Does anybody have much experience with plasma cutters? I've heard that they don't use near as much heat as a torch does so they don't induce anywhere near as much heat damage to the steel. Is this true? can they be used on spring steel without destroying the temper? Thanks for any experience ya'll can share.

 

Moved to the General non automotive section

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_cutting

 

Funny, I thought since I was asking about cutting springs that it would be an automotive question

 

a plasma cutter produces a lot more heat than a torch. probably 4-5 times as much.
but it is a condensed pinpoint heat, instead of a wide heat source like the torch produces, so it is also a "fast heat" which prevents a lot of the heat distortion in the material.
on thinner metal like a car fender, i can make a cut and only disturb around 1/2 inch or so of paint.
try that with a torch and you destroy 2-3 inches of paint.

 

each has their own place, I got my cutmaster 42 last year and really like the percicse cuts it can make and works well on sheet metal as well as aluminum. however cutting very thick steel i still have to use the torch and still like having the rosebud tips. to your question i think even with a plasma if you cut on your springs your going to take the temper out of them.

 

Thanks guys for the info. Is there a safe way to trim leaf springs without damaging them?

 

normally no. heat will take the temper out of spring steel.
a spring shop uses a shear to cut them.

 

I have a Cobra Torch DHC2000 and it will let you use your oxy acetylene setup to cut like a plasma cutter for a fraction of the cost.

DHC 2000 Welding & Cutting Torch | Cobra Torches

I would use a die grinder with a cut-off abrasive wheel to cut spings.

 

i would think a chop saw would work