plasma cutters, nitrogen or air?

[5trucks]

I dont know much about the inner workings of the plasma cutters but i have used them. In doing research i found one can use nitrogen instead of compressed air. Since i am having some issues getting all the water out of my air, is it more cost effective to buy nitrogen to ensure clean,water free cuts or would it be in my best interest to do the "Franzinator?" How long does nitrogen last when using it like this?

[HardcorewannabeXJ]

typically water/moisture in the air lines just causes starting issues and consumable life issues. Running nitrogen helps in cutting non-ferrous materials in the cut quality department. Running bottled compressed air is nice clean moisture free air and will help in consumable life and more consistent torch fires.

[dopeassjackson]

having to fill and keep a nitrogen bottle around seams like a pain in the ass to me. you alreaty have a compressor and making some sort of air drying system would help air tools and other such things, not just your plasma.

i run a plasma off my compressor with the steel pipes like i stated in your air dryer thread.
my miller 375 non Xtreem has a built in air dryer that auto drains when it loses air pressure.

[MC]

You use nitrogen when your cutting a couple inches thick. Compressed air works great for us and we never cut thicker than 1".

[PAToyota]

Go for a refrigerated dryer. People have reported decent luck with the HF model (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40211).

I picked up a used Hankison unit for a bit less than that and have seen a few others on fleaBay and CL.

[5trucks]

having to fill and keep a nitrogen bottle around seams like a pain in the ass to me. you alreaty have a compressor and making some sort of air drying system would help air tools and other such things, not just your plasma.

i run a plasma off my compressor with the steel pipes like i stated in your air dryer thread.
my miller 375 non Xtreem has a built in air dryer that auto drains when it loses air pressure.

Thanks! I think that is the route i am gonna go. Appreciate the help.