There's lot of ways to cut metal. Up until now, I've been using a set of pneumatic shears, a metal-nibbler, a sawzall, and my cutting torch.

Today, I'm adding PLASMA to my list of tools.



I just picked up a Thermal Dynamics Drag Gun plasma cutter for $400 from a guy on craigslist. It's got a built-in compressor, and it'll cut up to 1/8" steel, which isn't a whole lot, but it's as much as I plan to do for the next couple of years. I'm not cutting and welding military tanks or anything. Plus, I want to mount this thing to the CNC table I'm building, which will add a whole new dynamic to the kind of metal things I can build.

Here's the specs from WeldersPlus.com:

Thermal Dynamics DRAG-GUN plasma cutting system with a built in air compressor brings complete portability to all of your sheet metal applications. The DRAG-GUN delivers 1/8 in cutting (3 mm) capacity on carbon steel when operated on a 120 volt/20 amp circuit. The built-in air compressor assures clean dry air. This unique system, available in either 120 or 220 volt configurations, provides a full 12 amps of plasma cutting power.

The Smart Start Auto Pilot automatically restarts the cutting arc, making the DRAG-GUN the ideal cutting tool for a wide variety of applications including expanded metal, HVAC spiral ducting, metal studs, construction and many more. The revolutionary DRAG-GUN delivers price, performance & portability.

Features:

Smart Start Auto Pilot
Simplicity & ease of use
Built-in air compressor
CSA approval
IEC974 certified

Includes:

Power Supply
15 ft (4.5 M) Work Cable and Clamp
PCH-10 Hand Torch and 20' Leads

Benefits:

The DRAG-GUN is out of the box ready to cut, JUST PLUG IT IN!

Thermal Dynamics® Drag-Gun™ Plasma Cutting System, 120 Volt Single Phase 60 Hertz With PCH-10 70° Torch And 20 Foot Leads

Manufacturer Part Number: 1-1111-1