Better option between Oxyacetylene or Plasma Cutter?

[Breakable Bison]

I’d like to start a side hustle by making custom furniture like cabinets, chairs, tables and any other projects. I'm just getting confused between choosing a plasma cutter or an oxyacetylene setup. What do you guys think is more logical between the two?

My guts is telling me that I should have both because I know in the future that gas has more functions not just for cutting. Mild steel is mostly what Im working with and some stainless steel, usually under 1/2inch thick.

Can someone help me with their advantage and disadvantage over one another? Thanks in advance for your insights!

 

[Claustrophobic Animal]

a plasma cutter is your best choice because of your typical steels that are under ½ inch. it is really efficient when cutting stainless steels because it only uses compressed air compared to the hassle of using oxyacetelyn.

 

[Electric D]

Generally, plasma cutters are faster, much safer, and much cleaner but not with thick slabs. I think oxypropane setup is much safer and readily available compared to oxyacetylene not to mention it is also cheaper.

 

[Famous Fla]

you will be needing a compressor with more than 6 cfm to do more stuff with your plasma cutter.

 

[Breakable Bison]

you will be needing a compressor with more than 6 cfm to do more stuff with your plasma cutter.

I'll remember that buddy. My compressor needs to be upgraded to keep up with the one that I’ll buy. Btw, do they need an inline dryer?

 

[Impossible Ibex]

just choose oxyacetylene if you need to cut thicker metals. it is also very versatile for heating and bending, but they don’t do well on stainless steels.

 

[Breakable Bison]

I'll remember that buddy. My compressor needs to be upgraded to keep up with the one that I’ll buy. Btw, do they need an inline dryer?

to be completely honest, i have both and by that i can say that i hardly even use my oxy unless for heating and bending.

i just bought up an old victor setup from ebay for $100 then rebuild and cleaned it, and it works well. as a suggestion, youll need plasma cutter way more therefore you should buy it first.

when you're on a budget, look for items in craigslist, fb market, and offerup. there are plenty of deals you can find here.

 

[Shado]

For me, Oxyacetylene is still the best. While plasma has speed, you still can’t use it for welding application. It is also true that you can’t cut stainless and aluminum with Oxy, but when we’re talking about steel, Oxy remains the best.

Matter of fact, you can cut 4inch thick steel if you need to, there is no way that a plasma cutter can do that. If you really wanted plasma don’t just buy the cheap ones, go with 60 to 80 amps machine. Do not buy those 60 amps below.

 

[Famous Fla]

For me, Oxyacetylene is still the best. While plasma has speed, you still can’t use it for welding application. It is also true that you can’t cut stainless and aluminum with Oxy, but when we’re talking about steel, Oxy remains the best.

Matter of fact, you can cut 4inch thick steel if you need to, there is no way that a plasma cutter can do that. If you really wanted plasma don’t just buy the cheap ones, go with 60 to 80 amps machine. Do not buy those 60 amps below.

I get your point, but for daily use? Plasma is just easier to use and more convenient. It has cleaner cuts and has no tanks. If you’re dealing with steel over 1/2 inch, sure, use oxy. But for ordinary job, I’ll go with plasma.