How To Make A DIY Custom Sign With A Handheld Plasma Cutter

Beau is back! He had to build a custom sign using a handheld plasma cutter. Have you done something like this? Let us know! For more cool projects check out the WELD™ app!
Ready to join the WELD community? Download the app in the Google or Apple stores or Log in online at www.weld.com today! Find welding resources and exclusive or refurbished videos with details to help you get the most out of your learning. Check out awesome member discounts through our brand partners and enter to win monthly mystery boxes, listen in on our podcasts and follow our social channels. linktr.ee/Weld...
Disclaimer: As an Affiliate and Industry Influencer, Weld.com earns from qualifying purchases via our posted links and affiliate links. Videos produced and made available by Weld.com or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, or representatives (collectively, "Weld.com") are provided for informational purposes only. Although every effort has been made to provide the most accurate and useful information from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. As tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, and applicable laws, regulations and ordinances are constantly changing, Weld.com cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Under no circumstances shall Weld.com be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to death, injury, errors or omissions in the content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of any content communicated in a video, on a website or by other means, whether displayed by Weld.com, or a third party in its original or a modified form. All content is subject to Weld.com and any third party's applicable terms and policies. Carefully review all terms and policies.
ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN UTILIZING ANY DISPLAYED TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, TECHNIQUES OR PROCESSES. IF EVER IN DOUBT, CONSULT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY RELIANCE ON THE PRESENTED INFORMATION IS STRICTLY AT THE VIEWERS OWN RISK. EACH VIEWER EXPRESSLY AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUMES ANY AND ALL RISKS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEATH, DISABILITY, AND/OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY RELATED TO THE USAGE OF ANY TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR TECHNIQUES OR PROCESSES IN THE PRESENTED CONTENT. IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

[@ypaulbrown]

30 psi on the air pressure on Tomahawk? most plasma machines I have seen want 80 psi...what gives? By the way, if you are using .035 wire to weld, 190 ipm works out to be 118.5 amps....pb

[@beaujamesblues]

That is the pressure from the internal air compressor on the machine I believe but I know that my other plasma requires some heavy duty pressure. As far as the wire speed I was looking to get a less fluid puddle so it would stand up more in the bead profile.

[@stephentyas4698]

you've got to have a very steady hand to cut those letters freehand.

[@beaujamesblues]

Just trying to keep the right speed and follow the lines as best as I can.

[@the_inquisitive_inquisitor]

Manual Plasma is my favorite cutting process, my little 40A machine is a real blast to use.

[@beaujamesblues]

I love using plasma cutters.

[@ttcnc3755]

ok, going to be professional. Really does not look good to me. Pretty rough and unprofessional. For sure a plasma table would do a better job, and look much better. Making excuses that it is supposed to look rough or old, or like gritty looking, are just excuses for unprofessional work. Sorry, I feel like I completely wasted my time watching this.

[@ypaulbrown]

looking great Beau, wish I still lived in Greensboro so I could stop by, best wishes from down in Orlando, Paul 'Paulie' Brown.....

[@beaujamesblues]

I would love to hang out sometime! I will have to let you know if I make it down your way.

[@TomofAllTrades]

What type of drag tip is that? It looks like you could really see well as opposed to the traditional drag tip. 👍🏼

[@beaujamesblues]

It was the standard tip it just had a standoff guard on it so it helps you not get too close and wreck your consumables.

[@Jimmermahomoney]

It’s custom. I’ve seen guys hand make them out of copper pipe

[@bobbee1934]

Why did you weld around the letters before cutting with the plasma? Did you cut the weld outline out, grind it or cut inside of it and leave it?

[@CoopKeith1]

I don't recommend grinding back and forth like you did. Good way to make a dip in your edge.

[@bullycrusher8618]

Pretty nice. But oxy/acetylene is the best, cleanest way for crisp precise cuts

[@ypaulbrown]

Well done Beau......

[@beaujamesblues]

Thanks Paul!

[@neta1538]

great work!! greetings from frankfurt elmar

[@jerrygoldfuss466]

Wow,very cool. I need to practice more before attempting that free hand.

[@1979cvx]

You can remove the male scale easier with a wet sandblaster. Very easy to build most of it. The wet nozzle is $25 and up. A three to 4000 PSI pressure washer is also needed. Of course you need to protect it from rust almost immediately afterwards.

[@richsharp1524]

Wow. Great job. I have a cnc plasma and just draw everything in cad then cut it in cam. You my friend are awesome doing this freehand. Love ❤️ it

[@jonballard4453]

I thought the heat made steel and metals in general get bigger (thermal expansion) and upon cooling it would contract or shrink and the two effects(heating cooling) in concert with each other would cause warping. Maybe I've been wrong all these years but I don't think so. Either way I'm just trying to give you a heads up because comments usually contain dicks who aren't as douchey. Anyway cool signs . Thanks

[@firenbubble]

Just 30 PSI with the plasma cutter is enough ? i run mine at 100 =x

[@SamJ6131]

Mig wire size?

[@beaujamesblues]

.035

[@joederue2392]

Would it be better to use a stud gun for the stand off pins. Also do you like the rough cut. Is there reason Why you don't have a plasma table.

[@mikel9567]

Well a plasma table is hardly DIY. These were DIY signs that anyone can make - hence the title. 🙄