plasma vs oxy acetylene

[motoridr09]

I'm wanting to get one of these so I don't have to cut everything with my angle grinder. If i'm primarily going to be just cutting 1/4" plate which one would you guys go with?

[Big T]

If you're just going to be cutting I would say the plasma but the torch can be used for heating, bending and reshaping metal and the plasma is strictly for cutting. It is much easier to get a clean cut with a plasma and guide but with a little practice you can do pretty well with a torch. jm2cw

[Rodcrafter]

Yep what he said!

[mp4]

My vote is plasma...I've had a torch for 20 years and recently discovered plasma. If I have any precision cutting to do I call a buddy of mine that has a plasma.

[Puff]

The feeling of the cutting discs overwhelms me each time I have a big project to cut and I have ordered and not clicked on the order for plasma at least 6 times. Big T and RC mention heating and shaping metal. I've needed both and the mapp gas only goes so far with simpler bends but will bend up to 1/2" rod with a lot of patience.

My vote : plasma

[Jeffroadams]

I bought a hypertherm power max 30 back in January and wish I would have done it years ago. I'm pretty good with a torch but the plasma is quicker, cooler, and less distortion.

Don't know your budget, but the hypertherm is a nice unit.

[motoridr09]

Ive really been looking at the hypertherm 30 air with the built in air compressor since I dont have a big compressor at my house. I just cant decide if its worth the huge price jump between it and the torch set up.

[Big T]

If it's not really in your budget to get a nice plasma there's nothing wrong with a good torch. I have been using torches for years and just recently got a plasma. I'll admit that the plasma is super nice but I still haven't put the torch in storage.

[Rodcrafter]

I agree with Big T again. I use my torch 75% of the time. If you have one you will use it more than you think. I would never recommend buying a cheap tool.

[motoridr09]

I know its been a while but i finally sold my first smoker and used part of that money and bought a hypertherm 30 xp. I have access to a torch but i think its still on my purchase list if i keep making smokers

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[Big T]

Awesome

[Rodcrafter]