andrew-theasby
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| posted on 28/1/07 at 08:34 PM |
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home made plasma or cutting rods
Hi, i know i probably wont get any answers while top gears on  but any body know if its possible to convert a dc inverter to use as a plasma
cutter. Dont know if this is a stupid question as i dont really know how they work except the basics but i seem to think it might have been suggested
before although a search was unsuccesful. I have a reasonable compressor and the inverter pictured below. Any suggestions please.. My other idea
was to use it with MMA welding torch and use cutting/gouging rods but i dont know anyone whos ever experienced them, how well do they work, do they
cut ally, do they blast sparks everywhere and make a really rough cut, and are they suitable for thick or thin material? I cant really justify buying
a plasma as i dont NEED one but it would be nice if i could do a locost one, mainly for cutting big ally sheets and steel plate upto 4mm ish if
poss
[Edited on 28/1/07 by andrew-theasby]
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mark chandler
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| posted on 28/1/07 at 10:43 PM |
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I tried to do this a couple of years ago, even purchased a torch but although I could get a spark could not sustain the arc. From memory its 18Kv
start, your DC inverter will be around 80v open circuit.
I tried on an industrial tig with a strong HF start and failed.
If you were to use argon as a gas source it would work but be very expensive to run so simply not worth it.
I subsequently purchased a small plasma cutter, they are great but if its just for a locost type project not really worth it. I was also surprised at
the cost of consumables which mine goes through relatuvely quickly.
IMHO you would be better off with a 3hp compressor & quality nibbler for sheet, a 9" angle grinder for the heavy stuff and for curves drill
lots of holes.
Plasma is not good for the tubes we use, hacksaw is far more suitable. Nice and clean though + you do not smell of grindings and ruin your clothes.
Regards Mark
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gazza285
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| posted on 29/1/07 at 05:21 AM |
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Forget gouging rods for any sort of accurate work. If you have lots of cutting to do then consider getting flame cutting gear, use propane instead of
acetylene for cost and convenience. Definately a nibbler or small electric shears for thin plate.
DO NOT PUT ON KNOB OR BOLLOCKS!
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andrew-theasby
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| posted on 30/1/07 at 08:26 PM |
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Thanks, ill look into that, will flame cutting gear be ok an ally? Ive got nibbler but it only goes upto 1.6mm i know i can use the grinder, just
looking for a more user friendly way.
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gazza285
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| posted on 31/1/07 at 06:59 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by andrew-theasby
will flame cutting gear be ok an ally?
Yes, but its a bit messy, ally files easy though .
DO NOT PUT ON KNOB OR BOLLOCKS!
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