Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video)

[Lanse]

True story! lol.

So, my "sister" Heather and I decided to weld up some christmas presents this year and I gave her a crash course with the plasma...

We got it fired up and once I got the air hooked to it, she was off.

It was really fun, and the worst part was that after a few minutes of practice, she cut a straighter freehand line than some of the guys back at my high school :/

Anyway, she'll have her first build video coming up here in about a week or so.

Enjoy the video everyone, and have a nice week. Today is the beginning of my second week at the Hobart school, I'm loving it so far. Okay, thats a lie, we're learning blueprints and math which I dont really enjoy, but I know its important so Im staying awake and counting the days until we start playing with the machines. Which hopefully starts tomorrow. Hope everyones doing well
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[gtractorfan]

Looks like a handy gadget. Thought she might cut into the table. What's the advantage of a plasma cutter over a cutting torch? Cutting a plate like she practiced on I've used a hand grinder with abrasive wheel to make a groove, then break it over an edge.
 

[Uncle Ernie]

They use electricity and compressed air as opposed to bottled gas and oxygen.Instant ignition and extiguishing, Heated area is just at the point of the cut so surrounding material stays relativly cool reducing warpage. A very slick tool! Made the mistake of using a plasma AND an auto darkening hood on a job. Never could go back to the old ways! They are both a couple of quantum advances in metal working!
 

[Uncle Ernie]

BTW Heather did a great job for a first timer! Way to go !!
 

[Puddles]

How long until a spark goes down her boots?
 

[Bud in WV]

Me 'n Puddles are thinking the same thing! Those rubber boots are gonna be spark & slag funnels!

"Sister" or not, that happens she may wind up as an "only child" after she beats you to death for not warning her....

Trust me - female critters think that way. It's *your* fault they didn't think of it...
 

[Stick welding]

A plasma torch will rid of your money a lot faster. Plasma torches are good for any type of metal and excellent for sheet metal. For just general steel cutting around the farm or hobby shop, they are a lot of money. On 3/16" and thicker steel I prefer a standard cutting torch over a plasma torch. Plasma torches go through a lot more consumables than a cutting torch and you need to use an air compressor with them. If you get moisture in your air will really go through consumables.
 

[Stick welding]

Lanse, you should mark a line for her to follow and get her to go side to side instead of pulling toward herself. How come you got another plasma torch, did something happen to the Hypertherm 45? Also holding the arc away from the plate will wear out consumables faster.
 

[NCWayne]

Hey Lanse, I too noticed the rubber boots. Like others have said that's an accident waiting to happen. I've had more than my share of hot balls get into my boots over the years and I can say with 110% certainty, it's NO FUN and IT HURTS LIKE HE!!....at least the rubber, slip ons would be quick and easy to get off easier than a pair of leather, lace up, work boots........

That said, I know different mfgs have different torch designs, and parts available, and it may not be available for yours, but have you looked into a drag tip for your plasma torch? This would allow you to keep the torch in contact with the material being cut, instead of trying to hold it steady above it, and give you a cleaner cut as a result. If there isn't a drag tip available they also make attachments that will serve the same purpose. I think the one we had for Dad's plasma came in the kit with the circle cutter, but I imagine they can ge purchased seperately, or home made, if you were so inclined. Another good thing about either the drap tip, or the attachment is that they will allow you to use another piece of metal, etc as a guide when cutting straight lines so you don't have to concentrate on keeping the torch height correct and doing it free hand.
 

[Stick welding]

"I've had more than my share of hot balls get into my boots".

No comment. LoL
 

[NCWayne]

Yeah, probably could have said that better....LOL....Bad thing is it's not the hot balls in the boots that are the worst, it's the hot balls getting in around the 'fuzzy ones' that really make you dance....LOL
 

[Puddles]

[Ken Macfarlane]

I agree except on a low cap unit sheet metal work is economical,
and working on rusted out cars you set a lot less stuff on fire vs
torches, and you can cut curves and corners that a zip disc won't.
I've got one too, my biggest complaint about it is the noise, what a
racket.