heres the story guys,, i got my self a delema with cutting large metals.. i dont know what kind of machine to use... i was told about a Plasma cutter that works really well with any large metal.. im basically cutting a whole front end with frame of a 95 accord... the Plasma cutter..(which i have no idea what make a model) would be my best options but im doing this project at a home garage... the plugs on plasma does not work with any plugs i have... i need some thing that would be give me the same result cuts but workable with any home plugs.. i called around and was given other options... a saw saw which is too noisy and would take too long... or a i believe a dynmaic cut master 38 which i have no idea what my local welding shop recommend.. its portable works with any plug.. my issue is i need some thing that would cut through three quarters inch of metal.. any recommendations with which model would be best and cost of equipment????????? anything would really help guys.. thanks!!


Modified by chinoty at 9:41 PM 9/3/2005

 

There is no portion of a 95 honda body that is 3/4" thick. A plasma cutter will only cut panels that are sandwiched together and will not do a good job at all trying to cut through box sections. (I assume that is where your coming up with the 3/4" figure) I suggest you give it to someone that knows what there doing. A sawsall would do an reallhy good job and be the cheapest to purchase by far and since you seem to have little to no experience you would probably do the least amount of damage with it.

 

you said you're cutting it off, but why?

an oxygen-acetylene torch would likely make short work of the cutting, but it tends to make a "messy" cut.

a sawzall would be alot of work, but it could make the cuts, and with relative precision.

 

heh, sawsall will make precision cuts.. so long as they are straight cuts, or circles more than 12" in diameter..
man, cuttings torches will chew anything in half, but its actually like they melt it in half, and then you are left with some nasty ends that will never get back together without some filler..

and what power does a plasma cutter use? is it 220? if its 220, you CAN use it, but only if you want to unhook your oven/dryer most homes only have 2 stage power, not 3..

 

its a 220 chicken feet plug which i have no access to in this new homes.. well seems like a saw saw would work better huh.. anynoe has experiences with a cut master 38??? any pros or cons???

 

I am assuming your talking about a thermal dynamics machine. I have no experience with that model but I do own a pak25 which I have had for years and it has been trouble free. The thermal machines also have a great tip design that allows you to follow a template with ease. This is something that many machines don't address and I find of greatest importance. I can make patterns using 1/8 thick masonite and they work well. The thermal 38 will run on 115 or 220 but the output will be less when on 115. I have been doing cars since the late 70's and still find a cutting torch and sawzall to be the best for most of the prep work on a car. The plamsa cutters do not like any type of undercoating or seam sealers even paint can sometimes be a problem. A good bimetal 18tpi blade in a sawzall will do wonders and there are no fire hazards and smoke. I prefer the std milwaukee and not the longer stroke super sawzall. The shorter stroke has less kickback and the std saw has a better foot design for visibility and best of all it's cheaper.
good luck

 

i guess its a sawzalll for good.. i've got a hold of local machine rental for that dynamic thermal cutmaster 38 and i was going to rent that sucker for 75 bucks for a week.. the reason why im debating about the two is that the neighbors are horrible... they basically complain about loud music and im afraid the sawzall will be extremely loud. but i guess that s settles its... thanks for the out put guys...

 

I cut the front half off of a car i did in about 5 min. with a sawzall.

 

Check your local city codes office for noise ordinances. Most only give noise limits after a certain time of night...usually about 9-11pm. Some will differentiate construction noise or other noise from music, since msic noise can be avoided. If that's the case, use the codes in your favor to get revenge on the neighbors.

Just keep an extra fender or two lying around. Anytime they complain about the music, go out and spend about an hour cutting thin strips off the fender. Make sure and let it chatter a lot so it makes more noise.