Hey guys, I been looking at TIG welders recently and seen some of the more expensive ones (or even some of the cheaper ones altho Im abit weary of them) come with a plasma cutter function.
Now ive never seen a plasma cutter in action and from what I can gather its pretty similar to a oxy cutter so im just wondering what are the advantages/disadvantages compared to oxy?
One I read was that Plasma cutter can cut alloy where Oxy cant, I guess this is one of the biggest ones? But my grinder seems to cut alloy ok (thickest ive worked with is 3mm) I can see thicker stuff being a problem.
On that subject can you get specialized discs for ya grinder and drop saw to cut alloy?
Cheers
Oxy Cutter VS Plasma Welder
Started by
_Viper_
, Dec 01 2010 06:52 PM
9 replies to this topic
#2
xu1kid
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Posted 01 December 2010 - 07:00 PM
We have a plasma cutter, you dont get panel distortion or anywere near as much heat to a oxy and they are easy to use
#3
_Viper_
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Posted 01 December 2010 - 07:10 PM
Oh and typo btw, I meant plasma cutter not plasma welder :/
So could you cut thin sheet ie 1mm and not distort?
So could you cut thin sheet ie 1mm and not distort?
#4
_Kush_
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Posted 01 December 2010 - 07:15 PM
By "alloy" do you mean aluminium?
I've cut 8mm aluminium sheet with a jigsaw (need aluminium cutting blade)
The dropsaw discs are available but I don't know how much they cost. It's probably a bit scary though.
Oxys are also good for heating/bending. Plasmas can't do that.
I've cut 8mm aluminium sheet with a jigsaw (need aluminium cutting blade)
The dropsaw discs are available but I don't know how much they cost. It's probably a bit scary though.
Oxys are also good for heating/bending. Plasmas can't do that.
#5
wot179
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Green Eggs and Spam
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Posted 01 December 2010 - 07:16 PM
Use wax on your drop saw.
Yes,you can get grinding wheels specifically for ally.
These guys make great product, http://www.pferdusa..../206/index.html ,google is your friend regards suppliers.
Whoever sells the discs can help you out with wax as well.
Yes,you can get grinding wheels specifically for ally.
These guys make great product, http://www.pferdusa..../206/index.html ,google is your friend regards suppliers.
Whoever sells the discs can help you out with wax as well.
#6
wot179
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Green Eggs and Spam
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Posted 01 December 2010 - 07:31 PM
Use wax on your drop saw.
Yes,you can get grinding wheels specifically for ally.
These guys make great product, http://www.pferdusa..../206/index.html ,google is your friend regards suppliers.
Whoever sells the discs can help you out with wax as well.
Im not that keen on plasma cutters......and Ive used them often.
Im not saying they are not a good tool,but shit catches alight easy when you are using them on cars,and cleanup can be a pain in the arse if you are not using spotless,new material.The edges need to have any
trace of slag removed as well if you are tig welding..
Plus,you need a pretty good air compressor to keep up with them.
I reckon you can do a neater job with a 1mm cutting wheel in many situations....a jigsaw with plenty of lube is great for curves on ally,and if you mask up the surfaces with duct tape you will avoid most scratching.
Im also not a big fan of dual-function tools.They are generally a compromise and have twice as many things to breakdown,rendering them useless.
My opinion only.
#7
blown308
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Posted 01 December 2010 - 07:36 PM
got a plasma machine, used it once.. went back the grinder and rep saw.. faster job...
#8
Toranamat69
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Posted 01 December 2010 - 07:43 PM
I bought a pack of 10 Pferd 1mm thick cut off wheels for my 5" grinder for use on alloy a couple of weeks ago - only cost slightly more than the normal ones for steel - no-one wanted to sell me individual ones though - they mustn't get asked for them very often.
#9
_Quagmire_
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Posted 01 December 2010 - 07:56 PM
9" angle grinder
my weapon of choice
just make sure you remove the fuel first lol
my weapon of choice
just make sure you remove the fuel first lol
#10
_nial8r_
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Posted 02 December 2010 - 07:32 AM
1mm cutting disks, recipercating saw, shears ( both manual & air ) and jig saw do it all for me 
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