[LeeWay]

I realize this is a really ignorant question. I have actually done many searches trying to find an answer. I have owned several different types of welders. I used to own a wire feed welder that could weld aluminum using different wire and (argon?) gas. I never actually used it for anything but steel.
Do I need a gas other than compressed air to plasma cut aluminum?
My router does pretty well cutting thin aluminum, but I was just curious. Also if there are other gases needed to cut other metals, where would I find something that tells me what gas for what metal?
I like some of the things (artwork) I've seen made from copper. I guess they are flame kissed afterward with an OA or OP torch to get the coloring.

[Mike@Torchmate]

You can cut aluminum, copper, bronze, and brass as well with plasma.

Some people will use a gas mixture with aluminum instead of just compressed air to get a better cut quality as aluminum can have a pretty bad cut quality if not done properly.

[LeeWay]

Thanks, Mike.
I thought that was the case, but never saw it nailed up to read anywhere.

[millman52]

I have heard of inert gasses (nitrogen maybe) mentioned. But I think the topic for the discussion was about keeping moisture & oil away from plasma.