The following commentary does not necessarily reflect the views of AgWeb or Farm Journal Media. The opinions expressed below are the author's own.
The following commentary does not necessarily reflect the views of AgWeb or Farm Journal Media. The opinions expressed below are the author's own.
As a farm machinery mechanic and writer, Dan brings a hands-on approach that only a pro can muster. Along with his In the Shop blog, Dan writes a column by the same name as well as the Shop Series for Farm Journal magazine. Always providing practical information, he is a master at tackling technical topics and making them easy for all of our readers to understand. He and his wife, Becky, live near Bouton, Iowa.
A plasma cutter is the dream tool for anyone who works with metal frequently. Plasma cutters slice steel, aluminum and conductive metals like a hot knife through butter. Prices have decreased in recent years, in some cases below $1000. But before investing, here are some things to consider:
-Entry level plasma cutters are rated to cut metal up to 3/8" thick. They can cut 1/2" metal, but the operator must move the tip much more slowly, and the cut may not be as clean. To cut 1/2" or thicker metal, you'll probably need a plasma cutter in the $2000 range.
-Be realistic--do you really cut metal thicker than 3/8 very often? The temptation is to buy the biggest, baddest cutter on the market, but unless you frequently cut thick metal…why spend the extra money?
-plasma cutters are purely for cutting. If you need to heat and bend metal, you'll be using your old faithful acetylene torch. In fact, you may be surprised how little you use the cutter, and how often you continue to use the torch. Especially if you're working on dimensional tubing where it's difficult to consistently hold the cutter's tip at the necessary 90-degree angle to the work surface.
-Plasma cutters require "consumables." Tips and electrodes burn down/wear out with use. Most plasma cutters come with a few extra consumables as part of their purchase price, but users will want to have extras on hand. There is a learning curve to setting up, adjusting and using a plasma cutter. Be prepared to replace consumables.
-Don't be shy to replace consumables. A cutter may continue to slice metal, but if the cutting speed is slowing down, or the edge of the cut is getting ragged, the electrode may be burned back inside the tip. The surface of the tip should be relatively flat. If it's concave, it will degrade cutting speed and quality.
Plasma cutters are sweet machines, but they aren't the solution to every metal working problem. Most metal workers will still find plenty of use for their chop saw and acetylene torch. Do I want a plasma cutter in my personal shop? Definitely. Do I have one? Not yet. Patience, and my torch, still get the work done, until I save a few more pennies.
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