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Buying a used plasma cutter

ForceFed70

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 27, 2010
Messages
3,441
Location
BC, Canada
Man are they expensive. Don't get why they'd cost more than a MIG, but that's the game.

Just for hobby work, have almost 0 experience using one. Would likely only get used a couple of times a month.

Went to take a look at a cheap ebay cutter. A "Cut 50" brand new in box. Wasn't expecting much but man what a POS. Plastic felt like it was going to break just looking at it, air leaked from every fitting, could only turn it up to 36 (supposed to go to 50), and the power remained on after turning the switch off - had to unplug. Nope, I don't care how cheap....

So now I'm considering used. But I understand there have been some advancements the last few years. You can now buy 110V boxes that cut 1/4" no problem. Much smaller, prices have dropped a lot, etc.

How well does a brand name plasma hold up over time? Anything I should avoid or look for? I've got 220V and plenty of air available to me in the shop. About the only thing I think I'd like to make sure I have is something with "pilot arc", 1/4" would be the thickest I'd be cutting.
 
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Murphy4570

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Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
2,821
Location
West Deptford NJ
Don't even waste your time with a 110V machine. Get a 220. I've used a Miller, nice machine.

Get a name brand one, and test it before you buy. Lincoln, Hyper therm, Miller, etc. Don't bother with old used Snap-On ones. They are hard to get parts for, same with their welding machines.
 
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