Snap-On plasma cutters?

[Murphy4570]

I'm in the market for a good plasma cutter, and there's a 110V "Plasma 25" 25 amperage Snap-On one for sale local to me for $800. These things seem to sell new for about $2,000, according to Snap-On's website: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=676006&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I know that Snap-On doesn't make specialty equipment like this themselves. Is this thing worth picking up? Is it as good as Miller and Lincoln models? I can get a Miller 220V one for $1,300, and am wondering if I should just bite the bullet and spend the extra $500 versus buying a small one.

 

[CAOS]

If I was in the market for a plasma cutter, I would look at nothing but a Thermal Dynamics unit.

 

[evildky]

hyperthern 30 amp is dual voltage and sells for less then 1k, I was actually planning on buying the miller but the shop I go to sells miller, lincoln and hypertherm and they are all pretty close in price but they sell more of the hypertherms, had it for a few years trouble free

 

[sberry]

There is a reason someone is selling this gem, run fast, run far. Absolutely no reason to buy it, even at 100$ it would be a gamble.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

If I was in the market for a plasma cutter, I would look at nothing but a Thermal Dynamics unit.

I would never buy any equipment from TD. They closed their manufacturing plant in NH about 1.5 years ago and moved production to Mexico. Many long time employees kicked to the curb.

 

[cide1]

I tried to buy a Miller, and the local welding shop told me I was mistaken, I really wanted a HyperTherm. I listened to them, and have been very happy with the Powermax30.

The one question to ask though, is "Why do you want a plasma?" I find it great for big rough cuts, but there are times I wish I had put the money into a good metal cutting band saw.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I tried to buy a Miller, and the local welding shop told me I was mistaken, I really wanted a HyperTherm. I listened to them, and have been very happy with the Powermax30.

The one question to ask though, is "Why do you want a plasma?" I find it great for big rough cuts, but there are times I wish I had put the money into a good metal cutting band saw.

Powermax30 owner myself.

Plasma arc cutters are all they do; their sole business and they are experts at it

BTW, they are an employee owned company located in NH.

 

[sberry]

A plasma can be precision, I rarely miter anything on the saw, nip the corners on the rare occasion I design something that cant use a straight cut. Would be lost without a cutter, sheet, odd shapes, nips, blow bolt holes, copes, large pipe even I beams. There are a few spots I prefer a torch, blow a bolt or nut off, slash old welds, very thick material, piercing or for heat. Since have moved it to sit on top of the 300 synch and used the cart for another machine, clutter reduction.

 

[Murphy4570]

The one question to ask though, is "Why do you want a plasma?" I find it great for big rough cuts, but there are times I wish I had put the money into a good metal cutting band saw.

Because I want one. I used a small 110V Miller one a couple years ago on a front end bodywork project I had, and I absolutely LOVED the damn thing. It was so handy. I already have a torch and a welder, and access to a chopsaw and sawzall. I've just been keeping an eye out on CL for plasma cutters, as I would love to have one for myself. Sort of a lifetime investment kinda thing.

Keep the opinions coming fellas, I really appreciate the input.

 

[crewchief888]

i had an older bluepoint version, it worked good, but i didnt like the torch.
so i never used it much, sold it for $450 a couple years ago
consumables seemed to be stupid expensive
had a 25a hobart back when we had the race shop, seemed to be easier to use torch.

 

[cnc-me]

I own a large Miller (100 A), but if I was getting a new unit,
it would be a Hyper Therm for sure. Miller's seem to eat consumables, at least mine does.

 

[Worsedog]

I have a HyperTherm Powermax 1000. It is a very good machine.It cuts cleanly to 1" and will sever 1 1/4". The consumable are resonably priced and have a good lifespan.

 

[bill5674]

bought a blue point plasma cutter for cheap. consumables from snap-on were stupid expensive,Found a marquette on line that is identical.Then found parts onnline ,much cheaper....local supply shop could not match them.Next on the list is hyper therm,have heard nothing but good stuff..