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Pasma Cutter

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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 07:52 AM
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badt/a man's Avatar
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Default Plasma Cutter

I would like to know everyones opinion on ESAB plasma cutters. I recently got a lot of tools thru an inheritance and have never used a plasma cutter and wanted to know how people like theirs.

Last edited by badt/a man; Jan 28, 2008 at 04:05 PM.
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 08:42 AM
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I do not have that plasma cutter but i have the Miller 375, and when i first bought it i never used a plasma cutter before, and i just picked it up and its like i knew what i was doing. Very easy, and cuts through most things like butter!
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 11:24 AM
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How many amps is it? I have a 35 amp that I use effectively up to .5" plate but that's retarded slow and you better have a steady hand, even when using a guide. ESAB makes great stuff, can't say anything but good about their quality and my welding rep likes them much better than miller or lincoln. Of course being more expensive of the 3 I'm sure he has a better markup on it.
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 11:53 AM
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ESAB makes good stuff, they just don't have the dealer network that Red and Blue do. I've got a Hypertherm 600 and they're VERY useful if you fab with sheet or plate alot. Gouging tips are VERY handy for dismantling. #1 thing a plasma likes... DRY AIR. Make SURE you're feeding it DRY AIR or you're gonna pay for it in consumables.
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by crashinaz
ESAB makes good stuff, they just don't have the dealer network that Red and Blue do. I've got a Hypertherm 600 and they're VERY useful if you fab with sheet or plate alot. Gouging tips are VERY handy for dismantling. #1 thing a plasma likes... DRY AIR. Make SURE you're feeding it DRY AIR or you're gonna pay for it in consumables.
+1 on the dry air. I run my air through 2 dessicant driers just after the compressor and 2 more driers/deoilers just before the cutter. Gouging tips are quite possibly the best tool ever.
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 04:05 PM
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Thanks guys, I think I'm going to start tinkering with some old sheet metal I've got, I've used oxyacetylene to cut before, does it cut much different then that?
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 04:57 PM
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Just mess with it. It's like a oxy torch with about 1/20th the HAZ (Heat Affected Zone) and 1/4 the set up time and you can drag it if it's got a standoff tip.
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 09:33 PM
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We have Esab's at the shop. They work pretty well and hold up to the abuse it seems.
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 11:56 PM
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plasma cutters are bad ***
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 07:15 AM
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Its all about the hand that uses them. I still prefer a torch when cutting 1/2"+ plate. A two stage drier system provides better arc, longevity, and more capability. A very simple way that alot of people dont do to get the most out of a machine.
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Old Feb 9, 2008 | 12:22 AM
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Plasma cutters are awesome. makes cutting metal easy and you can make nifty brackets that would normally take forever before.
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