Black Friday & First Plasma Cutter Options?

[TimberMan]

Ok folks, I am not sure that I "need" a plasma cutter but since it is black friday, today may be the day to get one just in case. I plan to make some chimeneas / fire pits / fire rings from old propane tanks and other scrap I can get my hands on and at some point I may need it for repairs on my tractor.

Given my uses, I doubt I need a cnc compatible plasma cutter but I have no idea what is junk and what is a good deal since I am just getting into metal work. Any advice on where to start or what to stay away from will be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[NUTTSGT]

I bought a Forney from TSC as my first one. STOP. Don't even look at them.

From that point, I went with Hobart as I was on my second Hobart welder and had good luck with them. So I went to Cyberweld.com and bought a 27i plasma cutter. I had one issue and it went to a repair shop under warranty for a o-ring/diaphragm issue.

So guys have had luck with some cheaper import units but my concern was parts/service.

What I will suggest is getting one that can cut bigger then what you might think you need. . . . 1/4" steel ? step up to one that will cut 3/8"

 

[zendriver]

I was ready to go for the Arccaptain multi process, then remember "wait, I already have a nice welder and plasma cutter, that I am too busy to use"

Although I like a pilot arc, Would consider ordering this.

Arccaptain Plasma Cutter CUT50 Dual Voltage Portable HF Start Cutter

This Arccaptain CUT50 plasma cutter is a portable HF Start Cutter which is easy to carry to the work. And it works very well at cutting 1/2 in sheet metals.

www.arccaptain.com

 

[MT800]

What is this pilot arc you talk about. Plasma is in the back of mind. Not to the point of finding out what I think I need.

 

[csp]

Pilot arc allows the arc to start without making contact with the substrate.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

When faced with the same question, I bought a used Hypertherm. Haven't regreted it yet.