Is this a good plasma cutter?

[Bennylava]

I'll mostly be doing sheet metal. But I will occasionally want to cut a truck's frame, for various reasons. And sometimes, I may even want to cut some 3/8" thick steel for other projects. Will this plasma cutter be ok for all those jobs? Any disadvantages? If not, which one should I go with? Just looking for a handheld unit like the one in the link.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/131397513285?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[black2door]

If you're going to spend the money, buy hypertherm.

 

[ovrrdrive]

At that price you could get a Hypertherm 30XP. I've seen good reviews on the Millers and bad reviews on them. I've never seen anyone complain about a Hypertherm. I always balk when someone is looking at a $300 plasma and people recommend HT but where you're at you should be looking at Hypertherm. They really are in a class by themselves.

Better yet, save a little more and get one of the 45XP units. They're going to be the trendsetter.

 

[Cope]

At that price you could get a Hypertherm 30XP. I've seen good reviews on the Millers and bad reviews on them. I've never seen anyone complain about a Hypertherm. I always balk when someone is looking at a $300 plasma and people recommend HT but where you're at you should be looking at Hypertherm. They really are in a class by themselves.

Better yet, save a little more and get one of the 45XP units. They're going to be the trendsetter.

All you need to know.

 

[Grizzly Guy]

On the Hypertherm for sure.

 

[HMCFab9]

I'm happy with my Thermal dynamics one, but the hypertherm is supposed to good also.

 

[Bennylava]

At that price you could get a Hypertherm 30XP. I've seen good reviews on the Millers and bad reviews on them. I've never seen anyone complain about a Hypertherm. I always balk when someone is looking at a $300 plasma and people recommend HT but where you're at you should be looking at Hypertherm. They really are in a class by themselves.

Better yet, save a little more and get one of the 45XP units. They're going to be the trendsetter.

What is better about the 45XP? As opposed to the 30XP? Keep in mind this isn't something I'll be using every day. Probably more like once every couple of weeks, at most. It will probably go several months out of the year, with no use at all.

 

[Cope]

What is better about the 45XP? As opposed to the 30XP? Keep in mind this isn't something I'll be using every day. Probably more like once every couple of weeks, at most. It will probably go several months out of the year, with no use at all.

Look at their specs, it has more capacity. You will do fine with the 30, it's just that the 45 is higher capacity. One of their people, Jim Colt, is on welding web, and is a great support guy.
http://www.hypertherm.com/

 

[KM223]

Hypertherm hands down. At home I have a PM30, PM45 and looking to get the 45XP. At the shop I'm running a PM85. I have never even considered other manufacturers.

 

[walrus]

I looked at 2 hypertherm and thermal dynamics. Went with 30xp. You will love it for sheet metal. You can use fine cut consumables in it and it will barely burn the paint off a door panel. Lay a straight edge, clamp in place, hold gun against it. Beautiful cut.

 

[Bennylava]

Will they really cut 3/8" thick steel like the specs say? And is it a whole lot slower than sheet metal?

 

[DerekV]

Will they really cut 3/8" thick steel like the specs say? And is it a whole lot slower than sheet metal?

Definitely.

All HT units can cut a lot more than their rated capacity since they rate theirs based on 20ipm travel speed vs. 10ipm aka what most of the competition uses. I have the 45XP by the way and it's incredible. Had the old 45 and it was awesome.

The 30XP is a great machine. 3/8, no problem.

 

[Bennylava]

Time for a noob question:


Why should I buy a plasma cutter, when the old cutting torches are so much cheaper? Is it just all about precision?

 

[FigureItOut]

Time for a noob question:


Why should I buy a plasma cutter, when the old cutting torches are so much cheaper? Is it just all about precision?

Lots of reasons. Plasma can cut any conducive metal, a torch is well suited for mild steel only. It's easier to get a very clean cut, though a skilled person with a torch can do just as well. I think a plasma cutter is safer overall. It's cheaper to operate, has a narrower kerf and has a far smaller heat affected zone, which is a big deal cutting thinner material. The learning curve is more forgiving as well. I own and semi-frequently use a good quality torch, but I can still get a better cut on the occasions I use a plasma cutter. You didn't ask about the disadvantages to a plasma cutter, though they do exist.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I have the 30XP and it was about the same price on sale. Great little unit.

 

[Know Wosad]

I had a 625 Miller for a while. Nothing wrong with that lil machine either.
Now I have a 45 and 65 HT. Ironically the 45 is now on the table and I use the 65 by hand( the opposite of most guys).I like to zzing across 1/4-3/8 by hand and the 45 is too slow for that in my eyes.I can cut 3/8 with oxy-acet as fast as the 45. Not quite as fast as the 65 tho. The 65 zips through 1/4 like the 45 does 1/8. Huge difference.
If I get a 30 it will be a 30 air for field work. I dont recommens spending the money on a 30 for a shop machine unless you're a sheet metal-race car guy. Step up to the 45 for general fab. The 30 aint got enough ***.

 

[texasfiremedic]

Y'all making me want to sell my 625 and buy a hyper 65.

 

[Cope]

Y'all making me want to sell my 625 and buy a hyper 65.

That's a little extreme.

 

[texasfiremedic]

Well i was looking at going a little more compact. I have an older 635 that I can't detach the hose. I want to be able to put it in a underbed box on my truck and maybe later put it on a plasma bed. Wait, can you detach the hose easily on the 65?

 

[bcradio]

Time for a noob question:


Why should I buy a plasma cutter, when the old cutting torches are so much cheaper? Is it just all about precision?

You shouldn't... unless you need to cut a lot of sheet goods on the cheap.