con_fuse9
01-17-2012, 05:22 PM
So, I finally ran out of consumables (at least 60Amp cutting nozzles) for the 1000 G3. Went to Ebay to see what prices were and low an behold, a 'saved search' I had setup for a Duramax torch hit.
Flipped a coin and decided to buy it. I know I know, expensive solution to a cheap problem.
Initial impressions were it just looked like external cosmetic changes. Under the covers the electrode now has spring under it (the old torch the spring was built into the handle).
I wouldn't call the initial cuts earth shatteringly better, but definitly better. Its like the plasma cutter is brand new. With 70psi and amps cranked, I was drag cutting 1/4" stainless plate. I still had a couple of test cuts from the older torch. With the older setup I was at 80psi and 60 Amps. Newer setup 70 psi 60 Amps.
Kerf size is about the same at the top of the cut. Hand held, using a piece of mild steel angle iron as a guide, both had a kerf at the top at about 1.4mm (or was that 1.2?) However, the sides of the cut seem significantly straighter and the dross almost non-existant. On the old torch all the consumables were new (or almost new) except the swirl ring. I'm now left wondering if there was something wrong with the old setup. I have not plugged the old torch back in but I disassembled the parts looking for anything that might explain a sloppier cut. BTW, I'm not saying the old cut was sloppy, just in comparison to the new it seems that way.
As for following a straight edge or cutting a pattern, I think moving the trigger away from the tip helped. I had some issues with the old torch following patterns. Again seemed to be a nice improvement. Dragging along a pattern its nice to have a longer handle - think of dragging a razor when you shave.
On mild steel the cut was fantastic - but I was always happy with that.
It seems to be that starts were a more consistent, but when I went to turn off the machine I noticed I had it in the multi-start position not the single fire one. So that might be unfair comparison.
The other selling point on the new torch was durability of the consumables and the torch itself (better plastic, better positioning of the trigger etc.). Time will tell.
Final purchase price, with free shipping, was $350 - 25ft hand held. I believe it was a hardware store liquidating its over stock. With the consumables - 1 set installed on torch, two small sample sets in addition, I think its a pretty good deal.
I'm going to clean up the old torch and sell it with some left over consumables and I should be doing very well at the end of the day.
I have not tried gouging and I don't have fine cut consumables (yet).
Flipped a coin and decided to buy it. I know I know, expensive solution to a cheap problem.
Initial impressions were it just looked like external cosmetic changes. Under the covers the electrode now has spring under it (the old torch the spring was built into the handle).
I wouldn't call the initial cuts earth shatteringly better, but definitly better. Its like the plasma cutter is brand new. With 70psi and amps cranked, I was drag cutting 1/4" stainless plate. I still had a couple of test cuts from the older torch. With the older setup I was at 80psi and 60 Amps. Newer setup 70 psi 60 Amps.
Kerf size is about the same at the top of the cut. Hand held, using a piece of mild steel angle iron as a guide, both had a kerf at the top at about 1.4mm (or was that 1.2?) However, the sides of the cut seem significantly straighter and the dross almost non-existant. On the old torch all the consumables were new (or almost new) except the swirl ring. I'm now left wondering if there was something wrong with the old setup. I have not plugged the old torch back in but I disassembled the parts looking for anything that might explain a sloppier cut. BTW, I'm not saying the old cut was sloppy, just in comparison to the new it seems that way.
As for following a straight edge or cutting a pattern, I think moving the trigger away from the tip helped. I had some issues with the old torch following patterns. Again seemed to be a nice improvement. Dragging along a pattern its nice to have a longer handle - think of dragging a razor when you shave.
On mild steel the cut was fantastic - but I was always happy with that.
It seems to be that starts were a more consistent, but when I went to turn off the machine I noticed I had it in the multi-start position not the single fire one. So that might be unfair comparison.
The other selling point on the new torch was durability of the consumables and the torch itself (better plastic, better positioning of the trigger etc.). Time will tell.
Final purchase price, with free shipping, was $350 - 25ft hand held. I believe it was a hardware store liquidating its over stock. With the consumables - 1 set installed on torch, two small sample sets in addition, I think its a pretty good deal.
I'm going to clean up the old torch and sell it with some left over consumables and I should be doing very well at the end of the day.
I have not tried gouging and I don't have fine cut consumables (yet).