considering buying a plasma cutter,,but don't really know a lot about what to look for,,i know you get what you pay for,,,ive seen a few used ones on ebay in the $400-$600 range,,(i've seen new ones for MUCH more than that),,,the specs say they can cut up to 1/4 inch, which i think would be fine for me,,i know this is a really general question, but that's because i don't know really what to ask,,,,anyone have some good advice for me?
Buy one that cuts thicker than you need. Mine is rated at 3/8 inch. I rarely cut that thick. That way the machine is usualy in its comfort zone and not always running flat out.
I am really happy with my Miller. It can be wired 110 or 220. Great machine for just under a thousand bucks. Go one step hight than what you need, you will be glad you did.
If you ever thought about cutting aluminum and your machine is rated for 3/8 it will probably not cut alum of 1/2 that thickness. Just a thought. I got one rated for 3/8 and I wish I had a heaver one now just for that reason.
They are almost all over rated for thickness. Mine is rated fo 3/4 inch, and it will cut it, but you have to go slow and the cut is nasty. I can do much better with a torch on 3/4. So when they say it will cut 3/8 it means it will cut 1/4 and hack 3/8ths. when looking at machines, look at the cost of the consumables.
I'll chime in and agree with what everyone has said. The biggest key is being able to buy the consumables locally. I went with the Miller 375x which is a nice compact 110v or 220v switchable by changing out the plug end. Its stored in a nice hard case, has its own internal regulator. Well worth the money spent. Its been used many times for everything from sheet metal to steel fence posts (they work great for bracing when you are cutting and chopping)!
I researched out Plasma cutters about 4 years ago for my shop used a Miller at work for years Went to the weld supply store we use at work talked at length to my sales rep He recomended a Thermal Dynamics Pak-38 Reason The consumables on all of the TD torches are the same havent changed Unlike my welder I don't have to go in and remember what nozzle or when the model year change was Will run 110 or 220 There are no stupid questions Ray
Ditto, look at cost and availability of consumables!!!!!! The unit we ran at the shop was a 90 bill when I went in for enough consumables to equal 6 new tips........part was in a 6pak and the other part was in a 10?pak........they made sure you bought em both each time.
All the thermal dynamics parts are made here in Denton. Makes it a lot easier. And I bought a 1" machine. After using one for so long I look at it like the wood chipper effect. Sure you can chip a 2" log in your store bought chipper (in ten minutes), but those guys with the one behind the dump truck feed theirs 2" branches like they are toothpics. Efficiency and consumables. Also a tip for all you plasma cutting fiends, use aerosol type anti-spatter spray on the torch head and the material as well as your guide (ruler or whatever) and the consumable life will be extended. It also keeps you from burning that cardboard template you laboriously trimmed the appropriate offset inward to account for the width of the torch. No I'm not obsessed with my plasma....what.....who's that?......shhhhh they'll hear you.........who's talking?.............Me?............shhhhhhhhhhh.....sleeep........sleeeeeep.
this is really common sense but you no matter what model make sure there is no water in your air supply while operating it makes for crap performance it kills it
Something to consider is your garage's electric supply.....Can your circuit(s) handle the plasma cutter AND the air compressor running at the same time? Cause it'll need to. When shopping a year ago my answer to the electric question was no, but had a project looming that called for plasma. The answer to my dilemna is a Hobart 250 "Airforce" with a built in air compressor. Runs just fine on a 115V/20A garage circuit. Miller offers the exact same cutter in blue. Are there bigger cutters? yes. Sometimes would it be nice to have a bigger cutter? yes. Has this one done everything asked of it and is all I need? yes. It'll sever 1/4 steel and clean cut 1/8. Cutting 3/8 would be nice, but I shouldn't be welding that thick with my 115V MIG so what's the point? Right now, probably has 10-15 trigger-pulled hours. That's a lot of cutting. GREAT tool. Has also earned mucho goodwill from my non-plasma owning buddies. It's small, easy to transport, and plugs into their garages. A few of those guys heckled the original purchase as too small and a waste of money. But have all eaten their words and eye it jealously. Biggest hangup is that it really, really needs a good ground. And prefers some bare metal in the cut path for a clean edge. But, if you're not a by-the-hour shop, spending a few minutes to prep is not an issue. Consumable cost-per-inch seems close to MIG welding. Shop ebay and save a few bucks on the consumable tips. With the spiraling cost of copper, stock up cause they ain't getting cheaper, ever. good luck with your purchase
I was going to ask about the Hobart 250 and you answered my questions! Thanks! Now to find out if it's available here in Canada.. Todd
I've got a Thermal Dynamics Pak 50. Most expensive tool in my shop and I'm glad everyday that I spent the money!
That's weird, i just ran into this today. I can't get it, but maybe you can. http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/591521680.html
beware the "good" deal on used machines. here is what i have found out about a used machine: 1) it's stolen! 2) the model has been discontinued so getting consumables is negative! 3) factory reconditioned! i'm lucky to have acess to multiple units and they are like welders,buy the biggest one you can afford!
i bought a used hyperthem powermax 190c and i have been nothing but happy with it...damn sure beats a sawsall...or grinder
Like some of the other guys said go bigger than what you think you will need, youll be happier in the long run.
I have a Miller 375 and I like it a lot. It's pretty slow at .375", but does a nice job if you move slow and steady. It supposedly can cut .500" really slow, but the few times I tried it that thick, it made an ugly cut and wore out the consumables really fast. It also ruins the consumables if you start cutting anything when you forget to hook up the ground lead (it actually cuts with the ground disconnected, but makes an ugly cut and burns up the consumables pretty fast). If you do everything right, the consumables last a long time. When I bought mine, I was thinking I must be kind of nuts spending that much dough on a tool, but after having it about four years, I'm glad I didn't cheap out and buy a piece of junk or a lower powered one. I figure it has more than paid back for itself in all of the metal parts I've made using it since I got it. It'll seem like too much dough at first, but you won't regret it later. With a 375 you can make lots of heavier stuff like brake pedals, suspension brackets, boxing plates, motor mounts -- all kinds of crap.
I also have the Miller 375 Plasma cutter, couldn't be happier. I got mine through Cyberweld.com No tax, free shipping to my door within 5 days. Cannot beat a deal like that, and yes you won't know how you lived without one once you got it.
Hello I have a lot of tools including a nice Miler Plasma, and it works great and serves it's purpose. BUT, I think plasmas are very over rated in almost all applications. You can use your oxy acc torches to cut steel very well as long as you have the right tips. Is it really worth the money for something you could just use your torches for? Heck you can weld with your torches also. That Herob ( spelling ) torch outfit is great. Around $379 I think? If I was on a budget or a home shop I would just buy the Henrob. You don't need any power in your garage, can weld steel, aluminum, cast, pot metal, etc etc... can cut like a plasma, with the tips it is amazing the control you can get. I have all the equipment at my shop, but I could build anything with an oxy acc torch set up or Henrob, I'm getting one for my home garage, plus it is so mobile you can bring it over to your friends easily. True, you have to get a bottle of oxy and accetelyn. Just my 2 bits. It just seems like there is all this hype to spend all this money on equipment that is really not needed at all. Do as I say, not as I do. I have to admit I am addicted to machinery and tools. A toolaholic for sure. Need help. Have fun Wil www.sakowskimotors.com
Hey, Jim! As most have said, the machines are usually over rated...but the foreign made ones (like mine) are usually WAY over rated. My Cebora is supposed to be able to do 1/4", but has a hard time with 1/8". Luckily it's sheet metal I do most of the time. The american made ones might be a bit over rated, but are closer to true. My next will be a TD or Hypertherm. Consumables ARE a problem, even with mine. I have to mail order them from Tools Plus, as my local welding supply doesn't carry them.
tractor supply has a real decent sale online and instore im not sure of the dates but i got an email the other day. they had a hobart rated up to 5/8" for 30% off for a price of 999. id run out and buy one but i have some higher priority things going on right now. not sure if you know, but there are a few TSC in jersey now. check it out.
Mr. Sakowski covers the reasons that I will probably continue to use the oxy/acytl torch. Plus the ability to weld exhaust and thin sheet metal or Al panels. Old habit maybe, but I'd hate to give up the gas wrench.
Althought this might be true, for a home user (especially one with an attached garage) I don't want a bottle of oxygen sitting around just incase. Your right the plasma doesn't give you as many options but it does a great job of what it is intended to do and I doubt you will find too many owners who regret buying one. I have had a Miller 375 for a week and love it. If you buy the Miller 375 X-treme you now can use it anywhere there is a compressor and power. Again not as portable as an O/A set up but I think a little safer for the home user.
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