Torch vs. Plasma Cutter?

85TrailRunner

85TrailRunner

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I'm in need of a metal cutting tool & was looking at the cost of a torch setup against a plasma cutter. Looking at NorthernTool's prices they got two plasma cutters that are in my price range & look to be able to cut the thickness of metal that I mainly work with. I figured a torch setup would be less expensive but by the time you buy a #3 oxygen cylinder, #3 acetylene cylinder, a torch handle kit with tips, then pay to fill the cylinder you're looking at around $650. For an additional $50 NorthernTool has a plasma cutter under their brand & for $800 Hobart has a plasma cutter with build in air compressor.

I'm not a pro & wouldn't be using it daily so it'll be for home/rec. use for weekend projects. What advantages does a torch setup have over a plasma cutter?
 
I faced the same dilemma, went plaz- and havent looked back. Just be sure that you can feed it plenty of clean dry air. A built in comp could solve that issue. Rarely have I needed to bend/heat something with a torch that I couldnt do with a MAPP gas setup for $20.
Another thing to consider is the inherit danger of a torch vs plaz. Acetylene is a motherf'kr if things go bad. I just like the fact that I can unplug a plaz and leave the shop and know that its 100% safe. You could argue the fact with a torch, but its still a bomb waiting to go off. The only way to make it 100% safe is to take off the regulators and put the caps back on, and realistically who is going to do that? Plus you have to transport/refill tanks and that BLOWS (effort and cost-wise). Then you are constantly setting the flows and relighting etc. Just spend some time with a plaz and youll understand that theres really NO decision to be made here. 100% plasma.
 
if you just plan to cut stuff.. go PLasma.

but if you have had a need to heat metal and then cut metal go with torch..

but for me I would get a plasma over a torch in a heartbeat. Trust me you will love having it when you need to cut something.

but remember if you get a plasma you need a compressor with CLEAN air.. so you need to have air filters on it, water separator also.. so plasma plus extras can get pricey compared to a torch setup/
 
I have a torch so I never have been able to justify the expense of buying a plasma.
 
Another question I just thought about.....does the plasma cutter provide a cleaner cut than a torch? Any grinding/cleanup like a torch cut?
 
I have a torch and I'm pretty good using it. I can cut a very clean line and have seens worse cuts by a plasma.

If the torch runs out of gas on the weekend you are in trouble. Plasma doesn't run out.

Definately go for the Hobart with build in compressor.
 
GubNi said:
I have a torch and I'm pretty good using it. I can cut a very clean line and have seens worse cuts by a plasma.
If the torch runs out of gas on the weekend you are in trouble. Plasma doesn't run out.
Definately go for the Hobart with build in compressor.
Click to expand...

Case in point, I just ran out of Mig gas right in the middle of a project this afternoon. That brings the suck.

Yes, old school and steady hand folks are amazing to watch run a torch. I need a fence with my plaz, but it looks c-l-e-a-n. my torch work s-u-c-k-s.
 
I can cut with the torch fairly straight and really clean when I need to, even better than most hand plasmas, but I've been doing it for 12 years. I don't mind grinding a little to knock off a little slag. If I was a beginner, it would suck grinding off all the slag.

If you are going to just cut, get the plasma. If you'll need to heat something up, grab the torch. Remember, you can also weld with the torch. Also, with the right tip (cheap), you can pretty much cut like 2" thick metal. A plasma that will do that is WAY expensive.

My guess an $800 plasma/compressor unit is rated for about 1/4" steel. If you'll be regularly cutting metal thicker, get a larger plasma or pick up the torch.

My thoughts, a torch is a general shop must-have and a plasma is a nice "want"
 
I don't recall ever "needing" a torch, anything larger than a MAPP or propane anyway.

The Plasma has only made me want a larger air compressor and a heavier electrical connection ( mine is dual volt and is currently running 115vac), it works for everything I've wanted, I just have to be patient on 1/4" thick material and go slow.

and yes, I have the plasma and the compressor on seprate legs so it some what balances power useage.
 
tknopp said:
I have both. I use the plasma 95% of the time.
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x2 even downsized my torch set to the small portable set and I'm still on the same tanks with those for over a year. (and the 10/20 tanks are easily carried around if needed)
 
rockcity said:
Also, with the right tip (cheap), you can pretty much cut like 2" thick metal. A plasma that will do that is WAY expensive.
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My plasma is rated at cutting .5" all day every day with a maximum of about 1.25" or so. It was fairly expensive but the very first time I used it I was cutting 1" steel with it. Oh yes, it was worth it. Clean cuts, almost no slag, even at 1". It does take A LOT of CLEAN, DRY air but it's worth it in the long run since everything else you have that runs on air will benefit if you set it up right. Just like a welder, go a little bigger than you think you will need.
 
I have neither at the moment, but have used both extensively during my 16 year welding career.

Plasma is great for cutting sheet metal. It can be used for some thicker stuff if it's got enough power behind it.

But it cant cut through 1" or thicker stuff very well.

It certainly can't weld up a mistake you made while cutting with it, but a torch set can do that! Torch is good for brazing too.

Acetylene is safe enough if you don't turn the regulator any higher than 15psi. Above that pressure, an explosion could take place.

Also worth noting, acetylene cylinders are filled with carbide & acetone to keep this volatile gas stable.

These cylinders must be kept in the upright position, to keep the acetone from eating through the tank valve's shutoff gasket/seal.

Laying one on it's side can cause leakage & this is why it's so dangerous.
 
rockcity said:
My thoughts, a torch is a general shop must-have and a plasma is a nice "want"
Click to expand...

Yeah, I tend to agree. I think that might be because I learned on an O/A torch set but I'll admit to the bias... With a clean tip and good flow a torch can cut pretty darn clean. I don't have a lot of experience with the plazz to be fair but I don't feel the need to replace the torch...
 
You can always go with oxygen/ propane , requires a special tip ,but you can cut up to 2 inch material. Only drawback , not hot enough to braze. oxygen $30 propane $ 20 if you have the tanks,tip $20 , Plus your hoses/regulator. works Great for me
 
Well .... Have to go with plasma after using it so much at the shop. Wonders, no mess, straight cuts. But I guess it did help we got a Pakmaster for about 1/5 the asking price.
 
Look at it like this, they are both similar tools. Just like a claw hammer and a ball peen hammer. Both are good at what they are designed for. Both will do each others jobs, but might not perform as well. You can get by with one or the other in your tool box, but it is nice to have both.

I myself have a set of the "Kangaroo" or portable torches. They are great for small jobs and very versatile. Though for bigger projects requiring a lot of cutting, they will suck the little bottles dry quickly. I keep a spare set of bottles on hand for back ups. But I would like to pick up a large set for larger in shop work. And while not at the top of my list, a Plasma Torch would be nice. Especially with one of these: Torchmate CNC

Using a torch is a skill. And someone who is skilled can duplicate cut that are on par with a plasma.
 
Save up more and get a larger plasma. I have rented the plasma you are talking about and it wont cut 1/4 inch and barely 3/16 which is almost all a fabricator cuts. I Bought the new Hypertherm powermax 30 and never regreted. It retails for around 900 and some change. It is rated for 3/8 so it will cut 1/4 at an alright pace. Dont get one with a built in compresser unless you are just cutting sheet metal and 1/8inch. Trust me you will regret it. I would advise renting a plasma cutter for a weekend. It is only like 40 bucks and givess you a great idea what it is like. Just make sure it is rated for 3/8. My grandfather have a torch setup and I have no idea how he works with it. It is not easy cutting a striaght line and you cant really use it on your vehical unless you want it in flames. It also heats uo a larger area and leave a cut you have to grind smooth ( might as well use a cut off wheel on a angle grinder). Plasma is the way to go. Faster, smoother, more persise, and almost no clean up.
 
Even though right now you cant think of an instance you arn't going to heat things, If you got the torch setup you will have more versatility. I got teh small torch setup with 2 tanks of each gas. I am going to get a plasma at some time because the torch does warp sheetmetal, but for every other type of metal it does a great job. Yes you have the gas as consumables. But for versality the torch is an excellent investment.
 
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