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plasma cutter

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JHearnsberger

Joined: 22 Dec 2009
Posts: 31
Location: Springhill, LA

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:37 am Post subject: plasma cutter

Would there be anything wrong with using a plasma cutter for trimming? I am just starting a RV-10 Empennage.



Thanks,



Jake

pitts_pilot(at)bellsouth.
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:06 am Post subject: plasma cutter

I wouldn't say 'wrong'.

You can cut most anything that's electrically conductive with a plasma 

cutter.

But, you'd be just as well off to use an ax. 

Linn



JHearnsberger wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Would there be anything wrong with using a plasma cutter for trimming? I am just starting a RV-10 Empennage.



 Thanks,



 Jake





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p 78576#278576

JHearnsberger

Joined: 22 Dec 2009
Posts: 31
Location: Springhill, LA

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:15 am Post subject: Re: plasma cutter

Should I stick to the band saw for all of my cutting?

tsts4

Joined: 06 Aug 2007
Posts: 167
Location: Tampa, FL

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:29 am Post subject: Re: plasma cutter

Well, there's usually more than one way to perform any building task, but there's also usually a way that gives the best results and/or is the easiest to get the task done.  I pick the tool that gets me what I want.  A lot of times that is the band saw, other times it's a cutoff wheel in a die grinder (I also use a small wheel in a Dremel for fine cuts).  I have also used a nibbler and tin snips.  Bottom line, use whatever it takes to get the job done.  For my money, the saw and a cutoff wheel will handle pretty much all of your cutting tasks.

_________________
Todd Stovall
aka "Auburntsts" on EAA and VAF
RV-10 N728TT -- Flying

Last edited by tsts4 on Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:56 am; edited 2 times in total

pitts_pilot(at)bellsouth.
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:35 am Post subject: plasma cutter

Sooo much better!  The best advice I can offer is to use the proper tool 

for the job ..... and use it properly.  Trimming aluminum may involve 

the bandsaw; left, right, and straight 'aviation tin snips'; files of 

all types and sandpaper .... belt sanders and disc sanders.

Linn

JHearnsberger wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Should I stick to the band saw for all of my cutting?





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p 78580#278580

rbibb

Joined: 16 Jul 2009
Posts: 37

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:05 pm Post subject: plasma cutter

Jake:



I usually think of a plasma cutter when wanting to cut steel.  The kerf on

all but the best models is pretty rough.  Not sure how well they do on

aluminum.



Richard Bibb

972-771-2598

972-835-5979 mobile

 

 



--

Bob Turner

Joined: 03 Jan 2009
Posts: 885
Location: Castro Valley, CA

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: plasma cutter

I know nothing about these things. But, I do know the aluminum we use is almost always heat treated. You wouldn't want to change that treatment in any load bearing area.

_________________
Bob Turner
RV-10 QB

roxianmike(at)msn.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:29 pm Post subject: plasma cutter

I have a little experience with a plasma cutter in a prior life and based upon the units I have used C it would be a bit of over kill unless more modern units allow you to dial it down to an extremely fine flow..............I would expect it to blow away too much aluminum.......I guess you asked for opinions and mine would be to use less powerful tools on this soft aluminum as suggested by others that have replied...........good luck and welcome to the "club".

 	  Quote: 	
		   Subject: plasma cutter

 From: jakehearnsberger(at)gmail.com

 Date: Tue C 22 Dec 2009 08:37:28 -0800

 To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

 --> RV10-List message posted by: "JHearnsberger" <jakehearnsberger(at)gmail.com>

 Would there be anything wrong with using a plasma cutter for trimming? I am just starting a RV-10 Empennage.

 Thanks C

 Jake

 Read this topic online here:

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=278576#278576

&gt================

[quote] 

 		 	   		     	  Quote: 	
		  [b]

pitts_pilot(at)bellsouth.
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 7:02 pm Post subject: plasma cutter

One of the nice things about plasma cutters ..... the heat doesn't seem 

to go too far from the kerf. 

Works better on steel, but leaves a little dross on the bottom edge when 

cutting aluminum.  Easily cleaned up, but making an accurate cut is near 

impossible.  Does make a wonderful cut on stainless though.

Linn



Bob Turner wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 I know nothing about these things. But, I do know the aluminum we use is almost always heat treated. You wouldn't want to change that treatment in any load bearing area.



 --------

 Bob Turner

 RV-10 QB





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p 78626#278626

JHearnsberger

Joined: 22 Dec 2009
Posts: 31
Location: Springhill, LA

Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 8:17 am Post subject: Re: plasma cutter

Thank you all for your information. It never hurts to ask.

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