Plasma torch....oh, how I love thee!

I'd been after a plasma torch for quite some time, and said I would always buy one if the price was right. Well, I lucked into a like-new Northern Tool 40amp machine sometime last year for cheap and pulled the trigger. I played around with it a bit when I bought it, but its mainly sat on a shelf in my shop collecting dust. I've had several times when I could have used it, but had to use oxy/acetylene because of portability issues.

I finally had a chance to break it back out this week, and I remembered why I bought the thing in the first place. I'm building a Ford 8.8 rearend for a '94 Jeep, and it involves cutting off all the spring/shock perches and track bar mounts, then rewelding them back in the proper location for the Jeep. The first couple of 8.8's I built was before the plasma torch, so I used a cut off wheel on a 4.5" grinder. Now, the cuts with the grinder aren't bad, but simply don't compare with the plasma. Its unreal how fast (and clean) this kind of work can be done with a plasma torch. I could literally cut off a spring perch in less time than it took to set the machine up! It took me less time to cut off all the mounts with the plasma than it did to cut off one perch with the grinder.

How did I ever survive without plasma in my life??

My Hypertherm Plasma Cutter is as important as my welder...one of the best investments I've made.

I have a miller. Love it! Last time I really used it for a larger project was replacing the old floorboards in a VW. Just cut the the whole inner section out, ran along the edge with an air hammer. Took like 10 minutes a side.

They sure do make you spoiled.....Torch has more uses, but damn is it easy to cut steel.

This was 5/8 with my Hobart 725...

Love my Hypertherm 65, great machine and I got a steal of a deal on it cause the auction ended at like 3AM.

agreed, after getting my hypertherm I cant figure how I managed without it

I have access to one at work, but sadly do not have one at home. I know what I am missing, that adds insult to injury. Ignorance truly is bliss.

I know a torch is more versatile, but having the plasma is sooooo much easier. Its just "plug and play", no preheating or trying to find a striker. Now, I know it will never replace my torch sets, but I can't imagine going without one!

I have a brand new ESAB 875 that has never been used if anyone is interested. It's a big heavy ******* and will cut 7/8", dual phase, still has the leads and cables zip tied from the factory...it's been plugged in and trigger was pulled to make sure it works, but we have never cut anything with it. Was going to use it with a CNC table but never got the table.

gawd, I wish I was closer to Texas... imagine the shipping to Ontario Canada...

still... whatcha asking for it?