plasma machine torches

[anthony]

I've been really surprised to find how expensive machine torches are.

I can pull my own on a lathe and mill and am wondering how hard it would
be to fit my manual-torch consumables in a vertical cylindrical body.

Would one of these things be exceedingly difficult to make? is that why they're so expensive?

any info would be great, as my only experience with machine torches are pictures on the internet.

-anthony

[Al_The_Man]

After having dismantled one and replaced a broken pilot arc wire, I would think they are very labour intensive to make, the one I worked on was water cooled torch and had copper braid shield the whole length, similar to the braid used on expensive shielded cable, but larger.
Al.

[anthony]

Al,
would you have any links to an exploded view / parts break-down?
I'd like to get a look inside.

-anthony

[Al_The_Man]

If you go to the Hypertherm & Thermadyne sites there is exploded views.
e.g. http://www.hypertherm.com/torches/TB..._881240_r1.pdf
Al.