Thinking about a Plasma Cutter.

[sni-per]

I'm thinking about buying a Plasma Cutter. I build abstract lawn ornaments, and I'm getting closer to retirement, thinking of a side income afterwards.

I probably wouldn't use it enough to justify a large investment, and have been looking at the "Chinese" cutters on Ebay and in the "big-box" stores.

My questions is, has anyone bought one of these cheaper ones, and have you been satisfied with it? Also, should I be looking at the 110v or the 220v models?

 

[jimcolt]

You are not in a huge hurry. Start watching Craigslist and look for a major brand unit. The best is Hypertherm, made in N. H. Also watch for Thermal Dynamics, Miller, Esab......stay away from the newer Lincolns if you want the best performance and duty cycle. These units, especially the Hypertherm are well supported by a factory in the USA, not by an importer working out of a warehouse. Parts are available and the performance is dramatically better.

Watch for these Hypertherm units if you are looking for a 120/240 volt machine: Powermax380, Powermax30. The 380 produces 27 amps, and was actually built by Miller for Hypertherm, although it has a Hypertherm torch. Good little unit for cutting under 1/4", with the ability to sever to 3/8". The 30 is the current model, built entirely by Hypertherm, small portable, and can sever to 1/2". You can find good used 380's for $400 to $500, the 30's are better, and can be found used for $500 to $800.

For more power but 230 only...look for the Powermax600. Cuts 3/8" rapidly, can sever to 3/4". These units can be had for between $600 and $900. Your money stay here in the US and you get better performance!

Jim Colt Hypertherm

 

[readhead]

Why stay from Lincoln? I have four of them and had no trouble at all. Oldest one is eight years old.
What ever you buy make sure consumables are easy to get.

 

[C96]

I will be looking to purchase one in the future as well.

I’m with redhead, what is the problem with the Lincolns? Their a great company, been around forever.

 

[moonpool145]

I bought one of the Hobart 250 AirForce units. Built in air supply for 115V. I had thought it would be great for moving around alot cutting sheet metal. If memory serves me I think I got it for somewhere between $600 and $700 at Fleet Farm but cannot remember exactly. The end result is its very handy but even on thin sheetmetal its not speedy. I have cut 1/8" plate but that was realllllllllllly slow. Still a decent machine for what it is.

 

[Jackfre]

I have a 380. I run it on 220 and it has done a nice job on 1/2" for me. I wouldn't want to feed it a steady diet of 1/2" but it got the job done. If I was doing it over I would have gone up one size. If you can find a used 380, it is a nice machine. I did install a Motorgard filter on mine.

 

[xtremek]

Curious minds want to know, why stay away from Lincoln? When I finally get around to getting one, I'd like to be able to cut 1/4". I am a few years off.

 

[nine4gmc]

I got a used Miller 110v recently because the price was right and have used the **** out of it already. I plan to use it until I find a similar steal on a 220v model, then sell this one. It cuts up to 1/4" steel but really shines on 1/8" or so, get one and I bet you'll LOVE it!

 

[NitroShark]

I use a Hypertherm plasma. The best there is period.

Get a used one and you will thank me later. also, pay attention to the price of the consumables. They can get expensive with some brands if special.

Shawn

 

[LWW]

I've had a HyperTherm380 for the last 10 years and it is perfect for the race parts fabrication and "disassembly" that it gets used for every year. You should definitely get a dual voltage one. You may not need it now but you'll have the flexibility. I need it because I don't always have access to 220v service at the race track although I now bring a 220v generator for that...

I have 3 Miller MIG's and a Miller TIG so I'm partial to Miller as well. No experience with Lincoln plasma cutters but their welders are pretty good from the few I've borrowed/used in the past.

 

[sni-per]

Thanks for all the input fellas. I had a fear of buying one of those foreign jobs, and you all have convinced me to pay a little more, for the better product.

 

[HMCFab9]

I looked for one for a long time & did a ton of research before buying.
Everything I read led me to a Thermal Dynamics.
At that time I had heard bad things about the Miller ones (& I love Miller welders)
I've had my TD for a couple years & it was all American made. Works great!

 

[slice]

I have a foreign one. Plasma dyne It works great. 40 amp. Cuts what I need with no issues.

 

[jayfrank5074]

My cutmaster 38 quit on me, it had very little use but was 10 years old. The new board was over a grand, TD had a sale going on where they would give you $10 an amp trade in.

Cutmaster 38=30 amps, so I got $300 of a cutmaster 42, which is 40 amps. It is alot more man than that 38 was. it was $720 out the door.

I do like it.

 

[DpSyChO]

I have a powermax 45.
It was purchased a couple of years ago with the intent to add a machine torch later down the road when I build a plasma table.
Jim Colt is active on several other forums, some of his postings had a impact on my purchasing decision.
A guy I work with attended a class at Hypertherm a couple of months back that had a segment taught by Jim. I wont say what he says is gospel but will say he offers sound advice.

 

[AndyA]

Do you have an oxygen/acetylene torch already? I have a CM81 and I like it, but I would definitely buy an O/A setup first. The O/A does everything the plasma can do, plus so much more.

Torch pros:
If you're cutting by hand, you can get just about as good of cut quality with the O/A.
Cut unbelievably thick pieces (several inches!!!) with appropriate tips and larger actylene bottle.
Can also be used to heat for bending/forging.
Can also be used to weld.
Cheaper initial cost. Starts at $200 for basic torch and regulators. Large bottles will be somewhere around $1/cuft.
Portable anywhere. Doesn't require electricity.

Plasma pros:
Cuts stainless and aluminum.
Instant starts, no waiting for preheat.
Excellent cut quality if automated
Less safety issues than a torch.
Better on very thin material.

Torch cons:
Reaccuring cost may be higher. (or maybe not, I haven't added it up. The plasma needs consumables)

Plasma cons:
Doesn't do anything but cut.
A machine capable of big thickness is BIG MONEY!
Also requires an air compressor and filtering (execpt in the smaller plasma cutters)

 

[purplezr2]

Should be noted that Jim works for Hypertherm. As far as staying away from Lincoln I have no idea.

I will say I have nothing but love for my Powermax65

 

[wdrumheller]

We have a Lincoln that we use at work and it's 220v and needs a minimum 60psi air source.

It works great, cuts steel and aluminum.

I've liked it and the guys at work swear by it.

They don't like to use goggles with it for dimming but I insist that they do use the special dark glasses. They say it "doesn't hurt you" to see light that bright, but I just don't like it. When I have a gut feeling about safety I make them be extra safe.


Protect your eyes at all costs and all inconveniences.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Look no further than the Hypertherm Powermax30......

 

[jimcolt]

Sorry on the "stay away from Lincoln" part of my post. Lincoln is a great company, I have just heard (and experienced) lesser performance and especially low duty cycle from the newest Lincoln plasma systems as compared to Hypertherm, Victor (Thermal Dynamics) and Esab units. The Lincoln plasma's are imported (Italy) from a company that was purchased by Lincoln a few years back, prior to that the Lincoln plasma's were produced in the USA.

I am pretty sure the Esab plasma's are all imports, and some of the T-D's as well are produced in China, some Mexico. If you want all USA built units, Hypertherm is the only one left!

I have worked for Hypertherm in various capacities since 1978....most of it involved travelling the world and working with industrial cnc machine manufacturers. I also have a home hobby shop with 2 cnc plasma machines as well as 2 hand held plasma's.


Jim Colt

Should be noted that Jim works for Hypertherm. As far as staying away from Lincoln I have no idea.

I will say I have nothing but love for my Powermax65

 

[HAP]

I looked for one for a long time & did a ton of research before buying.
Everything I read led me to a Thermal Dynamics.
At that time I had heard bad things about the Miller ones (& I love Miller welders)
I've had my TD for a couple years & it was all American made. Works great!

Same story here; TD Cut master 42.

R,
HAP

 

[Perrorojo]

Thermal Dynamics 42 from Cyberweld. Once I learned how to not blow out tips, It's been excellent.

I don't use it nearly as much as I thought I would, but when I do need it, it's been a great time saver.

 

[Trutospec]

hypertherm power max 40 was my choice ! no dissapointment but it was not free .......u.s.a

 

[R-132 Fan]

I used a new Lincoln at the local TechShop, it seemed to work just as it should. I admit I wasn't pushing it to it's limits, I was cutting expanded metal mesh for a table top.
One thing I recommend with a plasma cutter is to make sure you ventilate your work area well. I did a lot of work one afternoon in a poorly ventilated area. The next afternoon I couldn't catch my breath and ended up taking an ambulance ride to the emergency room. I was in there for six hours on oxygen and they never did figure out what my problem was. I sold the plasma cutter and never had another incident like that.
Edit - I was not working at the TechShop when I got sick, I was using my own plasma cutter.
It can be a handy tool, but you must ventilate your work area!

 

[TXDego]

I have a Miller Spectrum 300 and I am not overly impressed with it, and certainly would not recomend it. Have used others, such as the Hypertherm & TD, and there is no comparison. Granted, mine is 10 years old and I am sure technology is better now, but just not sure I would buy a Miller plasma again. Now I love my Miller 250X welder, no compliants there.