Author	[Modern View]
Lanse 12-03-2012 09:24:09 209.251.8.126 Report to Moderator	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 :) Audio/Video clip:video1 [Reply]   [No Email]
NCWayne 12-03-2012 21:48:26 69.40.232.132 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to Lanse, 12-03-2012 09:24:09   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. [Reply]  [No Email]
Stick welding 12-03-2012 22:06:13 96.53.210.246 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to NCWayne, 12-03-2012 21:48:26   "I've had more than my share of hot balls get into my boots". No comment. LoL [Reply]  [No Email]
NCWayne 12-03-2012 22:11:24 69.40.232.132 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to Stick welding, 12-03-2012 22:06:13   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 [Reply]  [No Email]
Stick welding 12-03-2012 21:12:31 96.53.210.246 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to Lanse, 12-03-2012 09:24:09   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. [Reply]  [No Email]
Puddles 12-04-2012 02:37:56 24.113.77.208 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to Stick welding, 12-03-2012 21:12:31   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see Seem as I remember reading or hearing that Longevity loaned Lanse that plasma so he would do some videos about it. Personally I feel, unless you're doing a lot of sheet metal, aluminum, stainless steel work a plasma is nothing but a novelty act / the cool thing to have. And they will never pay for them selves. Before anybody gets their undies in bunch, I own one too. :lol: [Reply]  [No Email]
Ken Macfarlane 12-04-2012 08:22:22 207.231.231.11 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to Puddles, 12-04-2012 02:37:56   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. [Reply]  [No Email]
Bud in WV 12-03-2012 15:07:24 173.80.76.241 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to Lanse, 12-03-2012 09:24:09   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... [Reply]  [No Email]
Puddles 12-03-2012 13:15:34 24.113.77.208 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to Lanse, 12-03-2012 09:24:09   How long until a spark goes down her boots? :shock: [Reply]  [No Email]
Uncle Ernie 12-03-2012 13:11:23 64.38.158.247 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to Lanse, 12-03-2012 09:24:09   BTW Heather did a great job for a first timer! Way to go !! [Reply]  [No Email]
gtractorfan 12-03-2012 12:30:29 71.66.229.3 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to Lanse, 12-03-2012 09:24:09   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. [Reply]  [No Email]
Stick welding 12-03-2012 21:08:46 96.53.210.246 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to gtractorfan, 12-03-2012 12:30:29   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. [Reply]  [No Email]
Uncle Ernie 12-03-2012 13:02:03 64.38.158.247 Report to Moderator	Re: Girls can plasma cut, too... (Video) in reply to gtractorfan, 12-03-2012 12:30:29   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! [Reply]  [No Email]