Plasma cutting
Can you do plasma cutting outdoors?
Quick answer
Yes, plasma cutting handles outdoor use well — the arc is confined and air-shielded. Rain and cutting don't mix electrically, but wind that ruins welding barely affects a cut.
Wind thresholds that matter
| Process | Wind tolerance | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Gas MIG | ~8 km/h | screens, or switch wire |
| TIG | worse than MIG | indoors only, realistically |
| Stick / flux-core | high | none needed |
| Laser | site-dependent | follow safety documentation |
The Australian reality
A 40–60 A air-plasma on a 10A circuit handles 10 mm steel cuts slowly, 6 mm happily in Australia; consumables (tips, electrodes, swirl rings) are the real running cost.
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