....so does this thing genuenly " cut like a plasma cutter " ? How small of a kerf can you make ? Material thickness it seems to be effective on ? How clean is the cut ? Assloads of slag ? I know folks love to weld w\ it but I'm curious about it's cutting capabilities. Thanks, David
It's hard to believe anything makes more mess than a plasma The torch welds aluminum so good I've never taken the cutting stuff outta da box
I've never played around using the cutting atrtachment for mine. From the demonstrations that I have watched the results are every bit as good as a plasma. The big plus is there seems to be no limit as to thickness where a plasma is rated for a particular thickness. One demonstration I witnessed the guy cut 1/2" stock and moved the torch in a saw tooth pattern and the finished cut was clean and slag free (just like the results from a plasma). I'm really satisfied with the welding and the torch is very comfortable while doing long welds. just follow the directions and the torch will make you look good. Frank
i've been real happy with mine. had it since sept, and i'm starting to really get used to it. right out of the box, i got gutsy and started doing the zig zag cuts etc like the demo, and a rookie really can burn through 1/2" plate, leaving a pencil lead wide kerf, then go back and do a parallel cut, 1/8" away and not vaporize the whole mess. toughest thing is getting used to holding it steady, and using big enough tips for the job at hand. i tried using the smallest tips possible, and kept having minor problems cutting, mostly just losing the plasma stream and having to restart the cut, because i wasn't heating the metal enough, go with a tip bigger than you think you need, and you'll find you can run the cutting attachments in any direction, regardless of where the heating tip is compared to the cutting tip.
Stupid question from someone just getting into the world of metal work - will standard regulators work with a Henrob or does it require something special?
Yup Standard regulators. I use TIG cooling hose for both gases and that takes an adaptor Doing the stuff I do- I like to twist the torch fully and move it freely the small light hoses we're the answer.Just make sure no one steps on the hose!! Heavy hoses really made the torch a drag I also think a "Gas-saver" is a good idea with all this and a set of safety valves I have used this thing for damn near 30 years For welding aluminum body parts there just isn't anything finer
Alrighty then, that does it. Gonna bite that $400 bullet & spring for the ol henrob. Sounds to nifty to pass on.
not that you need more info.. BUT i was one of those guys who didnt like my henrob for a long time.. then I READ the INSTRUCTIONS. and got a copy of the new video from the folks at www.cutlikeplasma.com. setting the gas pressures and having the correct flame size and oxy acetelene levels is critical.. after you figure out how to do those 2 things the learning curve is QUICK.. I havent had great success cutting with it yet.. then again.. I havent cut much with it yet.. sawzall
Hey .... They were expensive 30 years ago I think it has paid for itself in saved gas! I agree Please read all the instructions
Here are a couple of pics of henrob usage. The steel plate and the aluminum are the henrob salseman, and the stainless is my work.
I'm wanting to learn to weld, and I know someone who may be interested in selling me his henrob. What would a valid price be on a used one? What should I look for to make sure it - or any used torch - is still in good condition?
HF has their small torch setup on sale for $279...you get the small gas bottles, a portable carrier, regulators, torches, and hoses. Put the torches in your toolbox and hook up the Henrob, you'll be good to go!
Put me in with the ones that can't get it to work right. I really think mine may be broken. Next big car show where the henrob guy sets up, i'm gonna bring mine and let him check it. It may be my regulators even.... Mike
i have one an love the weld with it, yes i have 2 other torches so i have compared them. i have not used it as a cutter, uh i have a plasma cutter so. Regulators that are skitish won't hold the pressure properly causing the torch to go out. mine are just single stage and do ok, but i do need to tweak them now and then. bigest problem is getting into tight spaces with the torch and my fat head, both cause headaches! tt still clueless near st.louis
People who are looking for a small torch and dont need the cutting feature may want to check out the Meco Midget. tinmantech.com sells them, they're MUCH less expensive than the henrob and work great. I've used mine to weld up a motorcycle tank and a couple other things, it's a lot more controalable than the full size torch I had been trying to use. The guy who told me about them uses his for welding aluminum sheet. http://www.tinmantech.com/html/meco_midget_torch.html
Wow, thats what I'm talkin about, fairly precise looking work. That cinches it. I'm picking one up soon.
It works great on body work stuff . I would trash my mig before my Henrob.. I dont think it cuts aluminum though. I dont cut with mine;-0 It works great on dashes ! Jdee
Check out www.cut-like-plasma.com A pretty amazing sequence of streaming videos...I've seen these things for years and never really cared about 'em..but after looking at the videos, I'm really impressed...
You can cut non-ferrous metals with it. I think it has a "sawing" motion to it. I have not done it in a long time though.
I bought mine used for $200, not sure if thats a true market for a used one, but it was cheaper than new. One of, if not the best investment I have made in regards to tools. It is f-ing awesome! Nothing I can't do with it, seems like. As for costs, you not only save on gas usage. I've realized my consumables have gone way down. I have bought very few grinder wheels, and wire brushes, and cut off wheels in the past 6 months. So its very economic. I give it nothing but 2 thumbs up.
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