Yes they need compressed air (clean and dry), nitrogen or argon to operate. That is how they work, restricting the compressed gas through the center tube while sending a negative current to an electrode. When you get a complete circuit the spark actually puts the gas into the "fourth state of matter" or a good ole directed stream of plasma at approx 30,500deg F. They best thing about plasma cutters is that they don't rely on oxidation to cut metal like a ordinary oxy/acet torch so they can cut any electrically conductive metal.

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BTW it is not hard to use, just press the button and go to town. We have a couple Miller spectrum 2050's and they are sweet, we've cut 1" plate with it. The biggest thing I have found is that you need a steady hand to make a nice freehand cut, if you are worried about shaky hands you can get a standoff roller which looks just like training wheels for your torch so you can get the best results if you are cutting out an odd shaped figure.

 

..and about 30 seconds after you cut the metal, you can hold it in your hand.

You can use wood, plastic, or even cloth as a guide rail....


We have three of them at the race shop....Thermal Dynamics. They're awesome!

 

I am I huge fan of plasma cutters, for most things they beat the torch .

 

I bought a thermal dynamic 52 series last fall ,I love it works real good I have cut 1" but it is not a real clean cut ,it is rated for 3/4" paid $1400 with 4 yrs warranty

 

what he says below.....


and no i've never really used one before. i just powered it up and ran with it. i plan on putting a desiccant (sp) moisture seperator (the one with the little beads in the canister) at the input of the cutter to eliminate any moisture that might get in there. i currently don't have a moisture or oil problem at my house. at my friends shop he has a moisture since he disconnected his dryer a while back. but he has filters that take most of it away.

 

Ben ALL air lines have moisture. Get a good dryer on it and you will see a difference.

Oh and bring the plasma next time you come this way...

 

you suck!

 

i know all of them have moisture in them. that is why i said i don't have a moisture problem yet as in when i use air tools there isn't a mist of water being emitted from them.