How to Make a Homemade Plasma Cutter Using an Arc Welder
- 1). Attach a brass plumbing valve to one end of a one-fourth-inch copper tube.
- 2). Attach a brass cap on the other end of the copper tube.
- 3). Drill a hole in the cap and tap threads into the hole that will match a small brass carburetor jet. This will allow you to use interchangeable jets to adjust the air spray. The plumbing valve will allow you to adjust the air volume.
- 4). Attach the tubing to your arc welder handle. For temporary use, use zip ties to secure it.
- 5). Insert a carbon electrode instead of a welding stick. Make sure the tip of the electrode is a sharp, conical form, like a sharpened pencil.
- 6). Flex the nozzle toward the the tip of the carbon electrode.
- 7). Attach a fast-release compressor hose coupling to the brass plumbing valve, then attach your air compressor's hose to the coupling.
- 8). Turn the amperage on your arc welder up 25 to 50 amps. This will provide a very hot arc and excessive oxidation, giving you controlled blow-through in plate metal up to one-inch thick, similar to a plasma cutter.
