Plasma cutting metal art: Which way?

[beaver]

Hey guys,

I recently bought a hypertherm 600 plasma cutter and started trying a few projects. I've figured out that using an opaque projector is a great way to get my designs projected on my metal so I can trace it. Now I just finished my 2nd project, a silhouette of a deer skull with a ranch name on it. I realized that there are 2 ways to do this plasma art! I can either cut out the letters and shapes, etc, and use the actual cut out pieces for my projects, OR I can cut them out and use the base metal for the project. I hope I'm being clear here-kinda hard to explain, but you plasma guys should know what I mean. My question is, what method do you guys use and why? Is one method superior to the other or easier? It seems to me that both methods produce nice-looking results. Are there certain situations where one method excels over the other?

Thanks in advance,
beaver

[James D. Clark]

Could you get a two-for? Use both the cutout and the plate you cut it from. Other processes, the "part" will fit back in the blank like a puzzle piece.

[beaver]

Jim,

I have not yet gotten good enough with the plasma cutter for that! I'm still at the stage where I have to start my arc slightly to one side of my cut-line and move to it to keep from messing up the cut-out. I can see where the CNC machines could make it possible to do this, but I don't think I've got a steady enough hand!

beaver

[vwguy3]

Beave: That Powermax is awesome int it? I bought a Powermax 1000 in Sept and MAN does that thing cut!
I have used both pieces in different situations,in fact one piece I made I cut out some random shapes then welded em back on around the perimeter cuz I didn't want to waste "perfectly good scrap"

[beaver]

yeah, the powermax is pretty awesome. the first day I had it I cut out my initials and one of them landed right on the hose! I didn't even know it till the next day, I was rolling the hose up and found it melted right into the hose. But yeah, she was tuff, didn't even hurt it!

beaver

[rangerod]

VWGuy3

Have you had any issues with your machine? That same unit is the one I am currently saving to purchase in preparation for a CNC plasma table. How are your consumables holding up? If you don't mind me asking what was your purchase price? The best deal I can get right now is $1975 to my door. Thanks for any help you could give.

[vwguy3]

rangerod: I have not had any problems so far.I just changed consumables when I was going to cut some 1" plate(just in case) and took them to the store I bought it from to get an opinion and he said it has lots of life left so I will save them and put them back in and run till it won't cut.When I was at the welding suppliers last week I saw a flyer they are running and it has the 1000 for 1975.00 and that is better than I paid.The store manager is a friend and he does what he can to cut me some real deals so I prefer not to possibly burn my bridge,if you know what I mean.One thing I would think about is the length of the torch, it come from the factory with a 25' and I ordered mine with the 50ft torch because if you need that length later the torch alone is like 750.00(ouch).Then if you get the longer torch be sure to get a longer ground cable because it comes with a 25' standard.
Feel free to ask more questions if you have them, I like talking about my plasma,I just can't figure why I waited so long to buy one.