plasma cutters

morick · Posted: Aug 20 2009 Post subject:

I vote for the O/A setup for atleast what my needs would be. Sure it would be nice to have a plasma laying around collecting dust until needed. Everything has a need when you need it .

smokin ernie · Posted: Aug 21 2009 Post subject:

Ok so now you have me searching O/A setups. Just a quick search at harbor frieght and found this.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98958

I am sure there are a bunch of different brands but for a begginer is it something worth while?
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BabyHuey · Posted: Aug 21 2009 Post subject:

smokin ernie, I would give this one at Tractor Supply a hard look; It includes everthing you need to get started.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_104758_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1
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HillbillySmoker · BBQ Pro Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 917 Location: WV

purplewg · Posted: Aug 21 2009 Post subject:

I would stay away from the Harbor Freight ones. I have a friend that bought theirs and I had to use it at his place one time. Junk, I might add.

Again Craigslist is a good place. You can find the gauges, torch, hose pretty reasonable many times. Look for "made in china" on the torch or gauges. If you see this, leave them there.

If you can find the gauges, hoses, and torch you can go buy tanks at the local air/gas supplier. Don't get the small bottles (I forget the sizes) or you will be upgrading them shortly to bigger ones I am sure.
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mtrammel · Posted: Aug 21 2009 Post subject:

Early on, I was looking at a torch since one tool would cut and stick it back together, I was leaning to a Victor at our Airgas store. I hear this is a good solid one, is that true? (I think Harris was the alternative)
Not getting one any time soon, but curious since this has come up.
Oh, and I think the standard bottles are 125cf if I recall right? Is that right?
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BabyHuey · Posted: Aug 21 2009 Post subject:

I have always had good luck with victor and don't use anything else. You can get parts and tips for them just about anywhere and they have good customer service.
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HillbillySmoker · BBQ Pro Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 917 Location: WV

My O/A torch is a Victor also, its what I grew up using. i finally made my purchase today on the plasma cutter, should be here sometime next week. i went with the Longevity ForceCut LP 40D with the Pilot Arc. I'll probably start on the cooker next weekend.

Specifications:

Operating Voltage:
208/220vac 50/60HZ Input Single Phase 1PH
110/120vac 50/60HZ Input Single Phase 1PH
40amp cut draws 22.7A at 5KVA
31amp cut draws 17.6A at 3.8KVA
230V No Load Voltage, 100-115V Working Voltage

Cutting Specs:
3" Per minute @ 3/4" Steel (Severance Cut)
7" Per minute @ 1/2" Thick Steel
17" Per minute @ 3/8" Thick Steel

Pilot Arc Starting Technology and Contact Start:
Pilot arc starting technology is one of the most advanced starting technologies for plasma cutters. You will be able to start an arc in the air without every worrying about touching the work piece with the tip of the torch.

Power Specs:
Power Factor 0.93
100% Duty cycle (cut time) at 31amp cut
60% Duty cycle at 40amp cut setting

Air requirements: 50-75psi @ 3.5cfm
Internal High Speed Cooling Fan to Regulate Temperature
Has built in Thermal & Overload Protection

Weight: 25LBS (28LBS Boxed)
Dimensions: 15"Length X 9"High X 6"Wide

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mtrammel · Posted: Aug 21 2009 Post subject:

HillbillySmoker,
I think your going to like this one you've settled on. Mines the same w/o the pilot arc. I have no complaints, though my current projects are not as heavy as yours. I'd like to know how you fair with the heavier metal.
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HillbillySmoker · BBQ Pro Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 917 Location: WV

If i get it before next friday ill be able to get started next weekend, ill post how well it does. im not 100% sure but i think you can buy the comsumables for that torch at harbor freight at about 1/4th the cost.
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mtrammel · Posted: Aug 22 2009 Post subject:

Mine uses a torch thats in the same series as the ESAB and its compatible. (PT-xx) I'm not sure if thats true of the pilot arc torch...
I plan to bulk buy from Longevity...they have good prices on the kits. If you find a better source, pls do tell.
BTW...you may be covered, but it doesnt come with a plug. Best make that run ahead of time. Forgive me if you know this already.
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HillbillySmoker · BBQ Pro Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 917 Location: WV

yeah they dont come with a plug because they dont know if the consumer is gonna use it on 110 or 220, so they just leave it off.

I was just looking at the 40 you have and the torch is different.

Got my tracking number, looks like it will be here Wednesday.
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istock74 · BBQ Pro Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 965 Location: Logan, IA

smokin ernie · Posted: Aug 25 2009 Post subject:

Thanks I will check out the victors. As of right now I do not have a garage to store the bottles. Is it safe to have this in the basement of the house? I am just renting the place and hopefully in a month or two the wife and I will be getting our own place. I am sure pushing for a garage, barn, shop setup somewhere other then working in the driveway now.

Thanks again everyone as always the ring comes through.

Smoke it if you got!!!!!
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HillbillySmoker · BBQ Pro Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 917 Location: WV

Hit the pawn shops, you would be surprised at the things you can find, i see victor torches for sale all the time. craigslist is a good source also.
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purplewg · Posted: Aug 26 2009 Post subject:

HillbillySmoker · BBQ Pro Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 917 Location: WV

I called home on my lunch break and it's there waiting for me. just need to run by the depot and get a plug for it. Very Happy

, its 110 or 220 so im gonna try it on 110 first because im doubled up on my range breaker in the garage for my mig. ill probably play around with it for a few days and start working on the smoker stand saturday morning.
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purplewg · Posted: Aug 27 2009 Post subject:

Sounds good. Be sure and give us a detailed eval of the looks, quality, ease of operation and such....
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HillbillySmoker · BBQ Pro Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 917 Location: WV

I fired it up for a test cut this evening, decided to go ahead and put a 220 plug on it, cranked it up all the way and cut 1/4" easy. nice smooth cut. ill evaluate it some more later. I'm happy.
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k.a.m. · Posted: Aug 28 2009 Post subject:

Hillbilly, I am glad it is working well for you. Very Happy

I look forward to seeing it in action.
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