Lotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter.

[BellyUpFish]

Hey guys-

First, I'm looking for people who have used or owned this unit, or if you have another budget solution to offer, that'd be great..

I understand I can wait umpteen months while constantly surfing Craigslist every waking minute and see if can find a Hypertherm, Miller, etc for $896. My usage demands don't really qualify me for a $1,500 Hypertherm.. Using something 10-15 times a year, doesn't seem to make sense to spend the $$$, if the lesser unit will work.. If I was working with this for a living, we'd be going a different route..

I understand this is a Chinese box, so if we could not let this devolve into a "Buy a 45A Hypertherm" thread, that'd be great..

Ok, with that said, anyone have any direct knowledge of this unit? The reviews on Amazon are pretty glowing, but I've seen a few "I was offered consumables to post up a good review.."

Anyone have one?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052OX876/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[redsand187]

I just bit the bullet and ordered one. I don't plan to use it much so hopefully it will be fine for me.

 

[BellyUpFish]

I just bit the bullet and ordered one. I don't plan to use it much so hopefully it will be fine for me.

I'm real close. Let us know what you think!

 

[Zrexxer]

It's not about how many times a year you use it. It's about whether you can buy consumables and parts when you need them in a year or two.

 

[Stephenw]

I have the Parker Cut 40. I purchased it for $199 more than 10 years ago. It sees occasional use and still works great. I think all of these Chinese plasma cutters use the same consumables.

I have an ESAB PowerCut® 650 at the office, so I know how a "real" plasma cutter performs.

 

[Ign]

Yeah isn't the Lotos just another Parker/Mitech etc etc ad nauseum.... same case different stickers? Point being reviews of one are applicable to all.

 

[GTO]

Lots of positive reviews on Amazon.

 

[BellyUpFish]

The worst reviews on Amazon seem to point more toward either total user error or "the UPS guy delivering it to the wrong address." Not sure how that is the plasma cutters fault..

 

[redsand187]

It's not about how many times a year you use it. It's about whether you can buy consumables and parts when you need them in a year or two.

I ordered a big pack of consumables for it too, because I figured that would be my biggest issue.

I will probably never get my money's worth out of the thing, but I like cool toys. I figured though, 5 years from now, I'll go to use it and will need a new tip, and will never be able to find one, so I went to the ol' mighty ebay and bought the 90pc set.


On a side note, when I ordered, the seller had 13 units available, they are all gone now. This little machine must be a hot seller. Who knows how many units the other sellers are moving. While I am somewhat skeptical when all the reviews are so good on Amazon, but when they are apparently selling tons of these units, and it's hard to find many complaints, they must be decent. I'm not expecting to use the thing 24/7 in a fab shop, and if I was I'd be buying something else. I'm hoping that this is more geared towards a casual user like us tool geeks, who will use it but not abuse it.

 

[FriendOfYours]

A shop near me gets a couple a week for repair. Everyone I know that has had one has either quit soon after purchase or the mosfets blew up on first use

 

[redsand187]

LTP5000D is the non-mosfet version, supposedly more reliable. We'll see.

 

[BellyUpFish]

On a side note, when I ordered, the seller had 13 units available, they are all gone now. This little machine must be a hot seller. Who knows how many units the other sellers are moving. While I am somewhat skeptical when all the reviews are so good on Amazon, but when they are apparently selling tons of these units, and it's hard to find many complaints, they must be decent. I'm not expecting to use the thing 24/7 in a fab shop, and if I was I'd be buying something else. I'm hoping that this is more geared towards a casual user like us tool geeks, who will use it but not abuse it.

They seem to go pretty quick. You can always expect an auction on eBay to run to the last minute.. Got sniped out of one at $365 a few weeks ago..

A shop near me gets a couple a week for repair. Everyone I know that has had one has either quit soon after purchase or the mosfets blew up on first use

Could I get this shops name? They might be worth a call to see what is a common failure, however, if they are attempting to replace mosfets on the LTP5000, they're doing it wrong..

LTP5000D is the non-mosfet version, supposedly more reliable. We'll see.

Exactly..

 

[BellyUpFish]

Well, I won one of these on eBay today.. Sorta kinda not expecting to.. So.. I guess we'll see what happens..

 

[Badasssapper67]

Hey BellyUpFish,
So tell us about your plasma cutter, would you recommend it to GJ members?

 

[BellyUpFish]

Hey BellyUpFish,
So tell us about your plasma cutter, would you recommend it to GJ members?

Well, it just showed up yesterday, so I don't have any considerable amount of time on the unit.

First impressions though - I'm pleased with the money I spent on this unit. I don't know where I'll be in 3, 9, 12, 24 months from now, but currently, I'm happy.

I made a couple videos. Pulling it out of the box and my first cuts with it. I'll link to the cuts video in a few, it's uploading.

The "unboxing" is up now. You can see what I saw..

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kLuCPW9AFMc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[BellyUpFish]

Finally got the cutting video up.. This is my first time with a plasma cutter, I know I wasn't wearing the appropriate PPE, etc..

I have since figured out I had the amperage set at 30, where as it needs to be a little north of that..

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ktaqegvRSHQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[BellyUpFish]

Well, I found some time to use it this past week..

It took me about 5 minutes of cutting time to take this:

To this:

I'm pretty happy with the cutter so far. It split this top with practically zero cleanup needed.

 

[nonhog]

Am looking at this model. BellyUpFish and/or redsand187. Updates?
I'd do a variety of new and rusty old sheet metal. Some thicker stuff but not too thick.
One big issue for me is the ability to use the 110 option until I add another 220 circuit for the shop. Which I want to do but at this time the compressor is using that.

 

[nonhog]

Oh and more Bronco pictures!

 

[nonhog]

Well its on its way..... ordered it moments ago. Crossing fingers.

 

[redsand187]

I only use mine sparingly on relatively thin stuff, but it's been great, no complaints from me. But then again, I'm not cutting 1/2" steel all day long.

 

[nonhog]

I only use mine sparingly on relatively thin stuff, but it's been great, no complaints from me. But then again, I'm not cutting 1/2" steel all day long.

Set up for 220? Super curious about the 110 since I'll be starting with sheet metal.

Want to add another 220 plug but that calls for wiring from the house panel to the shop panel and so on. Need it but hoping it can wait.

 

[redsand187]

I am using 220.

 

[unclethumbtack]

I've had this model in heavy use for more than two years. I'm really impressed. It's paid for itself over and over.

 

[Nermal43]

I have had mine for a few months with zero issues. It cuts great and is easy to use. I read a lot of reviews before buying. I am using it with 240. Good luck.

 

[firemanast]

Mine has been a good one. The last time I used it was cutting 1/2 steel plate. I have mine wired 220.

 

[nonhog]

Anyone close to there LTP5000D? My electrician friend wants a picture of the plate. Just can't read the one on the Loto's site.
I can wait till I am home. No bigs!?

 

[Tscott]

Considering the pilot arc version and was curious if the OP had a status update?

Tom

 

[BellyUpFish]

Considering the pilot arc version and was curious if the OP had a status update?

Tom

I sold mine when I decided I needed something else more, wish I hadn't. I've been contemplating buying another again, actually.. I was happy with it for the time that I had it.

 

[Waterbums]

Hey, I've had one for over a year now and no complains. Used correctly consumables last long. They are easy to get on eBay and Amazon. These are unique to this model and other consumables will NOT work.
My question is has anyone used the machine wired for 110 vac?

 

[SWI712]

Ordered and received my lotos lpt5000d this past weekend. New to a plasma cutter and decided this would be a good learner unit.
Everything works as it should and I am fairly impressed with the smoothness of the cut and operation. This one is the pilot arc.
Running 220 on 50amps and 45 to 50 psi. It slices right through 3/16 steel with little dross. Have not used the 110v option. Seems to be the consensus that it's best in 220 with any plasma cutter. I'm hearing a lot of static about the more expensive cutters being the ONLY option.
I agree that some tools are better than others. However, if you are a hobbyist or garage guy and don't rely on your tools to provide income that it's silly not to try something different and less expensive. This is a nice little unit and works very well.