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plasma cutter questions,,

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Kustom7777, Oct 5, 2007.

  1. Kustom7777
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 5,188

    Kustom7777
    Member
    from Austin, TX

    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?
     
  2. Crusty Nut
    Joined: Aug 3, 2005
    Posts: 1,834

    Crusty Nut
    Member

    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.
     
  3. kustomfordman
    Joined: Feb 28, 2006
    Posts: 533

    kustomfordman
    Member

    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.
     
  4. Be sure you can get all the consumables . Tips and electrodes and swirl rings and stuff wear out.
     
  5. S.T.P.
    Joined: Apr 30, 2005
    Posts: 315

    S.T.P.
    Member

    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.
     
  6. BoneHeadcustomZ
    Joined: Oct 3, 2006
    Posts: 56

    BoneHeadcustomZ
    Member

    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.
     
  7. Spark Plug
    Joined: Apr 9, 2002
    Posts: 110

    Spark Plug
    Member
    from Duvall, WA

    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)!
     
  8. Ray Frey
    Joined: Sep 28, 2007
    Posts: 50

    Ray Frey
    Member
    from Arizona

    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
     
  9. 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.
     
  10. brewsir
    Joined: Mar 4, 2001
    Posts: 3,278

    brewsir
    Member

    I got the same story from my guy...I now have a cutmaster 38 and love it!
     
  11. BlackMagicKustoms
    Joined: Jul 5, 2006
    Posts: 322

    BlackMagicKustoms
    Member
    from Denton,TX

    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.
     
  12. Killer tips there Black Magic...........thanks!
     
  13. decayed40
    Joined: Feb 7, 2007
    Posts: 198

    decayed40
    Member

    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
     
  14. Shifty Shifterton
    Joined: Oct 1, 2006
    Posts: 4,964

    Shifty Shifterton
    Member

    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
     
  15. tstclr
    Joined: Sep 20, 2006
    Posts: 313

    tstclr
    Member

    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
     
  16. Mercman39
    Joined: Feb 17, 2006
    Posts: 72

    Mercman39
    Member

    I've got a Thermal Dynamics Pak 50. Most expensive tool in my shop and I'm glad everyday that I spent the money!
     
  17. Royalshifter
    Joined: May 29, 2005
    Posts: 15,703

    Royalshifter
    Moderator
    from California

    I have a Thermal Dynamics also and bigger the better.
     
  18. Oggie
    Joined: Mar 29, 2007
    Posts: 231

    Oggie
    Member
    from Nor Cal

  19. 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!
     
  20. stewedscrewdtattood
    Joined: Oct 20, 2006
    Posts: 408

    stewedscrewdtattood
    Member

    i bought a used hyperthem powermax 190c and i have been nothing but happy with it...damn sure beats a sawsall...or grinder
     
  21. MENACE
    Joined: Apr 7, 2006
    Posts: 255

    MENACE
    Member
    from PHOENIX AZ

    Like some of the other guys said go bigger than what you think you will need, youll be happier in the long run.
     
  22. 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.
     
  23. Kirk Hanning
    Joined: Feb 27, 2005
    Posts: 1,605

    Kirk Hanning
    Member

    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.
     
  24. SakowskiMotors
    Joined: Nov 18, 2006
    Posts: 1,241

    SakowskiMotors
    Member

    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
     
  25. chopolds
    Joined: Oct 22, 2001
    Posts: 6,303

    chopolds
    Member
    from howell, nj
    1. Kustom Painters

    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.
     
  26. 1931S/X
    Joined: Apr 5, 2007
    Posts: 667

    1931S/X
    Member
    from nj

    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.
     
  27. happy hoppy
    Joined: Apr 23, 2001
    Posts: 2,327

    happy hoppy
    Member

    I have the same miller, got it at the same place.
    ditto on the rest.
     
  28. pitman
    Joined: May 14, 2006
    Posts: 5,148

    pitman

    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.
     
  29. 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.
     
  30. stepsideclyde
    Joined: Mar 9, 2006
    Posts: 92

    stepsideclyde
    Member

    Also, the dryer and cleaner the air supply is, the more life you can get from your consumables

    tc
     

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