Hand and machine torches, compressors and air dryers
Torch choice and air quality have more to do with cut quality than most first-time buyers expect. We match hand and machine torches, lead sets, compressors and drying equipment to portable CNC plasma cutters used on farms, in mobile welding rigs and in small fabrication shops.
The parts that steady the cut
On a compact plasma cutter, the torch and air line directly affect cut quality. They affect arc stability, kerf width, dross levels, pierce consistency and how often parts need to be re-cut. A machine torch needs the correct mount, enough lead length for the bed size, and a reliable connection back to the power unit. The air side matters just as much. Wet air, oil carry-over and pressure drop show up quickly on the plate, especially on thinner mild steel where edge condition is easy to see.
From Bloemfontein we supply complete torch-and-air packages for portable gantry cutters working across the Free State, Northern Cape and farther afield. That can include a hand torch for general workshop use, a machine torch for the cutter, quick-disconnect fittings, compressor sizing guidance and air drying hardware matched to the duty cycle of the job.
- Hand torches for off-table cutting and site repairs
- Machine torches for CNC mounting on portable gantries
- Torch leads, extensions and quick-disconnect arrangements
- Compressors sized to the power unit and expected duty cycle
- Air dryers, filters and drain points for cleaner air delivery
What is included when we size a torch and air package
We start with the cutter model, the plasma power range and the work you expect to do most often. A farm workshop cutting 6 mm brackets has a different air demand from a small fab shop cutting 12 mm base plates through the day. We look at plate thickness, material type, whether the machine moves between sites, and how the air line will be laid out. If you already have a compressor we assess whether it can hold pressure under load or whether it is likely to fall away mid-cut.
The package normally covers the torch side and the air side together so the machine arrives with a practical setup instead of a box of unrelated parts. Where a hand torch and machine torch are both needed, we note the changeover arrangement clearly. That avoids a lot of confusion later on.
- Torch type selected for handheld or CNC use, or both
- Lead length matched to bed size and machine travel
- Connector and coupling choice for regular field use
- Compressor capacity checked against amp rating and cut duration
- Dryer and filtration arranged to reduce moisture carry-over
- Basic operating guidance during handover or on-site training
How the process runs from enquiry to handover
Most jobs begin with a note through our contact form covering the cutter model, the plasma amp range you need, where the machine will be used and whether mains power or generator power will be involved. We then work through the torch arrangement and air demand before anything is packed. On mobile setups this step matters, because lead routing and compressor space in the vehicle can limit what actually works in practice.
Once the setup is agreed, we prepare the torch and air items as one package linked to the cutter. If on-site operator training is part of the job, we include torch handling, basic air checks and daily draining of the system. For customers outside Bloemfontein, including Lesotho border towns and Northern Cape call-outs, we plan around travel distance and access to the workshop floor. Some sites are very dry in winter but still collect moisture in the tank by mid-morning, so we do not skip the air checks.
At handover we show how the torch mounts, how the leads are protected from snagging, and where the air line should be drained. It sounds obvious but this small bit is where many cut problems start.
What you should have ready on site
A torch-and-air package works best when a few practical details are settled before delivery or installation. The compressor position should allow for cooling air around the unit and an easy drain point. Air lines need sensible routing away from grinder sparks, forklift paths and sharp table edges. If the machine is used on farms or at remote repair points, tell us whether it rides in a bakkie, trailer or service body so we can keep the setup compact enough.
- Approximate plate thickness range and main material type
- Available power supply, including generator details where used
- Distance from compressor to cutter in metres
- Whether the machine travels between jobs or stays in one shop
- Space for tank draining and filter maintenance
- Any existing compressor, regulator or dryer you want checked
It helps if the floor area is clear and the cutter bed position is fixed before training starts. If the machine will be used in a dusty yard, say so early. Fine dust and wet air are a poor mix and it affects the torch pretty fast.
How pricing is worked out
Pricing depends on the plasma amp range, the torch type, lead length, the compressor duty expected and the level of air treatment required. A small 40 to 85 A setup for occasional work will not be priced the same way as a heavier package feeding a 105 to 200 A power unit through long cutting sessions. Machine torches, hand torches and dual-use arrangements are priced according to the hardware included and the way the machine is meant to be used.
Travel for on-site setup or training is costed separately where call-outs are needed beyond Bloemfontein. The same applies to longer routes into the Free State, the Northern Cape and border towns. If an existing compressor can be retained, we will say so. If it cannot hold the air volume or dryness required, we would rather state that plainly than fit parts around a weak air source and leave you with poor cuts.
Consumables are a secondary part of the range, with the focus on torch hardware and air supply equipment instead of stock lists of tips and electrodes.
Aftercare that keeps the arc steady
After handover, the main aftercare points are pressure stability, water draining and lead condition. Most cut-quality complaints on portable machines can be traced to air that is too wet, pressure that drops under load, or a torch lead that has been bent hard near the connection. We show operators what to look for and when a simple drain-and-check routine is enough to sort the issue.
If your machine is working in the Highveld interior or moving between dry winter mornings and warmer afternoons, moisture management deserves more attention than many shops expect. Dry air practice and generator cutting guidance can help when the machine is used far from a fixed workshop. For a new setup, or if you want the torch and air side matched to a portable cutter package, send the details through our contact form.
What our Portable Plasma Cutter customers say
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Questions we get asked
Do I need both a hand torch and a machine torch?
Not always. A small shop may want both so one torch stays on the cutter while the other handles repair work off the table. For lighter use, a single arrangement may be enough if the changeover is planned properly.
Can you size a package around my existing compressor?
Yes, if the compressor can maintain the required air volume and pressure for the plasma power range you intend to run. We also look at moisture control, because a large tank on its own does not guarantee dry air.
Do you handle heavy industrial gantry systems or retrofit older machines?
The focus on this side of the business is compact and portable CNC plasma cutters, related power units, torches and air supply equipment, with support from Bloemfontein and on-site training where needed.
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Tell us about the job
Send sizes, materials and where you are through our contact form, and we will come back with the practical options.
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