How to Use a Plasma Cutter to Make Knives

You can cut out your own knife shapes with a plasma cutter

Plasma is a type of gas matter that uses electricity; the more electricity the plasma conducts, the hotter it becomes, and the easier it is for it to cut through materials such as metal. Plasma cutters typically focus the plasma into arcs that are then used for cutting; you control where and for how long the plasma cuts into the metal. You can cut our your own knife shapes with a plasma cutter.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Leather gloves
• Steel sheet metal
• Thin marker
• Functioning power outlet
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Put the safety glasses and leather gloves on to protect your face and hands during this process.

2. Trace the shape desired for your knife onto the steel sheet metal with the thin marker; you will use this tracing line as your plasma cutting guide.

3. Plug the plasma cutter into a functioning power outlet and turn the cutter on.

4. Pull the plasma cutter's trigger and cut along the tracing line you made earlier; the knife shape will separate from the steel sheet metal when you're finished cutting along the line.

5. Release the trigger, turn the cutter off and unplug it from the power outlet. Pick up the knife metal with a cloth to finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach the knife portion to a handle by cutting a rectangular hole inside the wood with a drill bit; add epoxy to the hole and slide the metal knife inside to finish.

• Follow all instructions in your plasma cutter owner's manual regarding safety and proper usage of the device.

References

• MillerWelds: Plasma Cutting Guide
• YouTube: Everlast Welders Plasma Cutter and Welder 3/8" Aluminum Cut

Resources

• Knives: Knife Handles