PP50 after a couple of projects

Just wanted to give an update on my PowerPlasma 50. I have used it on 2 projects so far, a front hidden winch mount and a rear bumper for my truck. I feel like I've somewhat mastered the learning curve, and am extremely satisfied with the performance of the cutter. It took me a bit to figure out what the difference between proper operation and improper operation because the thing will still cut even without proper ground, dirty consumables, and poor quality air, just not as fast or clean. When I have a new set of consumables in, dry air, and a good ground, it cuts through everything I've thrown at it and as fast as I can pull it in a straight line.

I'm currently using the disposable motorguard dryers (orange inline type), but they are only good for a day or so, and I would like to find a less expensive way to maintain dry air. I have a spare air conditioning unit that I will eventually convert into a dryer, but I don't have the garage space right now to install it. I think I will build my own inline dryer using one of the links on this site, and I will use the dessicant pellets contained in the closet/drawer dessicant kits that I can buy out in town.

Otherwise, almost time to buy a new batch of consumables, debating between OEM and ebay. I don't use this cutter on a regular basis, so I think the cheaper consumables will serve me well. I want to try out the drag tips anyways.

So, after a couple of weeks of solid use, I can recommend the PP50 as a great home project plasma cutter.

Here's a picture of my bumper. Don't laugh, it's my FIRST metal fab project ever!

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/u...psb5b7f13b.jpg


http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps57eb6e21.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps50a1825e.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps2192b734.jpg

Your first project turned out very nice. What have you got planed for next?
The PP50 is a nice unit.

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Originally Posted by Gerry

Your first project turned out very nice. What have you got planed for next?
The PP50 is a nice unit.

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My next three projects will be a continuation of this one.

First, triple up the thickness of the shackle mounts.
Next, integrate a tow hitch into the bumper.
Lastly, build a tire/jerry can carrier (multicarrier) swing-away.

Where's the license plate ?

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Originally Posted by zoama585

Where's the license plate ?

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Good question. Maybe he has something like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbWSdWcsg_U

Nice job on the bumper. Nothing to laugh at that I can see. Nice and clean.

Oh, and that license plate trick is interesting. I haven't seen that before.

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Originally Posted by zoama585

Where's the license plate ?

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It's on there now! Nothing fancy, just flush mounted with a light on top. I will probably relocate it to the tailgate when I add the hitch mount and multicarrier.

I think the bumper looks nice. Simple. Jody just bought one for his jeep, a kit. The fact you did it all yourself, very cool.

I did a tag flipper for a friend when he was 16, he is now 32 (2 kids) and still alive, thank God. For a motorcycle that did close to 200MPH and they did tricks on them, for some reason only one wheel liked to stay on the pavement 80% of the time.. It was pretty simple. A button on bars, wire, servo, 5V regulator, couple caps, micro-controller (old 16F84 back then), hinge, rod to drive it and connectors (and software of course).

Could not find the video (it was a long time ago), but it folded up under the finder. For shows of course, so people did not have to see that ugly tag on the fancy bike. Not for hiding it from the law :D