Plasma vs oxy-acetylene?

[Slartibartfast]

My dad and I are looking to cut fish shapes out of old junk cars (long story, he runs a fish restoration nonprofit). So I'm looking into either a plasma cutter or an acetylene torch. I've researched the pros and cons. Most obvious is that you can't very well take a plasma cutter into a field (Quest alty, great big inverter... no?) but my dad said we could work around this.

 

Any advice from somebody who's used either type? I've researched cost a bit, so I'm wondering more about longevity/ease of use. Neither of us has much experience with metal work.

[unccpathfinder]

Torch will be a little slower...less heat and cleaner...plans.a torch fast and ugly unless u have a steady hand and/or a template...that's at least my experiences

 

Plasma has ton have compressed air and 220

 

Oxyacetleyne needs a spark...

Edited August 29, 2012 by unccpathfinder

[Slartibartfast]

Torch will be a little slower...less heat and cleaner...plans.a torch fast and ugly unless u have a steady hand and/or a template...that's at least my experiences

 

 

Which torch is which?

Edited August 30, 2012 by Slartibartfast

[nunya]

Fire ain't gonna be as pretty as a cut... But I enjoy both. WEAR EYE PROTECTION EITHER WAY!

[Pathmaker95]

Plasma cutter makes a far better and cleaner cut with less heat but is probably more expensive. I'm a shipfitter( build steel ships) and a torch specialist and I would prefer to have a plasma cutter.

[unccpathfinder]

Torch is usually oxy. asetelyne...but plasma cutter or plasma torch is with compressed air and no gases...I suck with both but can cut better with oxy...

[nismothunder]

Plasma, thats your answer. If you have a genny that will run both the buzz box and compressure your fine. Plasma has no down falls if you have the equipment too use it.

 

Tourchs are cheaper up front but cost more too run. But will last longer IMO if its a good one.

 

Plasma's will last a long time as well, but most of the cheaper ones are for minimal use.

 

If your cutting 1/2" or thicker get a torch, if its less then a plasma will do fine (well plasma's will cut 1/2" or thicker but the big ones cost real money)

 

But what do I know...