Plasma cutter and air compressor requirements

[kidsporty24]

I have been looking in to getting a plasma cutter (Miller spectrum 375 Xtreme), but have a question about air compressors and the air requirements. They says they want 4.5 CFM @ 90 PSI, but the compressor I have only supplies 3.8 CFM @ 90 PSI. If I were to run it at 3.8 CFM, would I just be reducing the duty cycle of the machine, or would I be possibly damaging it by not pushing enough air though it? Also my compressor is a Campbell Hausfeld 8 gallon wall mount unit. I have added 2- 8 gallon side tanks to it for a total of 24 gallons. Does that increase the CFM rating, or have nothing to do with it? If it does, do you think that would push me past the 4.5 CFM that I need? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Kidsporty24

[MechWerks]

Your compressor doesn't supply enough CFM at the needed PSI...it will not keep up. You might get short runs until you hit 90 psi (assuming the compressor stops at 125 or so). But, the pressure will be downhill from there and not be able to recover fast enough to keep the plasma cutting. The plasma will realize the low air, shut down and show a warning until pressure is restored.

Carefully consider the need of a plasma cutter. They are expensive, expensive to run and limited on function. If you have the cut volume to justify the cost then a plasma can be a fast cutting machine. Otherwise, there are many other ways to cut metal at a lower cost.

[joe49]

Ditto with Mechworks. You will be better served with a good oxygen / acetylene torch set and maybe a Cobra if you do a lot of skinny stuff.

[triker_chewie]

bandsaw or a jigsaw worthy of consideration too