Lincoln Electric Tomahawk 1538 is an industrial plasma cutter running on compressed air. The maximum cutting current is 100 A, at 60 A the machine runs at a 100% duty cycle. It cuts steel to a quality edge up to 40 mm and severs it up to 45 mm, and weighs about 35 kg.
What this machine is for
This is a cutter for the workshop, for assembly work and for work with a numerically controlled table. The three thicknesses given describe three different tasks: quality cutting up to 40 mm gives an edge ready for further machining, severance cutting up to 45 mm parts the material, and a piercing capacity of 20 mm says how thick a plate you pierce in the middle of the sheet, without starting the cut from the edge.
The duty cycle at 40°C is 100 A at 40% and 60 A at 100%. At 60 A you cut without breaks, which matters on long paths on the table, because every break in the arc leaves a mark on the edge. A weight of about 35 kg lets two people carry the machine, so it serves both a fixed station and work on site.
Three working modes change the character of the arc. The standard mode is everyday cutting of sheet and sections. The mesh mode holds the pilot arc also when the torch passes over a hole, so you cut walkway gratings and perforated sheet without breaks and without needless wear of the electrode. The gouging mode gives a soft arc which scoops out the material instead of cutting through it, that is it removes an old weld or prepares a bevel without a grinder.
Features and equipment
- Ignition without high frequency, it does not disturb numerical controllers and electronics next to it, and the electrode wears more slowly.
- LC105 torch forming a concentrated, swirling plasma jet, that is a narrower kerf and smoother edges.
- Tunnel technology, which separates the printed circuit boards from the stream of cooling air, the air cools only the heat sinks and the transformer.
- Standard mode for everyday cutting of sheet and sections.
- Mesh mode, the pilot arc does not go out after passing over a hole, so you cut walkway gratings and perforated sheet smoothly.
- Gouging mode, a soft arc which removes material without cutting right through it, for taking out old welds and preparing edges.
- Built in regulator and moisture separator on the air inlet.
- Prepared for work with a numerically controlled table.
Technical data
| Brand | Lincoln Electric |
|---|---|
| Model | Tomahawk 1538 |
| Type | plasma cutter running on compressed air |
| Supply voltage | 400 V, 3 phases, tolerance 15%, 50/60 Hz |
| Maximum cutting current | 100 A |
| Duty cycle at 40°C | 100 A at 40%, 60 A at 100% |
| Quality cutting thickness | 40 mm |
| Severance cutting thickness | 45 mm |
| Piercing capacity | 20 mm |
| Required air pressure | from 6.0 to 7.5 bar |
| Torch | LC105 |
| Cooling | gas |
| Net weight | about 35 kg |
What to watch out for
The supply is 400 V in a three phase system with a tolerance of 15% at 50/60 Hz. You need compressed air at a pressure from 6.0 to 7.5 bar, and the machine has a built in regulator and moisture separator. The air has to be dry and clean, because moisture and oil shorten the life of the nozzle and spoil the cut edge, so with an older installation add a filter.
Nozzles and electrodes are consumables, check their state before the first cut and count a stock of them into the cost of work. The description does not list any accessories beyond the torch, so confirm the equipment before you buy. Plasma cutting needs extraction and a table with a duct, because the process gives a lot of smoke and spatter.
How we sell used machines
This unit was checked in our service workshop in Krotoszyn with measurements to PN-EN 60974-4 and a load test. The price includes the first year of the basic service package: an inspection with cleaning of the machine and a validation measurement. Further years can be added. We ship across the European Union, collection in person by appointment.
