Hobart Plasma cutter - Northern Tool

[ATC]

Was walking through NT today and spotted this red tag in the welding aisle. I stood there for 5 minutes debating on pulling out the credit card

A basic quick search on my phone showed the cheapest price for this is $1192.

Hobart Airforce 500i plasma cutter

 

[Youngguns]

Well, did you pull out your credit card or not?!

 

[ATC]

Well, did you pull out your credit card or not?!

I'm still thinking about it

I bleed blue (Miller). I gotta think on this orange machine some (yes I know, Miller owns Hobart....but still).

 

[Youngguns]

I'm still thinking about it

I bleed blue (Miller). I gotta think on this orange machine some (yes I know, Miller owns Hobart....but still).

Hey, I've got a Hobart MIG, and a Miller TIG. They look just fine sitting next to one another.

 

[ATC]

OK....I'm going tomorrow and getting one! There were 4 on the shelf...

 

[W0rLDWaR4]

If I had a NT I'd be all over this

 

[Tarheelgarage]

You don't want one with built in air compressor, POS.

Get the Hypertherm PM30XP and be done with it.

 

[Jawn]

OT I know, but what's the benefit of a plasma cutter over other cutting methods?

 

[ATC]

You don't want one with built in air compressor, POS.

Get the Hypertherm PM30XP and be done with it.

This one does not have a built-in compressor.



Here's a good read comparing several brands:
http://plasmacuttersreviews.com/

 

[ATC]

OT I know, but what's the benefit of a plasma cutter over other cutting methods?

I don't agree with him where he says it takes more skill to use a plasma. I think it's the opposite. I've had my O/A torches for 8 years now, and I still can't get a decent cut with them. Granted...I don't use them but a few times a year, and I know my tip is too big for the 3/16" steel I typically cut.

 

[ATC]

I picked it up today. Used a $20 off $100 coupon to bring it to $863.
$909 OTD.

I notice on their website the price is still $1359...maybe this is local stores only?

I talked to an employee, and he said they are bringing out Klutch branded welders. I didn't have time to ask him, but I wonder if they are just replacing the Northern Industrial welders...or if they are taking the Hobarts off the shelf as well...?

 

[Jawn]

Good deal man. I checked locally just out of curiosity (was in buying a sandblaster today), not even on the shelf locally (but I notice there's a lot of items they don't carry at my local store).

 

[blk99camaro]

Killer deal.....I'm jealous.... Hobart is a good machine

 

[nine4gmc]

I'm jealous too, I have a Hobart mig and tig but I have the small Miller plasma with built in air...better than nothing but *****...

 

[bcradio]

You don't want one with built in air compressor, POS.

Get the Hypertherm PM30XP and be done with it.

I think you mean the 45

 

[dantinne]

Hobart plasma cutters are built just as well as the Miller units. If you peek inside, you'd probably guess that they're built on the same line here in Appleton, WI.

This clearance price is VERY good.

 

[squashman702]

Wonder if TSC will match?

 

[ATC]

I used it today. Holy cow! I'm in love! I was cutting less than 2 minutes after pulling it out of the box. Just plug up the power cord and air line, then pull the trigger. I'm amazed at the precision. I was playing around with some 1/8" steel, and the lines were so sharp...with a torch, they would have been melted away...

 

[usa#1]

I used it today. Holy cow! I'm in love! I was cutting less than 2 minutes after pulling it out of the box. Just plug up the power cord and air line, then pull the trigger. I'm amazed at the precision. I was playing around with some 1/8" steel, and the lines were so sharp...with a torch, they would have been melted away...

Any more updates on how it's working for you. Does anyone make a drag style tip for this machine.