BCM Community

Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: happycamperbrat on June 27, 2012, 10:46:11 AM

Title: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: happycamperbrat on June 27, 2012, 10:46:11 AM
If so, which cutter do you use and how is it working for you?

Thank you!
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: luvrbus on June 27, 2012, 11:06:35 AM
Some like the Miller 125c has it's own air compressor might be better off checking on that type all need clean air  

I have a filter at the compressor for mine and 1 dedicated air hose I use for nothing else only for the plasma cutter

For the brand I use a Thermal/Dynamic a little pricey but a very good unit the small 110/220 unit I believe start at around a 1000 bucks mine is a bigger unit I can cut 1in plus steel a capacity I doubt you would ever use

good luck
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: happycamperbrat on June 27, 2012, 02:26:44 PM
Thanks Cliff!! Yes I would like capabilities to cut up to about 1/2" Though I dont think I would ever actually have to go that thick. Ive been reading that I should figure out what thickness I will be cutting at most and what I can afford, then go for the one that is just a bit higher. Ive also read that Miller or hypotherm are the ones to get, with the rest you go thru consumables so fast that it doesnt take long for the price to catch up. And like most chinese junk, it's hard to get parts/service on the other brands. But I was hoping to put my money into a better plasma cutter rather then air system. With the ones that have air system included, the price goes way up! And the air compressors I have been looking at to buy for a good plasma cutter are pricey too!! I was just hoping that I could buy a better plasma cutter and use my bus air, but I dont know the cfm of the bus air compressor?
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: luvrbus on June 27, 2012, 03:20:14 PM
I think your RTS has a Bendix tu-flo 750 compressor and that will be 16.5 cfm at 1250 rpm probably 12 cfm at 600 rpm more than enough for a plasma 

good luck
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: dickegler on June 27, 2012, 04:21:59 PM
In a pinch, I have used a carbon dioxide bottle to sub for a compressed air source.

dick egler
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: happycamperbrat on June 27, 2012, 04:27:03 PM
YIPEE!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you  ;D
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: belfert on June 27, 2012, 04:43:09 PM
A bus is an expensive way to generate air if you cause yourself engine problems by idling for long periods on a two stroke.
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: happycamperbrat on June 27, 2012, 05:26:13 PM
 :P Kill joy lol
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: bobofthenorth on June 27, 2012, 06:03:25 PM
Unless you're planning on setting up a fab shop I think you'll be OK Theresa.
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: happycamperbrat on June 27, 2012, 06:38:50 PM
me? fab shop? BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi495.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Frr315%2Fhappycamperbrat%2Fbirthday%2Flaugh.jpg&hash=b2fd6647a2963af9c7737d7cf6dd2a240b8a35f2)
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: Chopper Scott on June 27, 2012, 07:31:17 PM
Stay away from the Miller units. Even my Miller distributor pushes Hypertherms instead. You have to have a clean air source with oil and water filters or you will use up consumables like crazy.
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: babell2 on June 28, 2012, 03:37:52 PM
I jumped at this combo.  http://www.eastwood.com/ew-tig200-versa-cut-kit.html (http://www.eastwood.com/ew-tig200-versa-cut-kit.html)  I haven't had much of a chance to use it yet but hope it will be handy working on the bus.
Title: Re: Does anyone use a plasma cutter with their bus air system?
Post by: Charles in SC on June 28, 2012, 06:04:43 PM
I have an Esab which was the most bang for the buck when I bought it about 10 years ago. I use it with a 10 gallon 110 volt compressor which works fine as long as you keep the air good and dry.