I ordered the panels for my trunk floor (66 chevelle) I am pretty set on buying the Millermatic XP130 MIG welder. I was also considering getting a 110V ESAB plasma cutter, cuts up to 1/4" thk steel. I was wondering if the cut made by such a plasma cutter will be smooth & free of slag? Would those of you with plasma cutter experience on body panels please give me some input on the type of cut you get?

66ss,I rented a plasma cutter just a week ago,it did leave a slaggy edge on both sides of the cut,but it was a portable air compresser/cutter in one(had its own compresser)I think a air nibble will make a better cut,but the plasma cutter is easy to get to hard to reach places!but IM far from an expert,someone will set the truth strait,good day --67rat member #199

Rat66. the miller 130CXL id a fine Machine
As was said B-4 Plasma cutters can leave a slagy edge.
If you have a good size air compresser
did you ever consider an air body saw ?
looks like a mini saws-all. you can get different blades no slag to deal with !
What I like is your ability tp trim pannels to fit 1/32 ir 1/16 of an inch at a time !
But plasma cutters are COOL to

Wayne Kline
ACES 1556
TCg

What I want to do is butt weld the patch panels. I need to know if the plasma cutter edge will be too jagged to do so. I have an air nibbler, but I wont be able to get it past all the contours etc. I figured a plasma cutter would be much easier, but I don't want to go and spend $750 on something that's gonna make things worse.

I used a 20,000 rpm cut off wheel. It is a little slow, but you can follow a scribed line with it and it leaves a fairly smooth edge if you are carefull. Also, when cutting trunk floors or interior floors, be carefull not to cut the braces under the floor itself. A plasma cutter might go through the braces.

I have to agree with dselko. I used an air nibbler ($50) on the stright runs and the cutoff wheel on the contoured ends. Better if you can get 1/16" thick wheels instead of the 1/8"
Tom

I would also suggest a thin cutoff wheel.

It may be slow, but:
1. There's not slag to content with.
2. ALthough longer to do, the finished edge is ready to weld. No prep required.

Just my thoughts.

Plasma cutters are great for cutting thicker pieces of material. Namely stainless which cannot be cut by a regular torch.

The thin cut off wheels are great but becarfull in tight spots. will shatter
BTDT.

have fun
also the plasma edge will need to be ground/prepped B-4 welding

Wayne Kline
ACES 1556
TCg

Thanks guys, I already have a cut off wheel, air nibbler & a die grinder. I am However, going to look into this body saw, sounds pretty cool.

[This message has been edited by ETD66SS (edited 06-04-2000).]

We just used a plasma cutter to take out some floor and trunk panels. The edge is not too bat, just a quick clean up. It did not go through the braces. You just move a little faster when over them.

Jim buckingham

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Adam Buckingham 13 yrs old
Jim Buckingham
72 Chevelle in Pieces