Plasma Cutter

[bannerd]

Hey all, I would like to start doing some metal art and I'm looking at plasma cutters. Anyone have any experience on them? I need something that will cut very fine lines in stainless steel. This will be my choice of steel to work with.

 

[BD1]

HYPERTHERM , only way to go. You can research more on weldingweb.

http://weldingweb.com/forumdisplay.php?57-Hypertherm

 

[Griff93]

I have a Thermal Dynamics A80. It's been flawless and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. I use it on a CNC plasma table cutting up to 1" thick metal. That said, how fine a line are you wanting to cut? Most plasmas are at least 0.050" depending on settings.

 

[kkroger]

Hypertherm and don't look back... Consumables are cheaper and tend to last longer than other brands... Plus they have FINE CUT Consumables, it DOES make a huge difference. I have a PM30 and a PM65... Get bigger than you THINK you will need. You won't be sorry.

 

[kf4zht]

I have a TD Cutmaster 38 that I have used for years. Works fine, consumable cost a little more than I like but you can save money if you shop around. Never had it do anything unexpected.

Now, if I bought again I would probably go with Hypertherm. Cheaper consumables and really good support.

 

[dogdog]

what ever you do, don't waste $$$ on those cheap Chinese unknown brand ones..... bad bad experiences. Those will fail you in the time of needs and probably won't find support for it when it breaks.

Either a Miller / Hypertherm / Cutmaster

 

[TauntDevil]

I have an old Snapon YA2001a plasma cutter I got in a trade that works good enough for what I do. I would say figure out what the thickest metal you will ever use is, then get one side thicker (if 3/8, then get a 1/2. Etc) and then search for a plasma cutter that can cut that. Also if you are looking for a used one. Make sure to get a small plate of that thickness and try cutting it when you go to look at the cutter. Mine can cut up to 1/2 so so but the thickest I have ever worked with is 3/8 and it is definitely able to cut it. I dont work with 3/8 as often anymore but I know that if I did... it wont be an issue. Best of luck on your search and x12345324 on Hypertherm. They are quite great.

 

[AndeiH]

budget? do you already own an air compressor?

i've owned a hypertherm PM 45 for the last 3 years, no problems to report.

 

[ovrrdrive]

If you can afford it get the biggest hypertherm that fits your budget. If you're poor like me, check out the Eastwood Versa Cut60. I just bought one and I love it. It's chicom but its imported by an American company and has a 3 year warranty. I'm getting into metal art as well and it just blows through sheet metal and is supposed to cut up to 7/8".

Is it as good as one of the more expensive brands?

Who knows. I doubt it but for what I'm doing with it its perfect.

Whatever you decide to buy make sure you have good clean power and dry air. Check out the motorguard M26 filter from cyberweld. I have a few cheaper air/oil separators in my system and that one right at the inlet to the plasma. It cuts like a champ.

 

[Joe69]

I have a Miller 625 Extreme. I've been very happy with it.

Joe

 

[Thumper68]

Got to try out 4 different Plasma cutter today at FabTech of them all I would get the HT, it made the best cuts and had the best features.

 

[bannerd]

HT it is, thanks all. I really like the design of it. I was looking at miller but the HT is in a good price range.

 

[KTMrider]

Love this little Powermax 30 dual voltage.

 

[Iggi]

Hypertherm

 

[mike13u]

Hypertherm