Miller Spectrum Thunderbolt Plasma Cutter

[Todd.Brock]

Hey all, I have the opportunity to purchase a spectrum thunder. It's rated to cut 3/16. I don't do anything a the house heavier than that. I have wanted a plasma for some time. This unit had the air compressor built in. Seller is asking $300 for it. It cuts, no issues, has extra consumables, etc.
anyone have experience with the machines?

 

[malibu101]

I have no experience with the machine you're asking about.

But, I do have experience with a Thermal Dynamics Drag-Gun. It is a 120V unit with a built-in compressor, probably similar to what you're talking about. I've had it quite a few years and used it quite a bit.

It cuts sheetmetal great (why I bought it) and it is easily portable and connectable since it only needs power, no air connection. The tip consumables have lasted very well for me too.

However, on mine, it can do 3/16 but the thin kerf tends to fill back in with molten dross and it is real slow with just severance quality cuts.

If you're ONLY cutting thin guage sheetmetal it's a great tool. Anything that's measured in fractions of an inch, it's not good at all.

 

[zkling]

That's a long drive over there

They are good machines. I have wanted a ~30amp plasma for a few years now, could never justify it though. I'm not a personal fan of the internal compressor units. Just one thing more to fail IMHO. But the portability and lack of need for a compressor is pretty appealing though. HOWEVER with that said $300 for one of those units, if it works like it should is a pretty good deal IMHO. Or you can go buy that broken one for $200

Couple other things. Make sure you can test it out before purchase. Also consider how many consumables it comes with (those are pretty $$$ if you need to purchase a bunch of them).

One thing FYI, the plasma unit is called a "Thunder" the Stick welder is called a "Thunderbolt"

 

[sberry]

Not only is it something to fail but uses a lot of energy it needs to cut to make air, only so much power comes thru a 120 circuit. Perfect for duct work, auto body.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Thanks for the feed back. Here are some pics and videos. I thought it would do 3/16 a little better. It's rated , but that doesn't look good. I'm afraid it may be too small. I was hoping that if it could run through 3/16 strong, that is about as big as I would really use. I would be using 1/8, and 3/16 mostly. Sheet metal is not really something I would be doing.
And zkling, it's coming to me.

 

[zkling]

I would be using 1/8, and 3/16 mostly. Sheet metal is not really something I would be doing.

Steady diet of 1/8 and 3/16? That is not the machine for you sir.

IIRC it is pretty comparable (a little less) to the current 125c
http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o194473j_mil.pdf

Powermax 30...cough, cough.

And zkling, it's coming to me.

I would expect nothing less of you Todd.

Perfect for duct work, auto body.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Yeah, zkling. I think you are right. I saw the opportunity for a good machine and at what seems a good price. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[zkling]

Yeah, zkling. I think you are right. I saw the opportunity for a good machine and at what seems a good price. Thanks for the feedback!

Yea, it is a good machine and a good price, BUT.....If it won't do what you need, is it really worth it Believe me I have been there many a times. The initial low price is very appealing, but if it doesn't do what I needed it to do, how much did I really save? If you have the time and money to kill, I'm sure it would be fun to play with, but just a heads up if you plan on going after 1/8"+ on a regular basis. It will be painfully slow.

Cough, powermax 30, cough