plasma newbie

[eloid]

I want to learn more about plasma....
hope someone can give some qick over view...

what type of gases are used for cheap diy plasma cutter.. i see
some diy plasma cutter plans for less 300 bucks material?
ie shielding gas and cutter gas both the same...whats the cheaps
method ie gas? Can compress air work im guessing no?

[DISCONNECTED]

Shop air is fine for conventional plasma,which is what most people are doing here.You may be able to put a frame together for 300 bucks.Electronics,software,guide rails,gear racks and plasma cutter etc. all add extra money.I will give you some advice stay away from cheap plasma cutters as in MADE IN CHINA it is junk as is most of their products.Buy a descent unit from HYPERTHERM,THERMAL DYNAMICS OR MILLER.Other things to think about is how big you want your table,how thick you want to cut and how fast.Planning on a business, better have at least a 4x8 table in my opinion.

[Switcher]

Low cost alternative to plasma:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24187

.

[eloid]

Ive see some plasma "welding torches" ? im guess there simular ?
can they be used as plasma torches...

So it is a waste to use arron or some other as as the shield gas... compressed gas ie from a compressor is all thats needed.? or do u still need arron for the cuttting gas?... never used a plasma unit... but looks like a great tool to have.