Re:Plasma - HomeBrew

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, bobmcknight@c... wrote:

> You All
>
> Has anybody done a DIY Plasma Cutter? I have lots of welding
> transformers. It seems that the cost of a plasma cutter is in the
> torch. I have no problem spending my money for a good torch
> BUT, I would rather spend on a real good torch, rather than a mediocre
> compressor, power supply, and torch. Also there appear to be some
> real differences in the plasma starting systems that one should
> undrstand before moving in any direction. While I have all the
> software/hardware, and steel to build a gantry, I would like to know
> if it is within my capability to assemble a Plasma cutter. The CNC
> gantry would have other tools that it would move about.
>
> bob mcknight

I have seen references to a home brew plasma cutter

The group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/plasmacutting
has a homebrew file that has a couple videos and a cocttail
napkin/pencil schematic.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Welding_Projects/
also has some files that deal with home brew stuff.

I think the files in both groups as well as the CNC-manual plasma
group has listings for suppliers of different hand torches.

What I have noticed is that the knock-off's have a laminar airstream
while the Newer ones have a swirl air pattern. HyperTherm is the one
that shows how the swirl is supposted to tighten the plasma for a fine
cut.

I would be very interested in your findings.

Dave