Plasma Cutter

[Nitpicker]

I can't make up my mind. I'm looking for a plasma cutter. 120v. I expect I'll be using it two or three times a month in support of auto, lawn, electrical work. Nothing over 1/2 inch but mostly 1/4" down to vehicle metal. It will also be used for cutting out pieces to build permanent woodworking jigs. That said, I've spent most of my time exploring cutters of Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, Eastwood. In the past month I've read so much and viewed so many videos I no longer have a clue as to if these brands are overkill when compared to other mid range cutters. I'll not consider purchasing anything over $800 and less expensive is better. At the same time I don't want to go so cheap I have to spend heavy amounts of consumable dollars with every use. Even though it won't be in constant use I want it ready, reliable, and capable for at least the next couple of years. I'm asking for suggestions if there are other companies that are worth considering.

 

[Angelfire]

I have a hypertherm and highly recommend them. Plus mine is dual voltage making it that much more useful. I haven't researched plasmas in a while but I doubt you'll find anything that will cut 1/2" with only 120v

 

[mopar65]

i have a miller extreme 375 dual voltage and very portable.nothing but good to say about it.over 800 bucks tho unless you find a used one.i don't think a plasma cutter is a good place to go for a cheap brand.just my opinion

 

[KPSquared]

Look at Longevity. I know lots of guys that use them in their shops and have had really good luck with them. Great price, good machine.

http://www.longevity-inc.com/productcategory_27/Plasma-Cutters.php

Some YouTube reviews as well. Can't beat the price. A local fab shop sells them here and carries all the consumables.

 

[ddawg16]

If you can get a miller or hobart for $800 or less....go for it...

Just don't tell your neighbors....otherwise they will be over there all the time asking you to cut stuff for them.

BTW....what did you say your address was?

 

[Dark Horse]

Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 39. Dual voltage, I've only run the 240 so far and have zero issues. Nice and clean on 1/4" severs 5/8" 1/2" needs a little touch up if its a visible edge.
I can vouch for the neighbors stopping by as well

 

[buzz4041]

Another vote here for Hypertherm. Great machine.

 

[BD1]

HYPERTHERM, only way to go. We have Miller welders and Hypertherm plasmas. Here's a welding site that may help.

http://weldingweb.com/forumdisplay.php?f=57

 

[dawgee]

I had a Thermal Dynamics 110v it was awesome

 

[tpierce]

I've had a Hypertherm Powermax 30 for 2 years. It never ceases to amaze me. I've used it to cut out the entire keel and bottom of my steel houseboat, cut new plate to replace it with, cut steel pipe, stainless steel. Great machine, and worth every penny. It runs on either 120, or 240v. Very versatile. American made in New Hampshire to boot!

 

[rlitman]

I've got a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38. I've used it on 120V and 240V. Being able to use both is a great advantage.
Still, if I were buying new today, I would push you to Hypertherm. I just got such a good deal on a used TD that I couldn't pass it up, but Hypertherm is THE name in the industry, and for good reason. Everyone else is just trying to keep up.

 

[Murphy4570]

I've looked into purchasing one myself. Although I have yet to buy one, I have learned that the best you can get seem to be either Miller, Lincoln, or Hyper-Therm. I have heard nothing good about the truck brand units, as they are not made by those brands in-house. Specifically Snap-On's units. From what little research I've done, parts are not easy to get, and are expensive, especially their obsolete models that you will find on craigslist from time to time.

I suggest you look for one of the three above top-shelf brands used on craigslist. They pop up from time to time. Miller units used usually are priced above your maximum spending limit though, at around $1,200-1,800 on average from what I have seen. Lincoln units are rare around here, used. Hobart units (owned by Miller I believe) do show up used from time to time, and are cheaper than Miller ones.

With a plasma cutter, you are going to want a 220V model. I have used a 110V Miller one before, and it was great on thin steel, but didn't have the balls to cut through anything thicker than 3/8" steel in one pass.

I have no experience with welders/plasma cutters of other brands, but I can tell you to stay away from the cheapie Harbor Freight ones that you'll see for $300-400 on craigslist. I do not trust them.

 

[nosnerd]

lincoln has a Pro Cut 20 that wants to make me happy in my pants..every time i go i look at it..." it speaks to me-lol"

its 699.99 here at CTC local reg 899.99

 

[purplezr2]

Hypertherm-Thats the end all be all of plasma

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Hypertherm-Thats the end all be all of plasma

Yeah, I'm a powermax30 owner as well.
High quality built machine that is made in NH by folks that only build PACs. They are the best in the business

 

[Notch1988]

Look at Longevity. I know lots of guys that use them in their shops and have had really good luck with them. Great price, good machine.

http://www.longevity-inc.com/productcategory_27/Plasma-Cutters.php

Some YouTube reviews as well. Can't beat the price. A local fab shop sells them here and carries all the consumables.

Got my Longevity from Eric at Brinkfab a few years ago and no issues.

 

[Racer-X2]

I have a miller spectrum 375, no problems here

 

[MoonRise]

Plasma cutter?

Hypertherm. There are some other 'good' units/brands out there, but in general if you go with a Hypertherm you will be getting a good to very-very good tool/machine.

Limiting yourself to 120V power pretty much means the Hypertherm PM30, which can run on 120V or 240V power. Awesome machine within its limits, which are pretty good for such a small-sized machine.

http://hypertherm.com/en-us/

http://hypertherm.com/en-us/Training_and_education/Intro_to_plasma/

http://hypertherm.com/en-us/Products/Handheld_cutting/Systems/specifications.jsp

http://hypertherm.com/en-us/Products/Handheld_cutting/Systems/powermax30.jsp

 

[pattenp]

Seeing all the suggestions made so far I may be taking a big risk here. But have you considered a Harbor Freight plasma cutter. The only thing is it's 240V. I've got one and use it only about once a month, so I can't say how it would hold up under heaver use. I've had it about 5 years with no problems.

http://www.harborfreight.com/230-volt-inverter-plasma-cutter-with-digital-display-95136.html

 

[KPSquared]

Got my Longevity from Eric at Brinkfab a few years ago and no issues.

Brink would be who I was referring to. I keep trying to talk my cousin into buying one from him for the farm. He's getting closer to pulling the trigger.


I fully agree that Hypertherm is full tilt awesome, but for "two or three times a month in support of auto, lawn, electrical work" and "Nothing over 1/2 inch but mostly 1/4" down to vehicle metal." it's full on overkill.

I don't think the OP said, "tell me what the best plasma cutter in the world is" he wanted a quality product that would do the jobs he required at a reasonable price. Longevity is all that. . .

(Hate to add this disclaimer, but I'm not saying anything in this post to ruffle feathers. . .just my thoughts on the matter. Again, I agree all those machines listed in other posts are great machines. . .just pricey and maybe a little overkill for the OP's needs)

 

[sophijo]

Well just to muddy up the water a little more!....have you seen this guy on You Tube: Weldingtipsandtricks....he reviews(demonstrates) the big boys and Everlast. The guy can weld!

 

[37ford4dr]

i think i have the least expensive inverter type plasma cutter you can buy off of ebay and it had a 2 yr warranty.i think it was around $200 and it has worked well for the playing around i do. i figured with the 2 yr warranty and ebays policies it was worth the risk. it has performed well for my tinkering. its dual 120/240v. if i had the $$$ i would have bought the brands the other guys are tallking about but for my use i just couldnt pony up the $$$ for the toy.

 

[kazlx]

I have a Powermax 30 I bought used. It's a fantastic machine.

 

[Angelfire]

Just make sure that whatever you purchase has readily available consumables. You will need them and usually at the worst time!

 

[Goobzilla]

Got a 40 amp dual voltage unit from Parker Metalworking a few years ago. Works great and uses the Esab PT-31 torch consumables which are widely available.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

 

[cide1]

I also have a hyperthermia power max 30. It is a great unit.