Why you should have a Plasma Cutter in your Garage
What is a Plasma Cutter? A plasma cutter uses high-speed gas to cut through molten metal. The gas surrounds the perimeter of the cutting area to protect the cut. An electronic Arc then flows through the gas at an incredibly high-heat rate and velocity.
The Arc that’s formed between the electrode and the metal is constricted within a copper nozzle, increasing the velocity and therefore the temperature of the plasma coming out of the nose.
The extreme temperature of the plasma can exceed over 20,000°c, and the velocity can reach the speed of sound. Comparatively, when using neon gas, all the electrons are bound to a nucleus, with neon plasma. Plasma cutters allow all of the particles to move around, creating the exceptional cutting abilities inherent with a plasma cutter.
Different variations and grades of steel and aluminum are perfect for plasma cutting. Other conductive metals such as copper, brass, titanium, and even cast iron can also be easily plasma cut. These impressive capabilities are why plasma cutters have been flooding the market as a vital tool that was once financially out-of-reach for most small garages.
Plasma cutters can accommodate some different gas options depending on the material used. Plasma cutting is also great for any metal that has conductive properties, giving the product a wide range of practical uses.
Do I Need a Plasma Cutter?
If you need a reliable alternative to a mechanical cutting saw, the answer is yes; you would benefit from a plasma cutter. However, if you need something beyond standard gas welding, then a plasma cutter would also work for you.
Plus, if you’re looking to increase the speed, precision, and quality of your welding cuts, then plasma cutters are just what you’ve been looking for, something that can be especially useful in a commercial setting where time and precision are both money.
Plasma cutters are tools for serious shop owners and residential garage enthusiasts. You don’t have to be wealthy to own one anymore. That’s why this is the best time ever to invest in a plasma cutter while they’re easy to get at a reasonable price.
What Extra Benefits Do Plasma Cutters Bring to a Shop?
The versatility that plasma cutters bring to a garage by handling all types of conductive metals is both convenient and a time/money saving benefit that anyone can appreciate. Oxyfuel is also limited in comparison to plasma cutters.
Conventional oxyfuel cutters using metals such as aluminum and stainless steel inhibits cutting efficiency due to its reliance on oxidation. Because plasma cutters do not rely on oxidation to work on these types of metals, they effortlessly and efficiently cut right through them.
Another plus for plasma cutters over standard oxyfuel cutters is that one of the gases used with plasma cutters is cheap – Normal compressor shop gas – Making plasma cutters a money saver for a working garage.
Plasma cutters have another advantage over oxyfuel cutters. Plasma cutters tend to be more forgiving when it comes to controlling cutting speeds by not having to be chained to the oxidizing process like oxyfuel cutting.
Cutting expanded metals is easier when using a plasma cutter. As far as mechanical cutters go, plasma is still much faster and can perform non-linear cuts in a way that mechanical cutters just can’t.
Important Things to look for in a Plasma Cutter
- Know the cuts you make the most: Plasma cutters need a higher amperage, depending on the thickness of the material cut. If a machine uses lower amperage but claims to be able to cut through a thicker grade metal, your cuts may come out low quality.
- What cutting speeds you need: Are you a high production workshop or are you a private garage that needs a handy cutting tool? When buying a plasma cutter, make sure to ask about cutting speeds for different metal thicknesses specifically.
- High-frequency starting: Plasma cutters use high-frequency starting that conducts energy into the air. Plasma cutters can interfere with computers and other equipment when both are in use in the same area.
- Don’t be afraid to ask: Plasma cutters have gotten cheaper, but they sure aren’t cheap. Don’t be scared to ask the salesperson to let you test out some cuts on different plasma cutter models. Better to find out that you don’t like the model before you buy one and it’s too late.
- How portable is It? If you plan on keeping your plasma cutter in one spot in your shop or garage, then you don’t have to worry about how portable the unit is. But if you need to transfer the plasma cutter to different job sites, you will then need a less bulky unit that is sturdy enough to take the multiple trips.
Deciding to Buy
We hope that this article has helped point out some significant advantages to owning a plasma cutter. Machines like plasma cutters used to be a shop or garage luxury item that was on the wish-list which most garages wanted, but were too out-of-reach for many. Those days are over.
It’s evident that plasma cutters can be a handy and time-saving tool that is both a money maker and a money saver at once. No wonder plasma cutters have grown so increasingly popular. Due to manufacturing breakthroughs, they have also drastically dropped in price.
For anyone who has struggled with trying to use mechanical cutters or have been getting tired of strictly having to use old-school oxyfuel cutters, a plasma cutter is exactly what is needed to upgrade that workshop or garage. All that’s left to do now is to shop around for the best deal!
Strong Service Media 