Hello from Georgia! New to Plasma Cutting

[Fergie]

Hello All. Glad I stumbled upon this group. I've been cutting for the past 6 months or so. Looking forward to learning from everyone and sharing my projects and experiences. I'm using a Plasmacam machine with the Hypertherm Powermax 45 HP.

[sonbakler]

Welcome Fergie. I have learned plenty here, best site on the net for plasma. What sort of things do you use your machine for? Metal art, mechanical parts?

[Fergie]

Thank you Sonbakler. That's great to hear. Currently using the machine to create metal art and signs. What about you?

[sonbakler]

Nice. I don’t use mine as much as I once did but once you have a plasma table its hard to live without one so i keep mine for personal projects. Mostly mechanical type parts for bikes and repairs.

[Fergie]

Hello Sonbakler. I understand. I'm just getting started and really enjoying it. Still have a lot to learn. Looking forward to learning from you and others.

[acourtjester]

Welcome Fergie, now that you have a table, understand you can add optional attachments to your table for other projects. A little DIY effort and you can add a router, diamond scribe, Drag knife and ink pens using the software you have. There are posts here showing what others have done to expand their table use.


Example same project different wall hangers, one metal other wood/epoxy.

[Joe Jones]

Where are you located, Fergie?

Joe

[rdj357]

Welcome!

[Fergie]

My goodness. I'm already losing sleep thinking of all the possibilities. Thank you for sharing!

[Fergie]

Located in Lawrenceville, GA.

[Joe Jones]

Located in Lawrenceville, GA.

You are only 300 miles away. A five hour drive.

Did you buy a NEW PlasmaCam DHC2 table, or a used table? What software upgrades (if any) have you also purchased and activated?

Are you planning to stick with sheet metal like 14 gauge cold roll steel for your metal art, or are you going to drift into other sizes as well? Do you plan to sell online, or through a local vendor booth, or ???

Do you want to know how to draw your own designs, or are you going to rely on the art libraries of vector files that are out there?

Joe

[Fergie]

Hello Joe,

That's great. I open to driving your way as well. Purchased a new DHC2 table with most of recommended upgrades.

I've cut 14 gauge, 16 gauge and looking to cut 11 gauge. (I want to make some furniture, like side tables) Looking to sell online and wholesale to some local shops to start.

I've already drawn some of my own designs (nothing complicated) but have also used a freelancer from fiverr.com.

Question....I'm finding that powdercoaters can be a bit pricey, do you think I should learn how to powdercoat or do you think starting with paint (spray cans, automotive, exterior outdoor paint) would be okay? Thank you reaching out. I really appreciate it.

[acourtjester]

Power coating is a plus (charge more for your products), it is not hard, just messy, but can be controlled. there is a posting category on this site for power coating. You will need a gun and a place to apply it (if small things a big card board box works), to apply it is very low pressure so you can use the compressor you have just regulate it down. Then a place to cook it to about 400 degrees, many guys build their own ovens. YouTube is a great place to see the process and how some built theirs.

[plasmanewbie]

I'm with Tom, get into your own powder coating. Save a pile of money. It can be messy but its just dust, and cleans up with a dustpan. I apply my powder over top of a large piece of clean craft paper each time so I can capture over spray powder and put it back in the gun. Way less messy, better finish, no fumes, no dried over spray on things. It's awesome.

[Fergie]

Well, guess I'm about to learn something new. Looking forward to it. Thank you for the information and I will keep you posted.

[Joe Jones]

I have made two attempts to build a powder coat oven on my property. The first time the winds picked up the frame and threw it off onto my property in a pile of metal. I dragged it back to the shop and rebuilt it, and weighed it down with 600 pounds of cement blocks. Evidently it wasn’t enough! The winds came a second time, and not only tore up the roof of my home, but they picked up my powder, coat frame WITH the 600 lb. of concrete blocks in the base, and tossed it off into the field, like a discarded beer can at a frat party. So I am beginning to believe that God does not want me to do powder coating!

Joe

[Fergie]

Wow, that's crazy. Yeah....maybe no powder coating for you. LOL!

[A&PMECH]

I'm new here also, and from Georgia too. I do a little of my own powder coating also, mainly car parts that will fit in an oven, but hopefully soon I will build a big enough oven to do multiple pieces. Tim

[Fergie]

Hello Tim. Welcome. I've found a few inexpensive ovens on line. What powder coating gun do you recommend?

[A&PMECH]

I have the red line ez-50 it works good for me but I'm not doing it professionally. There may be some other members that have a better recommendation.

[Fergie]

Thank you.

[Joe Jones]

Ah! You are in Jaw-Ja! Okay.

Have I told you that I have no memory?

Read my PM,, and get back to me. I am looking forward to this!

Joe