plasma arc cutter

[funola]

Anyone here use one to cut out rust sections? I am looking for a 110V unit and would like hear which unit you have and your experience with them.

[Gauge]

I have a Hypertherm. It's a dual voltage unit so it can run on 110V or 220V. I bought it new and it cost about a grand delivered. Where it came in REALLY useful was for cutting pieces of metal to weld into the body where the rust had eaten everything away. Cutting curved pieces of thick metal is impossible with a saw or big scissors.

[tankdriver]

I've used a 220V Miller (I think it's ~$2K) when I was in college, and now the guy I share studio space with has one.

But, why not just use a grinder with a cut off wheel? Much cheaper than a plasma cutter. Aluminum foil is a fantastic spark shield (for the parts around, not your face).

[TimFreeh]

Originally Posted by tankdriver

But, why not just use a grinder with a cut off wheel? Much cheaper than a plasma cutter...

I agree.

I have a plasma cutter and its great for fabrication duties like cutting 1/4 inch plate but for small sheet metal jobs I find myself using the grinder and a cut-off wheel.

[raMBow]

If I recall correctly these require a completely different level of eye protection, than what is safe for "torch" work.

But these items are marvels, I've been in shops that are cutting 1" plate steel into intricate patterns like logo's for businesses etc.