Gold plasma cutting

[plasmajoe]

Just a question about cutting precious metals. I am bidding on a job that requires cutting 20 gauge plates of gold. Any suggestions on settings to get a quality cut?

[mdwalker]

Not a clue, but I would definately include the cost of an extra piece just to make test cuts.
Danny

[trucks1948]

ill come get the scraps

[Loyd]

Joe,
You come up with the most "off the wall" stuff!
Loyd

[plasmajoe]

I know Loyd I do, I was asked to bid on this job by a few friends, so I told myself heck why not. I was just hoping someone has cut precious metals before. I am thinking of using aluminium settings. Unfortunately I will not have any test plates to practice with, but I cut brass and aluminium on a regular basis, hopefully gold will be similar or the same settings. If I get the job I will post some pics of this for sure.

Plasma Joe

[MQUICK]

I would think just the size of a plasma kerf alone would make you cut it with laser. I have worked with a company that does cut silver and gold but only with laser.

[Scratch]

I'm assuming these aren't solid 20 gauge sheets but "gold plated" sheets right...? I'm big into gold prospecting so I gotta say I wouldn't do it if they weren't. People spend DAYS looking for literally "specs" of gold and you are going to "evaporate" this gold into oblivion! I guess if the customer wants you to cut it with plasma, and is willing to pay the price for those sheets and "lose" that gold, then do it. But a few flakes of gold, as thick as 20 gauge and the size of breadcrumbs, are a "great" day of prospecting so if you do cut them, it would be worth cleaning your shop, laying down a big sheet of mild steel underneath your table, and sweeping all those crumbs up to sell on Ebay.

Gold is over 1200.00 an ounce right now, thats about 40 bucks a gram which is about the size of a small pea.

Come to think of it..... I wouldn't take that job at all if I were you. Give it to me.

[Loyd]

Scratch....you are so very kind....LOL!
Loyd

[plasmajoe]

Well you can have the job Scratch, LOL. I have decided not to even bid on this job, being unfamiliar with cutting this type of product, and the major overhead cost on the material alone is rediculus. Thank you all for your imput, but I will stick with conventional metals, until I get my waterjet table that is.

Plasma Joe