Cnc plasma or flame profiler

[Marshall92]

I am after a bit of advise on whether to buy a cnc plasma or a flame profiler. I will be primarily cutting 10mm, 15mm and 20mm plate some hardox. Anyone own either cutting machines and could offer some advise? that would be great.

Thanks in advance

 

[the-mad-welder]

Plasma. More versatile than the gas. 100+ amps and you'll be good to go up to about 25mm mild steel.

 

[Marshall92]

Thanks for that do you know of any decent cnc tables? The cheapo ones on eBay look ok but not sure on accuracy for bolt holes etc.

 

[the-mad-welder]

Mines a SwiftCut. Tis about 7 years old now and not been a lot of bother really. A few niggly things to begin with which were sorted under warranty but it generally behaves itself as long as its maintained.

 

[Marshall92]

I have seen a few swiftcut for sale locally one has a 200amp plasma with it. Does hardox cut ok and not chewy? Bolt holes not to tapered?

 

[the-mad-welder]

I have seen a few swiftcut for sale locally one has a 200amp plasma with it. Does hardox cut ok and not chewy? Bolt holes not to tapered?

I've never cut Hardox with mine so can't comment on that. I think the general rule with holes is that the diameter needs to be at least twice as big as the metal is thick to get something like a decent hole. I have been known to plasma the hole to get the position and then run a punch through it to true it up.