Hybridss
Well-known member
I have been wanting a plasma cutter for a very long time. I cant count the number of times a working plasma unit would have been a life saver and of course I end up using saws or cut off wheels etc. Well I started seriously considering the Harbor Freight Plasma unit. It actually had very good reviews. But it was still $679 and even with the 20% off it wasnt cheap. I looked into the ebay plasma units and found mixed reviews. There are lots of youtube videos of these units working. I started searching ebay and amazon and finally found the Colossal Tech unit from a particular ebay seller USAPROVIDERSINC for the Cut 50 pilot arc plasma cutter http://www.ebay.com/itm/170848546058
It was $279 shipped. He added 18 consumables for $30 and put them in the same box. All shipping was free. I decided that the cost of the unit would be worth the risk so I bought the unit on ebay. It arrived in 5 days with the extra consumables in the box. The unit was different than the one in the ebay picture. The one I received appears to be a newer model with a digital readout to set the AMPS. Went to Lowes to get a 50 amp dryer plug and set it up in about 15 minutes.
I hooked up air, plugged it in and it worked perfect right out of the box. I made some practice cuts of various thickness steel pieces and had no issues. Keep in mind I have never used a plasma cutter before. I then set out to do the first project I needed to get done. Fabricate a small strap for my little tractor's hydraulic lift receiver. I used some guides to cut the straight parts and then did some free hand to cut holes. I was able to fab the part quick and then MIG welded it in place.
About 5 more projects like that and this unit will have paid for its self. For the weekend warrior this little set up may fit the bill. It states that it has a 1 year warranty but I bought this with the idea that it has no warranty. If it breaks within one year I will take the steps to test that "warranty" but I have doubts. I wouldnt rule it out though. But at $279 for what normally costs well north of $1200-$2400 IMO the risk is on me due to "buyer beware".
FYI this model is the Pilot Arc model. The pilot arc model makes and arc at the tip to start the plasma cut, It helps when cutting painted and rusty material and cuts down on prep of pieces to cut. I am an extreme amateur with fabrication and metal work...so take the info with a grain of salt. But I am happy as hell with my little Chinese plasma unit.
Here is a video of cutting the 14 or 16 gauge stuff I made the strap out of.
Cheapest cut 50 on ebay Colossal Tech Plasma Pilot Arc unit - YouTube
It was $279 shipped. He added 18 consumables for $30 and put them in the same box. All shipping was free. I decided that the cost of the unit would be worth the risk so I bought the unit on ebay. It arrived in 5 days with the extra consumables in the box. The unit was different than the one in the ebay picture. The one I received appears to be a newer model with a digital readout to set the AMPS. Went to Lowes to get a 50 amp dryer plug and set it up in about 15 minutes.
I hooked up air, plugged it in and it worked perfect right out of the box. I made some practice cuts of various thickness steel pieces and had no issues. Keep in mind I have never used a plasma cutter before. I then set out to do the first project I needed to get done. Fabricate a small strap for my little tractor's hydraulic lift receiver. I used some guides to cut the straight parts and then did some free hand to cut holes. I was able to fab the part quick and then MIG welded it in place.
About 5 more projects like that and this unit will have paid for its self. For the weekend warrior this little set up may fit the bill. It states that it has a 1 year warranty but I bought this with the idea that it has no warranty. If it breaks within one year I will take the steps to test that "warranty" but I have doubts. I wouldnt rule it out though. But at $279 for what normally costs well north of $1200-$2400 IMO the risk is on me due to "buyer beware".
FYI this model is the Pilot Arc model. The pilot arc model makes and arc at the tip to start the plasma cut, It helps when cutting painted and rusty material and cuts down on prep of pieces to cut. I am an extreme amateur with fabrication and metal work...so take the info with a grain of salt. But I am happy as hell with my little Chinese plasma unit.
Here is a video of cutting the 14 or 16 gauge stuff I made the strap out of.
Cheapest cut 50 on ebay Colossal Tech Plasma Pilot Arc unit - YouTube
