Plasma cutting Chrome

[65cruiser]

I wasn't sure were to post this so i figure it had to do with plasma tools would work. I need to cut some rectangular holes for some fog lights in my bumper I'd like to use my plasma. Just wondering if its gona destroy my chrome bumper.

[divtec]

I wasn't sure were to post this so i figure it had to do with plasma tools would work. I need to cut some rectangular holes for some fog lights in my bumper I'd like to use my plasma. Just wondering if its gona destroy my chrome bumper.
This is Phil Sr from Parker Metalworking Products.... Plasma-Tec plasma cutters, combos, TIG welders... popular vendor on this site.

That is a very interesting question. We will test it on some scrap. I really think that since we've cut glass without breaking it... and cut white painted sheet aluminum without scorching the paint AT ALL! I think it will work.

The key is to NOT use TOO MUCH output current.

Send me a PM about this as a reminder.

Later... Phil Sr

Also... feel free to call and talk with Phil Jr or James at the shop... toll-free 888.281.2820 or 480-983-6030

[Bruce T]

I've cut a lot of coated steel and aluminum without so much as charing the paint for the first 1/16-1/8 next to the cut. No peeling though. I would think you would be fine with the chrome unless its the real cheap shit that will flake off anyway. If its a factory bumper you should be fine.

[PAToyota]

I really think that since we've cut glass without breaking it...

Funny this should come up. Just this morning a rollback passed me with two front clip cuts on it from the junkyard. The one had about three inches of glass across the bottom of the windowshield frame with a ragged cut at the top edge - but the glass was otherwise ok. I was thinking "How the fawk did they do that? Plasma?" Now I know! :D

[Joe_88k5]

Yup, lay thin sheet metal over the glass and go at it.

[mondtster]

I've cut a lot of chrome bumpers with a plasma and never had an issue...

[PAToyota]

Yup, lay thin sheet metal over the glass and go at it.

Might have to try that just for grins and giggles if nothing else... :smokin:

[65cruiser]

Thankyou very much for all the inputs looks like i'll be putting some fog light holes in my bumper in the next day or so.

[Joe_88k5]

I just remembered, I torched the stock bumpers off my new-to-me K5 frame last fall with my plasma and it didn't do anything at all to the chrome. Wish I had remembered that earlier!