Input on Plasma Cutter

[mattsmopars]

I was looking into a plasma cutter a while back, before some $hit stole my welder. So I had to put that off to buy an other welder. Anyway I talked with the guys at our local welding stores, and they seems to lean on the hypertherm. I was also looking into an esab as well. I think that both would be nice machines, but i would most likely lean to the hypertherm myself if i were buying new. Let us know what you think. As far as the helment I would think some shaded saftey/ cutting glasses would do the trick.
Matt

 

[Propwash]

Thanks Matt.......Gonna run down to Airgas and see if they have any kind of specific glasses for plasma cutting or fall in that ANSI amp range. Either that or try out what Cranky said and lighten up the welding helmet. Hoping to ditch the helmet for plasma though. Great helmet but gets cumbersome after a while

 

[Cranky]

Probably some burning goggles with a lighter tint lens would work fine. You are still burning metal away so you are making some brightness...

 

[shag766]

i use a helmet on the lightest setting also. can be a pain at times.
let us know what you come with on goggles.
remember, its all just a game until someone looses an eye.

 

[Propwash]

Got the Plasma cutter in boys....

Well built/sturdy unit... Decided to start carving holes in half the metal in my garage with it..LOL Thickest metal I could find was about 5/16". It went through that like nothing. 20 Guage is like a hot knife through butter..very quick!

It did come with a set of shaded glasses as well as a beefy pair of welding mits. Glasses are pretty much vending machine material so I ordered a set of wildcat cushioned goggles with a shade #3. That's all the cheapo jobs were darkened at.

Set up and operation are a breeze.......Overall, pretty dang impressed.

 

[Joe Mopar]

Looks very nice and looks like something that I should have in my garage. Have to put it on my wish list.

 

[Redpolara]

It's possibly the most convenient tool in my garage, the best part is........the neighbours don't know your using it.....unlike jigsaws,airsaws and grinders.

 

[welder47]

Did you buy that cutter becuse I said you needed one lol. Youl have that car cut up in no time. Better buy some extra wear parts right away, youl know when you need them, the flame spray pattern gets wide and wont cut worth a damn. Thin metal hardly gets hot at all with all that air blowing on it. Welcome to the modern world, now you can throw that air saw away. I usually drag cut when I can get a straight edge in the area Im working on. Have fun.

 

[mattsmopars]

It's possibly the most convenient tool in my garage, the best part is........the neighbours don't know your using it.....unlike jigsaws,airsaws and grinders.

Yet another reason that I have not stepped up to a plasma cutter.............I really think alot of my neighbors! LOL
Matt :icon_axe:

 

[Propwash]

Thanks for the input gent's. The kit came with three tips and three electrodes, but I plan on buying more spares Russ. You rallying for me to pick up a plasma cutter definitely added more fuel for me to pick one up. Thanks for the troubleshooting tips!

I agree with you Red, a heck of a lot more quiet than the alternative tools. This thing makes air saws, air cutter, air shears seam like using rocks and sticks. As far as the neighboors, I'm not sure if they enjoy the die grinder or the Bose better. Up here I have no choice to keep the doors shut a majority of the time anyways. Try to salvage whatever heat you can.

I'll be cutting on my buddies 71' Roadrunner this weekend with it. I'll be sure to post any issues I may run into moving forward.

Thanks guys!

 

[shag766]

goggles

Thanks for the input gent's. The kit came with three tips and three electrodes, but I plan on buying more spares Russ. You rallying for me to pick up a plasma cutter definitely added more fuel for me to pick one up. Thanks for the troubleshooting tips!

I agree with you Red, a heck of a lot more quiet than the alternative tools. This thing makes air saws, air cutter, air shears seam like using rocks and sticks. As far as the neighboors, I'm not sure if they enjoy the die grinder or the Bose better. Up here I have no choice to keep the doors shut a majority of the time anyways. Try to salvage whatever heat you can.

I'll be cutting on my buddies 71' Roadrunner this weekend with it. I'll be sure to post any issues I may run into moving forward.

Thanks guys!

what did you come up with on goggles?

 

[Cranky]

Thin metal hardly gets hot at all with all that air blowing on it.

It's not so much as all the air blowing on it but more of it's cut so fast that there's little time to absorb the heat and what little heat that is made is blown away with the metal that's removed.

I really like mine and only keep my gas rig around for when I need to heat up some metal or light up the BBQ

 

[Propwash]

what did you come up with on goggles?

I went with the Jackson Wildcat goggles...Shade #3

http://www.harrisweldingsupplies.com/jacksonwildcatgogglesshade30lens.aspx

They are breathable and have a foam backing for comfort. Pretty compact as well. The cheapies that came with the plasma cutter were no darker than most black shade sunglasses.

 

[shag766]

eyes

I went with the Jackson Wildcat goggles...Shade #3

http://www.harrisweldingsupplies.com/jacksonwildcatgogglesshade30lens.aspx

They are breathable and have a foam backing for comfort. Pretty compact as well. The cheapies that came with the plasma cutter were no darker than most black shade sunglasses.

thnx prop; just ordered 2 pair:glasses3:

 

[Propwash]

Hey no sweat buddy.Hope they work out great for ya!

 

[shag766]

i know it is old

Fella's..........

Decided to go with the Hypertherm..It will be here Thursday. I'll be sure to give you my scoop on it as well as show some carnage!!! Thanks for the replies!

so how do you like it?:headbang:

 

[Propwash]

so how do you like it?:headbang:

Thanks for refreshing the thread and my memory shag. As far as the Hypertherm......Outstanding!! I would not even dream of restoring a car without a plasma cutter in the future. Makes life 10X easier, not to mention all the time you save. I definitely recommend it to anyone restoring cars. It's a great unit, lightweight, mobile, and easily punches through pretty much anything on the car.

 

[Risko1]

PM me if anyone is interested in a PLASMA CUTTER, I can get you deal on a Longevity unit. http://www.longevity-inc.com/productcategory_27/Plasma-Cutters.php
5 year parts and labor warranty. Best Plasma Cutter for the money bar none for those of us on a budget.