Plasma Cutter - Pilot Arc or No?

[red73mustang]

So I've been considering buying one of the LTPDC2000D Plasma Cutter Tig Stick Welder 3 in 1 Combos and the price just came down to my budget range. My question is that should I get one that has a Pilot Arc plasma torch (This model has one) or are they not needed?

A guy selling a similar 3 in 1 combo model without the Pilot Arc function claims that his can cut through painted, rusty dirty metal without 1st prepping it + the Pilot Arc plasma torches "frequently" burns through torch tips.

What are your opinions?

Regards, Chet

 

[Ign]

You don't need that for getting thru paint. Plasma grounds WAY easier than welding.

Pilot arc is for interrupted cuts like expanded. I never use it on my ESAB.

The ESAB lets you have it either way, dunno why more machines can't make it an option

 

[MoonRise]

Plasma?

Just get a Hypertherm and use it. They've pretty much figured things out.

Yes, they are expensive.

But usually their 'per cut' cost is less than most others, because their machines (usually) don't 'eat' consumables. (use clean dry air to also help consumable life and cut quality)

Cry once, when you pay for the machine. Then smile when you can use the machine.

YMMV. Not a paid spokesman, no affiliation with Hypertherm other than as a satisfied customer, etc, etc.

There are other 'good' plasma cutter companies. I'm not denying that. But IMNSHO, Hypertherm is the top-of-the-line.

 

[rlitman]

...Hypertherm is the top-of-the-line.

It's more than even that. They're the clear leader of the pack. Most of the Asian stuff is cloning 1980's Hypertherm technology, while Hypertherm today is WAY ahead of that.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I would never get one without pilot arc. My Hobart has it and if you plan on cutting expanded steel you WILL love it. I will also agree with above though, had I not gotten a killer deal on my Hobart I would have saved for a Hypertherm....would never waste my time on unsupported China junk.....just IMHO.

 

[rnscustom]

I have the cheapo lotos , no pilot arc , cuts fine for as often as I use it . I thought pilot arc meant you could start in the middle of your piece . I actually have not tried it but I suppose you could just drill a small hole to start . Would imagine you need pilot arc for a cnc setup . Anyway I like to buy good tools but this was cheap and I wanted to try one out . Paid $225 new . I had my eye on the hypertherm but at that time they were around $1700 now they are a lot cheaper I think .

 

[GLTHFJ60]

My Miller Spectrum 375 Extreme has an auto-refire feature that's like an automatic pilot arc. Wasn't aware of the feature, but it's real nice. Just burnt through my first electrode yesterday after using it to cut through mostly 1/4 and 3/8" plate for the past two years.

I use it a lot when I'm beveling material and trying to hover above the edge. If I lift too far away the arc will stop (obviously) but it'll restart quickly thereafter on it's own.

 

[1969]

Info........

 

[ovrrdrive]

Definitely with pilot arc. The pilot will vaporize any paint or rust on the surface so the torch will light. Also recommend Hypertherm if you can swing it. My PM65 makes me money almost everyday of the week. Just have to feed it a nozzle and electrode every few weeks to keep it going.

 

[Kenskip1]

Chet,Lotos gets a fairly bad reputation on this site.However this did not stop me from purchasing the Lotos LTP5000D plasma cutter. I have one and it works perfectly. For what you are asking however,, I would do a bit more looking. If something should happen to one particular section, you could be up a paddle without a creek.I would look for seperate units myself.JMO Ken
PS I grew up in Ocean County NJ.

Chet, I misspoke. This is the site that I was referring to. Much knowledge and a few hard asses.Portability. Would this be feasible with the setup you are looking into?

https://weldingweb.com/forum.php