So a combination of good timing on my part and luck on others, I'm now half owner of that plasma cutter that was on sale yesterday. this Eastwood
Neither of us knows anything about plasma cutters or using them, just that they would in theory make our lives much easier. Like with that smoker I just built.
So what do we need to know? Consumables, materials? Are there things it won't cut(or will but shouldn't)?
Also, how picky are they about the air supply?
I believe my 4 gallon is capable of the 5-7 cFM at 60psi it calls for, but it's only 4 gallons. My buddy has a 30 gallon, but by th cfm calculator, the motor is only capable of 2.5cfm at 100psi.
Are we going to need a new compressor too?
I doubt the 4 gallon compressor will be sufficient for long. the 30 will likely work as 2.5@100psi is likely more cfm @60. also the 30G tank will be a much better buffer to the cutter as you wont be cutting continuously (duty cycle)
I found a key to good performance is an air dryer between the compressor and the machine. I'm just talking about the ones you can buy at Harbor Tools for around $50 IIRC that use pellets as the desiccant. It makes a tremendous improvement. I was advised to attach mine to the machine instead of the air compressor - which I did. Without dry air you can still cut but not nearly as cleanly. Before I installed the dryer, I thought most of my cuts resembled an acetylene torch.
Also, get a set of torch glasses. That's all you need. Even though it would seem like we're dealing with electric arcs, which we kind of are, there is no need whatsoever to use a welding helmet -- like I initially thought.
