Had to choose between doing a job with just a cutting torch or going and renting a plasma cutter this week

I was working on a big repair out in Gary last Tuesday and the job called for cutting through some real thick steel. My old cutting torch has been reliable for years but this time I knew it would take forever and leave a rough edge. I drove 20 minutes to the rental yard and picked up a plasma cutter instead. Man did it make a difference - clean cuts in half the time and I didn't have to spend an hour grinding. Has anyone else made the switch on a tight deadline and regretted the extra cost?

2 comments

2 Comments

rileygarcia5d ago

Man I feel you on that, nothing worse than burning through a whole day on grinding when you coulda just rented the right tool and been home by dinner. Plasma cutters are a lifesaver for that kind of mess, totally worth the trip to the yard.

baker.holly4d ago

Tbh @rileygarcia I've definitely been the guy who spends three hours with a grinder trying to save fifty bucks, only to realize I coulda just rented the right thing and been done in thirty minutes. Ngl plasma cutters feel like cheating compared to the old angle grinder and prayer method. Pretty sure my arms are still sore from last time I tried to go the hard way.