plasma cutters

[JOHN]

wondering for the occasional use, is it worth it to pay 1000.00 plus for a machine?
I want to be able to cut up to 1/2", and would like a nice cut, as if you have to do a bunch of finishing you might as well use a oxy torch.
what are my best choices?
how about consumable prices?
I was looking at a Hobart, for around 1,000.00
a thermo dynamics cutmaster 38 or 38XL 1056.00
or a force cut LP50D around 500.00 (a friend has one and consumables are around 15.00 - high?)
miller?

 

[Finky198]

I purchased a miller 625 extreme about 6 months ago used on ebay for about 1000 bucks cost me another 250 or so in extra consumables, but now I don't know how I could ever go without one.

my buddy sheared part of a lug nut off the 35" tires on his off road jeep we tried to get it off with the impact, breaker bar, torch, and wiz wheel, but nothing worked. I set up the miller dialed down the amps and put the ground on the axle and proceeded to cut the lug nut out.
I can honestly say that it work flawlessly not a scratch to the rim I was blown away So worth the money


We all use it to remove rusted bolts and rivets by slotting the head / melting them out and then hitting them with the air hammer


COULD NOT BE HAPPIER

Oh we don't used it everyday Maybe 1-2 times per week and I have yet to buy any more consumables just be smart about how you use it it's an expensive tool so it should be treated as such and it will last a long time.

I can say our miller gear always work well but that can't be said for any of our Lincoln equipment nothing but problems stay away

I would Stick to miller or hypetherm there def the top 2

 

[bcradio]

Hypertherm 45... look for a used one if budget is tight.

I have heard too many stories about the main boards in millers going out and costing a fortune to fix. That makes me hesitant to buy one. Also the Miller torches are made by Hypertherm, but are the old version and not as good as the ones you'll get on a current Hypertherm.

 

[BD1]

As bcradio stated the Hypertherm 45.If you want to get convinced quick go here. http://weldingweb.com/forumdisplay.php?57-Hypertherm

MADE IN USA and a amazing employee owned company.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?348471-Hypertherm-has-new-owners!&highlight=

 

[kazlx]

You would not regret a Hypertherm 45.

 

[HMCFab9]

I'm happy with my Thermal Dynamics plasma cutter.
I like Miller products & have 2 welders, but I've heard bad things about boards going out on the Miller plasma cutters.

 

[zkling]

For a clean cut on a .5" piece of steel you are looking at a 40amp minimum unit. Your budget is really going to be stretched to meet that in a quality unit.

wondering for the occasional use, is it worth it to pay 1000.00 plus for a machine?

I think only you can answer that.
Do you have the air requirements needed to run a plasma unit? How about power avability?

 

[rsanter]

For occasional use look for a deal on a used one.
They are very nice but you are asking a lot for a clean cut on 1/2 for the budget you put out there.
And even if the cut is not perfectly clean it's still better than oxy

Bob

 

[Jbullfrog]

I tried to order a board for a Miller from my welding supply house. They highly recommended trading it in for a Hypertherm instead of fixing it. $800 for the board versus $900 for the Hypertherm 45 with my dead Miller as a trade in.

 

[ishiboo]

Another vote for a Hypertherm, I am ordering a 45 this week. Did a lot of research and there is no better plasma nor a better company to make it.

 

[ishiboo]

I'm happy with my Thermal Dynamics plasma cutter.
I like Miller products & have 2 welders, but I've heard bad things about boards going out on the Miller plasma cutters.

I had a smaller Cutmaster and no issues with it, I'd buy another one but the Powermax will do drag cutting up to full thickness and is apparently a lot better on consumables. TD has since shipped production off to Mexico.

Where in the FV are you?

 

[HMCFab9]

I had a smaller Cutmaster and no issues with it. TD has since shipped production off to Mexico.

Where in the FV are you?

I'm south of Green Bay, east of Appleton.
I'm pretty happy with my T.D.
If they have moved production to Mexico, i'd probably look into a different brand if I had to get a new one.
Mine cuts very nice on thin material with new tips.
I think the max cut rating is a little high... but for the price I'm happy with it.

 

[F33Tony]

Save your $$ and buy a Hypertherm. Consumables and service are available everywhere. Something happened inside the torch head/whip within two days of buying my Powermax 1000. I called the local dealer that I bought it from and they sent a guy out that day with a complete new unit, no questions asked.

 

[Finky198]

If you have the money the hypertherm is the definitely built better but if your saying its not going to be used daily I would get either a hypertherm or miller what ever you can find the best deal on

 

[JOHN]

If you have the money the hypertherm is the definitely built better but if your saying its not going to be used daily I would get either a hypertherm or miller what ever you can find the best deal on

not sure I am understanding this ? or are you saying hypertherm hypertherm hypertherm

 

[JOHN]

hey wow!! thanks for all the feedback, I have bought cheaper stuff in the past and always been sorry, am I looking at like 1900.00 then for the hypertherm powermax 1000? is this the same as the 45? (did a quick e-bay search)
I do a lot of auto restoration and fabrication - but want to be able to cut up to 1/2"-
so does anyone have a good dealer or a good place to get one? I did not see any used ones on e-bay anyways.
thank you again!

 

[F33Tony]

The 1000 is what is now labeled as the Powermax 85. I think they had even yet a different name for it between now and 4 years ago when I bought the 1000.

I'm not saying that you should buy a unit that cuts 1". That is just the one that I have.

As far as finding a new one "cheap" back when I was shopping they were the exact same price EVERYWHERE I looked.

 

[JOHN]

ok, I think the 1900.00 was for the 45, was not sure if "1000" was another name for it
thank you!

 

[BD1]

Here's a local supplier by me, in Wisconsin. http://www.weldersupply.com/C/6/PlasmaCuttingMachines

Their price for the 45 is NOW $1600.00. Last month it was $1445.00

http://www.weldersupply.com/P/307/HyperthermPowermax45Plas

 

[McKay]

I have a hypotherm 30 & 60. Work great. I have no experience with any other brands though. Used the 60 on sunday to cut some 1/2" aluminum plate and it worked great.

 

[HMCFab9]

I bought mine through a place called Weldfabulous (it was a facebook page)
I think it is actually Minnesota welders supply company.
Very fast shipping!