Budget Plasma Cutters: Primeweld Cut60?

[CloudsRest]

Are budget plasma cutters like the Primeweld Cut60 worth it? I’ve wanted a Hypertherm for ages, but dropping 3-4k on a plasma cutter is not going to happen for at least a few more years. I could really use one in the meantime for automotive/4wd fabrication projects that involve frame and suspension work. I have found people online praising the Cut60, but I’ve also seen pictures of some absolutely horrid cuts. Are these capable of clean cuts on 3/8” and thinner mild steel? What about aluminum?

 

[Kenskip1]

I have and still use a Lotos LTP5000D with pilot arc for well over 4 years. And not a problem with it. I purchased it from Home Depo and got a one year warranty with it. However it has been trouble free. Also I purchased the consumables from Walmart at a significant cost savings.

 

[zendriver]

Yes.

Like welding, plasma cutting quality results from from skill and experience, about as much a selection of a particular machine.

I've starting using one for cutting off bolt heads, etc. and cutting out rusted automotive sheet metal.

Cut quality freehand , I've gone from looking like I was "tripping on LSD", to "pretty good". I'm into the 50A "Bestarc" for $250.

Love it.

 

[Steve_P]

A thread from a few months ago

Looking for Recommendations for a Plasma Cutter

I am looking to buy a hand held plasma cutter for out in the garage. This will be in my home garage. I already have an oxygen/acet torch for thicker metal. I would like a plasma to cut up to 1/4". I have a nice air compressor that will keep up no problem. Would like a quality unit, but do...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[CloudsRest]

Yes.

Like welding, plasma cutting quality results from from skill and experience, about as much a selection of a particular machine.

I've starting using one for cutting off bolt heads, etc. and cutting out rusted automotive sheet metal.

Cut quality freehand , I've gone from looking like I was "tripping on LSD", to "pretty good". I'm into the 50A "Bestarc" for $250.

Love it.

The Bestarc is on sale for $200 today and tomorrow. I might just try it. Thanks!

 

[Ran when parked]

I have the primeweld 60. It hasn't given me any trouble or any reason to think it will. I am an occasional user. Maybe once or twice a week. As said above, practice helps. Whatever you buy, playing with torch angle, speed, current settings and air pressure and post flow time will definitely affect your cut quality. Good luck!

 

[zendriver]

The Bestarc is on sale for $200 today and tomorrow. I might just try it. Thanks!

If you can stand this guy's banter, he has a ton of info on plasma cutters.

 

[Jswain]

The thing with plasma cutters is the really cheap ones are pretty damn good.

The more expensive brands, but still affordable ie: primeweld, Eastwood's, Lincoln,(whatever else brand here) In my opinion are more of a gamble as you pay 3-5x as much and I don't think you get 3-5x the machine.

Then you have the millers, hypertherm etc for the fab shops etc that make their primary source of income using their fab tools.

You buy a $200 unit and use it for 5 years and it shits the bed...chances are the next $200 unit will have more features, better torch, etc. etc. so even if you buy 5 units in 25 years, over that 25 years you're keeping up with the technology. I think a VERY high % of $200 units last 5+ years, probably pretty easily in a home shop.

If you buy a $1000 unit will it last 25 years? In 25 years will the torch you're using still be around? Still able to purchase consumables?

 

[G-ManBart]

A while back I recommended Primeweld to the guy who sits across from me....he bought the TIG 225X then the CUT60 and absolutely loves both. We've got Hypertherm at work, but I'm going to buy a CUT60 when I get around to it. The week he got the CUT60 he was sending me pics of cuts on some really heavy stuff that were super impressive. The nice thing is, you can pick up the phone and get help from folks here in the U.S. I read somewhere that Primeweld was started by one guy who worked for Miller and another who worked for Lincoln. They pooled their knowledge, spec good machines and back them with fantastic customer service and support. I've read guys sending a question to their help e-mail and getting a response over the weekend....impressive.