Plasma Cutter questions

[cdrewferd]

Hey guys. I am going to be cutting some 3/16 plate soon for my new front bumber, skid plates and rear bumper that I'm building. I was going to have a guy cut them on his plasma table, but just the front bumper is going to be about $350. I was looking on Craigslist for a cheaper alternative and found this: http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/4428269127.html. Do you guys think that system might be repairable based on the description? Also, do any of you know where to get parts? I've been looking online and am having a hard time finding parts for that specific box.

 

[PugetDude]

Take a chance, then take it to a TD dealer...

 

[rlitman]

I got a TD on CL that the dealer had no idea how to fix. Got a decent enough deal, fixed it, turned it around almost doubling my money. The seller took it to a dealer, who charged him for a diagnostic, and said he needed a new torch for almost $600 before he sold it to me as broken. I repositioned the o-ring in the torch, and it cut like a champ.

If you're REALLY good with this sort of stuff, give it a try. If you're going to take it to a dealer, forget it. It'll be a money pit. You're better off buying something new that works. I hate to say it, but you're better off spending $500 on a new Chinese unit that only works 3 times out of the box before it fails, than spending $100 on a broken TD, then dumping $500 more into it and ending up with a boat anchor anyway.

 

[cdrewferd]

Thanks for the feedback. I've done some searching and finally found what model of torch it takes. I can get the switch body for about $25. Consumables aren't that expensive. Even if I need a new torch head it's only $200. I'm pretty sure I can get it going for cheap, I'm pretty good with fixing things. I'll get it and let you guys know how it turns out.

 

[paranoid56]

find another plasma table person. was that price including all materials? if you go to pirate4x4 and look at the torchmate section they have a map of people with tables that will do the work for a good price.

 

[zkling]

I'd have to see the unit in person to make a decision. It could be a **** shoot, the ad sounds somewhat legit and is somewhat written well, which gives faith that the seller is at least somewhat intelligent.

 

[cdrewferd]

find another plasma table person. was that price including all materials? if you go to pirate4x4 and look at the torchmate section they have a map of people with tables that will do the work for a good price.

That price is me providing the materials, and even the design file. All they have to do is input the file into their software and hit go. That price doesn't include cleaning the pieces either.

I'll check out the section on Pirate.

 

[kazlx]

I would cut it for less that that if you were providing the materials. Also, think about having multiples cut and sell them. Cover your costs...

 

[Ronny]

Thats a good machine but thermal dynamics **** when it comes to customer service . I have a PAK cutmaster 50 which I needed to buy a new torch for . it has taken me one full year to get the torch required,the adaptor kit and then the repair kit for the connection to the power pack. And this little lot cost me close to $1200. I couldn't get any technical info regarding the SL 60 torch they sold me ,no one there knows how they work,they are just sales people and i kept getting my emails redirected to the local dealer here in Australia who is,as they say in OZ is, asthickaspigshit. i made the mistake of buying a chicom plasma cutter,that was $600 down the toilet ,as it cut for a few minutes then fried it's pitiful IC board. Get the TD unit,get it repaired and you will cutting stuff for years to come.

 

[pepi]

I read the ad, a guy that knows nothing about a machine, further reading bout his diag abilities. I would guess and run like hell, who knows what he did to take it a part, how many pieces it is in, and what has been lost.

I v'e seen many that attempt to repair things, clueless about how it works. Cannot repair a machine and not know how it works. How would that person know when it's working correctly. To be clear I am not talking throwing parts at it, I am talking troubleshooting.

Forgot what it said about the price, and not going back to read that, but unless he is giving it away thumbs down.

Ever met a guy that goes out buys a classic whatever car, brings it home. Takes it all apart scatters the parts all over, talks about the big resto he will be doing for 3 years. 10 years later the classic is still sitting, wife/life rings the bell you ani't got what it takes to complete the project, puts it up for sale. Then he trys to find some fool to pay him 30-60k for his classic, and oh yeah all the parts are there .........

 

[srmofo]

I read the ad, a guy that knows nothing about a machine, further reading bout his diag abilities. I would guess and run like hell, who knows what he did to take it a part, how many pieces it is in, and what has been lost.

I v'e seen many that attempt to repair things, clueless about how it works. Cannot repair a machine and not know how it works. How would that person know when it's working correctly. To be clear I am not talking throwing parts at it, I am talking troubleshooting.

Forgot what it said about the price, and not going back to read that, but unless he is giving it away thumbs down.

Ever met a guy that goes out buys a classic whatever car, brings it home. Takes it all apart scatters the parts all over, talks about the big resto he will be doing for 3 years. 10 years later the classic is still sitting, wife/life rings the bell you ani't got what it takes to complete the project, puts it up for sale. Then he trys to find some fool to pay him 30-60k for his classic, and oh yeah all the parts are there .........

The guy is asking $100. Id at least go out and take a look at it. Price out the torch and cable before going. Inspect the unit closely making sure no components are missing from the unit and then offer $50 bucks because it is broken and now needs parts replaced before I can even begin to troubleshoot what is wrong with it....

Now if the unit itself is disassembled and not just a cover removed. Id probably walk away unless he was willing to give it away

 

[cdrewferd]

The guy is asking $100. Id at least go out and take a look at it. Price out the torch and cable before going. Inspect the unit closely making sure no components are missing from the unit and then offer $50 bucks because it is broken and now needs parts replaced before I can even begin to troubleshoot what is wrong with it....

Now if the unit itself is disassembled and not just a cover removed. Id probably walk away unless he was willing to give it away

That's what I was thinking. $50 is about all I would want to spend. Then if it was as simple as a switch, it would be cheap and easy. If it's just the torch head that he's taken apart, then it shouldn't be too bad to fix.