Looking for a cheap plasma cutter...suggestions?

[IQRaceworks]

Were you maybe holding the torch up off the metal? 60psi should be fine and I think most of then are 75psi max but double check yours. I also found with the pt31 torches consumables do not last long at all at higher amps cutting thicker metal which is why I changed to the ag60 but make sure your consumables are in good shape. I'd agree it should cut 3/8 plate fairly quick.

Yes...I thought you were supposed to keep the tip 1/16-1/8 off of the metal. I thought dragging it across the metal would just instantly burn up the consumables.

Are you supposed to keep the tip directly on the metal?? All the info I've seen says don't let it touch.....

 

[Kenskip1]

Well I spent a bit more for my plasma cutter $300+ A Lotos LTP 5000D. I have had to close to three years.Works just fine.BTW. I got this at Home Depo with a one year warranty.

 

[The Cobbler]

Yes...I thought you were supposed to keep the tip 1/16-1/8 off of the metal. I thought dragging it across the metal would just instantly burn up the consumables.

Are you supposed to keep the tip directly on the metal?? All the info I've seen says don't let it touch.....

there are drag tips which can be dragged across the material,(called drag tips) it's nice to be able to do that

 

[Jswain]

Plant er back on the metal and try again. Yes it is probably harder on the consumables but it will produce a much nicer and faster cut

 

[Jswain]

Once you start getting low on consumables from what you received with your plasma cutter id recommend upgrading to this torch and buy consumables for it instead of your pt31 style

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011E97MG0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The consumables for it are 40,50,60 amp specific so just get the 40amp ones and call it a day. All it is to change is a couple screws on the body, the air fitting inside and splicing two wires for the switch

 

[NUTTSGT]

I know the OP bought, received and has been using his Jegs Plasma Cutter but I wanted to throw out another option.

I bought a Forney 20P from TSC. Regular price was $429 and I caught it on sale for $200 plus I had a 10% off coupon. I also bought a bag of food for the dog so my bill came out to just over $220 with tax.

Granted, I, like most others would rather have a Hypertherm, Miller or Hobart but for less than $200, I figured this would be foot in the door. It does great on sheet metal and 1/8 steel but that's about all.

Anything larger than that it will struggle. However, this does fill a void and gets done when I need to cut some sheet metal, the main reason for the purchase.