Any Word on this Cheap Plasma Cutter?

[RonRock]

SIMADRE 50RX PORTABLE 50 Amp 110V / 220V PLASMA CUTTER with SG-55 TORCH


Here is an Ebay link,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-SIMADR...638?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c4a8934e

I know it is not top of the line, but I won't be using it daily. Just occasionally in my home shop. I typically stay far away from cheap tools, understanding the get what you pay for theory. But the cost of a quality plasma cutter is hard to justify.

Right now I have an old 40 amp plasma. Can't think of the brand, but it is a big heavy unit that works fine, just takes up a lot of room and is an effort to move around the shop. Thinking I can sell the old unit to offset the cost.

So anybody have any experience with this machine or one like it?

 

[geologist]

Simadre has a channel on Youtube:

Probably quite alright for your shop. Not the fastest beast on Earth, but certainly capable. You could always try to find a good used higher-end machine via Craigslist or eBay, but as I said, it seems quite capable.

 

[nirion]

Did you end up buying this?

 

[beerdog]

We had a HF plasma cutter. It worked fine for thin material. boughtit for 1 project and returned it.

 

[RonRock]

Not yet. Still need to sell the old unit. Got sidetracked.

 

[ishiboo]

Simadre IIRC is one of many "Chinese" models.. basically the same model is produced and rebranded as many different names.

They get good reviews, some of them had issues with transistors. Like any inexpensive Chinese product, quality control is lacking.

I think one of the most important things is purchasing them from a reputable importer who can and will assist you with replacement/repair parts and instructions. Look at "GiantTech", "Everlast", etc.

I had a Thermal Dynamics, when/if I replace it, it'll probably be one of the Chinese units as I do metal work very infrequently.