Best bang-for-buck plasma cutter

[goodysgotacuda]

Say one wanted a plasma cutter that would do up to 1/2" plate steel on occasion, 220v available and wanted the best bang for buck. A machine that will last, but might not break the bank as much as possible [I know "cheap" and plasma cutter don't really go together].


What are your suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Lasu]

How much you need it? hobby or pro work?

 

[Skyline]

I bought a NOS ESAB plasma off eBay for $850. At the time, it was a previous years model, but it will sever about 1-1/2" and clean cut 1". It is a 220v machine. ESAB is not as well known as Miller or Lincoln, (or even Hypertherm for plasmas) here in the US, but they are a huge multinational company that make very high quality machines. There is one of these exact machines that I have on eBay now starting at $875, (but it is a 460v machine, not the 220v version):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESAB-PCM-87...695?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c3e356c7

Anyway, I would keep an eye on CL and eBay, and definately expand your seach to include these ESAB machines. But just like the link posted, it is possible to find machines that for some reason never got use. If you have 3-phase, it might even be one to consider. That model is at least 5 years old at this point, but is an awesome machine.

Also, make sure you understand the difference between what a machine will clean cut vs. what it will sever. Some of the smaller 40a output machines will sever 1/2", but it will be a very sloppy cut.