Plasma cutters
While once plasma cutters were only used in professional welding shops and certain private garages and shops that could afford them, modern plasma cutters are becoming more and more affordable. It is not uncommon for individuals who work with metal or do carpentry work, either as a hobby or professionally, to purchase and use a Plasma Cutter.
Many models have a dual function whereby you can not only cut different kinds of metal but also weld metals together as needed. Plasma cutters can also be used to gouge a hole in a piece of metal. Depending on the type of plasma cutter you have, you can cut a piece of conductive metal (i.e. steel, silver, copper, gold, brass, rhodium, iridium, platinum, titanium, aluminum) that is anywhere between a quarter of an inch up to two inches thick. These machines make a clean cut in any conductive metal you work with; unlike other flame cutters, plasma torches do not cause warping or paint damage to the metals being cut. Plasma cutters cut and gouge quickly and efficiently.
When purchasing a plasma cutter, you should know what specifications you need. If you run a welding shop and cut thick metal, then you would need a larger industrial welder plasma cutter. Otherwise, one of the lighter hand held models should work just fine. Consider these factors before purchasing a plasma cutting machine:
1) Safety features
2) Portability
3) Strenght of the Machine
4) Cutting speed
5) Thickness of the metal