Can this cut expanded metal effectively, or do the air gaps cause problems?
813367
It should be fine. I've cut metal fencing with much larger gaps. The trick is getting the arc started. Once it's going, it mostly stays going if you keep moving. Expanded metal will cut like butter.
813368
cutting expanded metal is very difficult with any plasma cutter, your best bet is a sawzall with a sharp blade
532874
I drilled quite a few holes into some fairly thick aluminum pieces and had no problem. With some good metal specific drill bits you shouldn't have a problem.
493453
I've been told that there is better heat distribution with the thicker metal. Hope that helps :)
1527930
My husband says he's used them for cutting metal of up to 1 inch in thickness with no trouble. Just be aware that the thicker and wider the material, the more wheels you may have to go through to complete your cut. He said he's gone through 1" thick, 3" wide flat stock with one wheel. Hope this helps. :)
994808
there is some videos on you tube that shows how to cut metal. But be very careful because if you jam it you void the warranty!! Watch what not to do with a vagabond first.
2029453
This will depend on how much cutting you want to do, how thick the piece is and to a lesser degree what kind of metal. I use a 2.5HP single stage compressor and it is a bit overkill for my needs. I make cuts that are less then a foot long and in 1/4 inch or less steel. Your mileage may very.
1725344
I would think so but have not done it. It seems to me that the "action" is the same a scissors or shears. The point is to have an consistent clearance with two sharp edges that is close enough to cut and still allow the material to enter the cutting plane.
713801
I use it with an Eastwood 40 cutter rated 5-7 CFM at 20-60 PSI and it works fine. I haven't cut for lengthy periods(short cuts only,) the compressor runs a lot but it works. Make sure you get an air drier for your air line. This is a great little compressor, but if you're plasma cutting, you're probably doing other things too so I would put the money to a larger 60-80 gallon 10+ cfm compressor which is much better suited for garage tool use. I use this little compressor for everything though (blowing sprinkler lines, small media blasting cabinet etc.) I'm always amazed at what this little thing can do. But it runs constantly and after I burn it out, I will buy a much larger compressor more suitable for tool use.
1223620
This cutter is very sharp and while it might be able to cut that steel, it might be ruined to cut anything else. why not use sheet metal scissors that are made for cutting heavu metals?
1517660
I am sure with practice. never tried it. here is the product description on the web site. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TKRLS0 scroll to the bottom and will indicate the radius of cutting and gages of metal.
998625
As user K. Rocke said, the splitter is designed to be either up (fully extended) or below the table. The action on the particular splitter I got is fairly stiff, so I can imagine only extending it halfway up, but that seems like it could cause a dangerous situation where it moves halfway through the cut, or I'm tempted to reach for it over the blade. I think the most straightforward answer to your question is "No.".
2153283
I would think it would work fine. Actually just used mine today to fabricate a wall hanger out of brass plate, 1/16. Mowed right through it. Very pleased with the tool, aluminum should be no problem.
2098992
Hi Buster, this model can't cut metal, we do have some that do, please call me to 407-468-6614 for more information. My name is Milena. Thank you
1140650
I work on aircraft and it's able to cut 24 gauge aluminum with no problem. Copper i think is softer... So it should work.
1300974
I cut thin metal with scroll saws without a problem. Use the correct blade, go slow with the machine set for high speed and it works great. I've cut carbon fiber, plastic, aluminum, sheet steel, stainless, copper and brass with scroll saws.
1855061
there are metal cutting blade readly available. 1/8th inch steel is not a problem, and have cut thicker. Thickest I can remember was cutting down a well casing
1307296
The saw itself had no problem cutting 1" ID steel tubing with a wall thickness of 1/8". The cut was neat enough for what we wanted to do with it (re-sizing an air gun piston). When it comes to cutting flat metal, the saw has no problem for any reasonable thickness (less than 3/16) that I have attempted. That said, 1/16 or thinner tends to warp if you are just trying to rip a piece without bracing the sides of the cut. Now, I keep saying the "saw has no problem", because the commonly available Bosch blades don't last too long. HOWEVER, I wasn't going heavy enough with the oil (I assume), and I think the blades were overheating (warping and blackening).... So to sum up, the saw is not the problem, with the proper technique and blade the saw cuts metal of a thickness less than 3/16 quickly, and acceptably cleanly. May not apply to stainless steel though, no experience with stainless. -Edit- Remember to keep this saw spotless if you are cutting metal; it will crud up like crazy if you throw it aside with metal filings all over it. This is a quality tool.