasma cutter cut rusty metal?
Plasma can cut any electrically conductive metal including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum and more, without pre-heating. Plasma is also great at cutting painted, dirty or even rusted metal. JoAnn Bortles is the national automotive spokesperson for Hypertherm.
Is it expensive to run a plasma cutter?
Plasma operating cost would again be the lowest, and is typically estimated at approximately $15/hour. The cost of laser would be slightly higher, typically estimated at around $20/hour. Waterjet is usually considered to be the most expensive, typically estimated at about $30/hour.
Will a plasma cutter damage electronics?
Subject: RE: Plasma cutter harming equipment electronics? Yes it will.
Can you heat metal with a plasma cutter?
One cant heat metal to the point where it can be bent or reshaped with a plasma cutter. You can’t burn debris and paint off metal with a plasma cutter.
What can’t an angle grinder cut?
The inspiration behind this creation is the natural defense mechanisms used by shells, grapefruit skins, and fish scales that makes them resistant from the attacks of various sea creatures. The material, named Proteus, cannot be cut using either angle grinders, drills, or high-pressure water jets.
Can I use bigger disc on angle grinder?
Fitting a 14 inch (356 mm) cut-off disc to a 9 inch (230 mm) angle grinder will increase the edge speed excessively to at least 120 m/s (430 kmph). The photograph below shows an angle grinder with the wrong size cutting disc fitted and the guard removed.
