Plasma cutters question.

Alarion

Alarion

Joined
Nov 26, 2001
Messages
1,375
I've been looking around for plasma cutters.
A plasma cutter seems to me an easy way to cut steel for blade blanks.
The only ones I've seen, though, use 380 V tri-phase power source and require a source of compressed air.
Isn't there something more simple?
Should I clean away the steel in the cut area as I'd do with steel cut with an oxy cutter?
 
im not sure, but i believe there are small simple machines that plug into a 110 outlet. they do have to have compressed air, its what blows the superheated metal out of the cut. in my experience they can be picky about rust, but millscale is ok to cut. these are magical tools, so useful and handy. good luck!
 
I picked up a bunch of plasma cut circular saw blades- it was a time saver for me- minimal cutting with my angle grinder and no burnt steel. Harbor freight tends to have a few of the 110v models between 500-800$. I keep going between those and the little oxy/ac torch at the local lowe's for under $300, complete with tanks. If you already have the welder, get the cutter. I have neither, so I'll probably get the welder first.
 
Plasma seems like a large investment for cutting steel for blanks. All of the plasma cut stuff I saw needed to have the slag ground away from the edges, so I think you'll have to grind that away if you're looking to cut your profiles. If you're just looking to cut up bars I'd get a cut-off saw for far less money. A cut-off saw and metal cutting bandsaw aught to cost you less than just the plasma cutter.
 
since i use cultivator discs, i have to cut blanks out and my friend chip cuts them out with his plasma cutter. i just have him cut strips since i never know what shape the knife will be until i start. as for slag, it comes off easily with a chipping hammer. a plasma torch saves me 45+ minutes. he told me that if i had a knife pattern made 1 1/4" larger (5/8 x 2 from edge of head to center of tip) that would allow the torch head to run inside of he could cut blanks out that would leave little work to profile out.
 
the better you have it tuned, the less slag you'll have, just gotta know your system.
 
Plasma cutter works fine. Just make sure you leave a 1/16-1/8 inch edge all the way around to grind off. bruce/birdog
 
I have a 110V Hobart Plasma cutter that I'd be willing to part with. I've only used it twice. It has a built in air supply too. It was on the Knifemaking Tools and Equipment for sale threads for a while. I paid $880 for it new about a year ago. I've been doing so much forging lately, that I just don't use it as much as I thought I would. I'm not sure if this is the proper way to do this, since this isn't a for sale thread (please mr. moderator, don't slap my hand too hard), but I'd be willing to part with it for $500.

Send me a PM, if you're interested.

Scott Ickes
 
Unfortunately it wouldn't work here in Italy.
We have 220 V power supply.
Thanks anyway.
 
you should be able to find a converter for pretty cheap, it might cost a little more than the basic ones to allow enough watts/amps through but you shouldnt have to spend more than 15-20 euro at most on it.. but i could be wrong

-matt
 
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