I'm looking to build a dedicated tube cutting machine however the dilema is plasma versus laser cutting. I really like the idea of plasma and it is much more affordable, therefore I want to figure out how to make it work. Right now we plasma cut some small holes by hand and it results in a lot of stuff inside the tube. I know this is totally different than a programmed feedrate cut on a machine. I'm hoping the machine will help overcome this problem some. My worry is that because of the large kerf in plasma cutting there is a lot of molten metal and it has to go somewhere. Problem is right now when done by hand it goes onto the other side of the tube and is impossible to remove short of sanding it out. This is not acceptable to us though.
I will be cutting 304 stainless mostly and it will range from 18 gauge to 11 gauge or so, roughly schedule 40. Most cuts will be in 16 gauge. Is there anyone out there that does this everyday. Oh yea, diameter is 1.625" up to 3.0". Can I do this with a powermax 45? Anybody capable of cutting samples for me to see the inside of the tube?
Thanks,
AJ