[CMQuickcoupe]

Any one on here had experiance with the smaller plasma cutters such as the hobart that has its own built in air compressor and can be run off your houshold electric,they say they will cut up to 1/4" but I just want it to do sheet metal work and thinner frame rail work,what do you guys think,Thanks

[rixls6]

I have a Miller plasma cutter with it's own compressor. It works great for sheetmetal and floor braces that I used it on.
It makes a nice clean thin cut as straight as I can hold my hand as I drag the tip along.

[CMQuickcoupe]

does it cut pretty continous like to take out floor pans and such,is yours one you can plug into 110v home electric.

[BelAirBob]

Get one that needs an external compressor. The ones with inboard do not do a great job of cutting. I have a Hobart 250 Airforce 110V with internal compressor, and have not been impressed with its abilities. Constantly needing to stop for the compressor to catch up. Go with a conventional plasma cutter. You will be glad you did.

[CMQuickcoupe]

Bob,how long will it cut before you stop,I am in the process of getting a new welder and some of the other tools needed for this kind of work and trying to do it in my 2 car garage with 2 cars in it,I dont have the extra cash for a new compressor like I want thats why I was looking at a plasma like this.I will eventually get a big compressor after I get my shop built eventually but not sure when that will be so I was looking for a cheaper route to remove some metal with my space and budget limitations right now without just using a sawsal.

[Oldrocker]

Originally Posted by BelAirBob

Get one that needs an external compressor. The ones with inboard do not do a great job of cutting. I have a Hobart 250 Airforce 110V with internal compressor, and have not been impressed with its abilities. Constantly needing to stop for the compressor to catch up. Go with a conventional plasma cutter. You will be glad you did.

Ditto on that. If you want to make continuous cuts the Hobart 250 Air force isn't what you're looking for.

[Oldrocker]

Originally Posted by CMQuickcoupe

Bob,how long will it cut before you stop,I am in the process of getting a new welder and some of the other tools needed for this kind of work and trying to do it in my 2 car garage with 2 cars in it,I dont have the extra cash for a new compressor like I want thats why I was looking at a plasma like this.I will eventually get a big compressor after I get my shop built eventually but not sure when that will be so I was looking for a cheaper route to remove some metal with my space and budget limitations right now without just using a sawsal.

I know this question wasn't aimed at me but I will give my point of view. You'll be so aggravated with the constant stopping that you will think about using the sawsall. I will have to say I've not used mine on sheet metal but thicker steel like 1/8in, so you may get better results with sheet metal.

[BelAirBob]

Originally Posted by CMQuickcoupe

Bob,how long will it cut before you stop,I am in the process of getting a new welder and some of the other tools needed for this kind of work and trying to do it in my 2 car garage with 2 cars in it,I dont have the extra cash for a new compressor like I want thats why I was looking at a plasma like this.I will eventually get a big compressor after I get my shop built eventually but not sure when that will be so I was looking for a cheaper route to remove some metal with my space and budget limitations right now without just using a sawsal.

Through 18-20 gauge sheetmetal, maybe a 3 inch cut before you need to stop. Its no fun. Wanna buy one cheap?

[CMQuickcoupe]

I may halve to rethink it alittle bit,figured it would work better than that but doesnt sound like it,tired of all the noise with my sawsal allready but might half to keep going with it and save up some more money for the right cutter and compressor.Thanks for the info fellas

Bob,I was looking at your site and am going to need to put new quarters tail panel rear filler and who knows what else on this car after I get my new 4 link welded in,how well do your pieces fit and how hard do you think it will be to fit these panels on a car that is completelly cut out in the back,you come highly recommended from members of this site to get the pieces from but I am just curious and dont have much experience in body work.Thanks

[wagonman]

Originally Posted by BelAirBob

Get one that needs an external compressor. The ones with inboard do not do a great job of cutting. I have a Hobart 250 Airforce 110V with internal compressor, and have not been impressed with its abilities. Constantly needing to stop for the compressor to catch up. Go with a conventional plasma cutter. You will be glad you did.

he is correct!

do you have your own compressor?

use it....

i reccomend a hypertherm,hobart or miller..

if you have the service to run a 220v unit do so......it will draw less amperage and you will less likely trip a breaker.especially if the compressor is running on the same circuit.

but only you know your situation.....your money,your house service etc.....

[CMQuickcoupe]

Also Bob,what is a reasonably priced plasma you would recommened for this type of work without breaking the bank,got more car parts to buyThanks again

[CMQuickcoupe]

wagonman,

I do not have a compressor yet but will have to get one if thats the best way to go cause 3" at a time is no good for me.I do have 220v in my garage I was planning on running my mig off of so that wont be a problem.I am fixin to order my licoln mig and then will have to get some more cash for a better plasma and compressor,just got my new 4 link frame and suspension in last week so money is goin out faster than it is comin in right now but it wont take long to make some more,Thanks for the reply.

[BelAirBob]

Originally Posted by CMQuickcoupe

Also Bob,what is a reasonably priced plasma you would recommened for this type of work without breaking the bank,got more car parts to buyThanks again

Hobart is fine, but look for the units that do not say "no compressor needed". A 250 should be sufficient power,its the internal compressor-thats the problem. Even an inexpensive 5HP sears unit will do the job for a plasma cutter.

Here is a 400 amp model that needs a compressor. This will tackle all you need.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009LI4S
As for our panels, we are GoodMark/Golden Legion/GoldenStar/Dynacorn distributors. About 90% of all first gen sheetmetal is made by Legion,and re-boxed under the various brand names. The fit and quality is the best on the market. What you will also find is that we do not "pencil-whip" folks on shipping like alot of vendors.

[Ron's68cam]

You can buy a Hypertherm Powermax 30 115/230 volt, comes with adapter for 115 and 230volt and also twist lock for generator. Cuts 1/4" on 115v & 3/8" on 230v works great for $1159.00, but need a compressor, it only needs 60 psi. of air.

[Lost in the 60's]

Originally Posted by BelAirBob

Through 18-20 gauge sheetmetal, maybe a 3 inch cut before you need to stop. Its no fun. Wanna buy one cheap?

Couldn't you remove the internal compressor and plumb it to accept a 3/8 coupler and use an external compressor ??