[Cyclone]

I have searched the internet to no avail. Perhaps a member can shed some light on this matter.
Question:
how similar is the technology between a TIG welder and a plasma cutter?
and the big question is:
can a TIG machine be converted to be used as a plasma cutter?

reason: I have a (large and very old) Miller 330A tig machine and I want to experiment using a plasma torch on my CNC machine.
(small garage running out of room) <--- an excuse for; "my wife will kill me if I buy another machine"

Thanks in advance!

[Torchhead]

Typical TIG voltages are in the 20 to 30V range. Plasma cuts at 80 to 150VDC. Both are constant current (meaning you set the current) and the voltage varies with the arc gap. There there is the whole torch issue with the air and blowing the plasma at 30,000 deg through the metal (:-)

There are similiarities in the two but enough differences to make converting similar to converting a old school bus into to a 27 passenger air boat.

TOM CAUDLE
www.CandCNC.com