Plasma Cutter Lotos LT5000D $249

[krouchchocolate]

Try to run the machine on 220 volts and it will be "happy"...... Higher the voltage (220 volts) means lower amps so the machine will run cooler and perform better.

Will for sure do that next time. Only outlet that I have that is 220 is from the dryer/washing machine.

 

[andgott]

Definitely can't really cut 1/8" thickness without tripping my 15 amp breaker (I think that is what my garage 110v is rated for).

I think the specs on mine say 20a... You'll probably have more success on a 20a circuit. It'll do a LOT better on 220 for sure!

 

[clubairth]

Do you need to use the wire stand off to position the torch head at the proper distance? I see where people burn that wire thing up real quick. It that from using it wrong? Or normal wear and tear?

Looking to order consumables from EBay and want to understand if I need as many wire stand offs as the other parts. Does not look like the kits give you very many.
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[kxlexus]

Do you need to use the wire stand off to position the torch head at the proper distance? I see where people burn that wire thing up real quick. It that from using it wrong? Or normal wear and tear?

Looking to order consumables from EBay and want to understand if I need as many wire stand offs as the other parts. Does not look like the kits give you very many.
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I burnt mine up right away but didn't replace it. You soon learn how far away to hold the nozzle.

 

[Fixed]

This may be a stupid question, since this is Garage Journal, but what do you guys mostly use your plasma cutters for?

I totally understand why a professional metalworking shop would get a lot of use out of one, but what are the hobbyists on here doing with them that it makes it worth the investment?

 

[thecollector]

I had one that I was using to cut auto sheet metal with. I did not respect the duty cycle, and it burned out in about twenty minutes. There was probably only 15 ' to 20' of cutting roughly 20 gauge sheet metal. It showed no signs of over heating or anything. Next time I turned it on to use it I would only get a small spark and then nothing. Just my experience with them.

 

[clubairth]

Well I came to the plasma cutter after using and owning a number of other ways to cut metal. OA Torch, Metal chop saw, Band saw, jig saw. They all have their place.

What I found is the Plasma is so precise that I spend far less time grinding and fitting before welding.

It also can get in places that are impossible or at least very awkward to get to with the other cutting tools.

Another plus for me is less damage to surrounding area's as you can cut sheet metal and the paint is only burned very close to the cut. Little to no heat affected zone.

Finally they have dropped in price so a home guy can afford it easier.

I have found with other duty cycle tools they just stop working for a while. That's really poor design if it burns itself up and has no protection!
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[clubairth]

Got the plasma up and running. Took a while because the very short power cord had a different plug than my shop plugs. I made a 20' 10 gauge extension adapter cord so I can move it around better. Had to wait for the cord and plugs to come in from EBay before I could build the cable.

Had a strange buzz when first turned on like something was arcing inside? Took cover off and re-seated all the outside connections. Inside looked very clean and fairly well built. No problem after that and it works like a dream! I think the pilot arc connection is a bit cheap and was not screwed in all the way.

One complaint compared to other cheap plasma cutters is the air regulator. It should have the air gauge and the adjuster on the front panel where you can see and adjust it easy. Pain in the **** to see and adjust pressure in the back but thanks to Garage Journal I knew to preset it to 60-65 psi and just leave it there!

One other complaint and it has been mentioned before is the ground lead. Too small of gauge of wire and too short. The plasma gun is nice and about 15' long but the ground clamp is maybe 6' long? Kind of mismatched?

Now I need to spend some time and improve my skills to match what this machine can do!
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[clubairth]

I purchased some Plasma consumables off EBay and I have a problem getting pink shield cups that will screw onto the the gun?

Here is a picture of the dimension that is wrong. The vendor from China did refund part of my money for the cups but I still want to buy some backups. I think the thread dimensions are fine but the inner diameter before the threads is too small and prevents the cup from reaching the threads.

Anyone run into this problem?
Where did you get the cups from?
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[rs4-380]

which torch do you have? Trigger on bottom or top?

 

[clubairth]

I have the newer style with the trigger on the bottom of the gun.
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[rs4-380]

I had no issues with the ebay SG-55 consumables.

 

[clubairth]

Thanks for checking. I will try another vendor on EBay for the cups.
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[clubairth]

I ordered the shield cups from another supplier in China and got the right ones this time.
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[06 DIESEL]

Here are the consumables I got for mine, all parts threaded on fine, I have yet to use the cutter so I can not comment on if they work properly or not yet.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WSAIUFM/?tag=atomicindus08-20