Slartibartfast Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unccpathfinder Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Fire ain't gonna be as pretty as a cut... But I enjoy both. WEAR EYE PROTECTION EITHER WAY! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pathmaker95 Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unccpathfinder Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 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... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismothunder Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 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... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now