Plasma cutter

For the discussion of hand tools, power tools, operated and non-operated plant, and all sorts of kit associated with the paving and drainage trades
Post Reply
bobbi o
Posts: 481
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:55 pm
Location: glasgow

Post: # 82330Post bobbi o

Can anyone recommend a workshop/good value plasma cutter to cut max thickness 14mm steel plate?

Carberry
Posts: 1366
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:05 pm
Location: Edinburgh

Post: # 82331Post Carberry

Not got a clue about plasma, I use oxy propane for cutting. but can help you out if there is anything you need to know about oxy propane.

GB_Groundworks
Site Admin
Posts: 4420
Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2008 3:55 pm
Location: high peak
Contact:

Post: # 82336Post GB_Groundworks

There are a few cheap ones from machine Mart that cut that thickness, plasma cutters are appealing for intricate work. We've just switch to Oxy propane from oxy ocetalin because we never gas weld and the hassle of the ocetalin and cost.
Giles

Groundworks and Equestrian specialists, prestige new builds and sports pitches. High Peak, Cheshire, South Yorkshire area.

http://www.gbgroundworks.com

Carberry
Posts: 1366
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:05 pm
Location: Edinburgh

Post: # 82375Post Carberry

GB_Groundworks wrote:There are a few cheap ones from machine Mart that cut that thickness, plasma cutters are appealing for intricate work. We've just switch to Oxy propane from oxy ocetalin because we never gas weld and the hassle of the ocetalin and cost.
I started selling welding gas a couple of months ago and it's just gone crazy. Selling it rent free with a bottle deposit, everyone has had enough of BOC, Air Products, Air Liquide, £170 a year rental, £50 delivery charge, £15 charge if you pick it up, multiple forms of ID etc.

There is a shortage of oxy acetylene too which won't get any better. I've swapped a lot of people over to oxy propane, got my wee demo kit that I take out on the road and cut stuff with.

GB_Groundworks
Site Admin
Posts: 4420
Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2008 3:55 pm
Location: high peak
Contact:

Post: # 82378Post GB_Groundworks

We've still got the mini oxy cet kit on little trolley bottled like 2 litre coke bottles with a little cutting torch, was invaluable one demo job cutting 20mm rebar where nothing else could get it and the big bottles where to impractical
Giles

Groundworks and Equestrian specialists, prestige new builds and sports pitches. High Peak, Cheshire, South Yorkshire area.

http://www.gbgroundworks.com

bobbi o
Posts: 481
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:55 pm
Location: glasgow

Post: # 82457Post bobbi o

Carberry wrote:
GB_Groundworks wrote:There are a few cheap ones from machine Mart that cut that thickness, plasma cutters are appealing for intricate work. We've just switch to Oxy propane from oxy ocetalin because we never gas weld and the hassle of the ocetalin and cost.

I started selling welding gas a couple of months ago and it's just gone crazy. Selling it rent free with a bottle deposit, everyone has had enough of BOC, Air Products, Air Liquide, £170 a year rental, £50 delivery charge, £15 charge if you pick it up, multiple forms of ID etc.

There is a shortage of oxy acetylene too which won't get any better. I've swapped a lot of people over to oxy propane, got my wee demo kit that I take out on the road and cut stuff with.
what set up would you recommend for the small contractor,repairilg their own plant?

GB_Groundworks
Site Admin
Posts: 4420
Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2008 3:55 pm
Location: high peak
Contact:

Post: # 82459Post GB_Groundworks

Plasma is good for neat cutting holes as you can get right on top of it, as it's in your hand. With gas axe you are 1-2 foot away but it all depends on your skill level.

Gas axes good for things like heating stuck joints etc (althought don't do ball joints had one explode on us last week, was like a 50 cal going off with a projectile)

Our fabricator can cut with a gas axes and it looks like a cut off saw has done it, my cuts look like in the film aliens where there acid blood melts steel haha.

I'd say both really as they have there different uses, anything serious needs fixing our fabricator comes out and welds it proper, we just do small fab work and running repairs.
Giles

Groundworks and Equestrian specialists, prestige new builds and sports pitches. High Peak, Cheshire, South Yorkshire area.

http://www.gbgroundworks.com

Carberry
Posts: 1366
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:05 pm
Location: Edinburgh

Post: # 82476Post Carberry

Not used plasma so I can't comment on it but it has been all mechanics who have bought the oxy propane kit from me and they've all been happy with it.
I'm got to deliver 10 bottles of helium to baillieston this week, probably tuesday or Wednesday if you want to meet up I can bring my kit and let you have a shot of it.

rab1
Posts: 1869
Joined: Sun Jun 07, 2009 10:19 pm
Location: scotland

Post: # 82516Post rab1

we use plasma for cutting steel but its major factory stuff but the hand held stuff is good but you do get what you pay for.
God loves a tryer

bobbi o
Posts: 481
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:55 pm
Location: glasgow

Post: # 82561Post bobbi o

Thanks carb,may contact you after i get back from a job in the highlands.

Post Reply