plasma cutter

Thinking about buying a plasma cutter to use on light metal up to 3/16 need some advice.

 

great tool if you can use it regularly....not that much bang for the buck for the average hobbyist, although they have come down in price....

 

I work in a metal fab shop but when I need to use one on the weekend I can't.I thought it would be handy to have one for light stuff at home.I'm waiting for prices from our vendors but I thought I'd get some advice here too.I see there are alot of off brand stuff out there for low prices,kind of wondering if there a waste of money.

 

GET IT ! You'll wonder how you ever lived without one! I got a Thermal Dynamics "Cutmaster 38" a couple of years ago, and love it. You will use it instead of cutoff wheels - its that accurate. Go on the web - there are some good deals. I usually get Lincoln stuff, but the local Lincoln dealer recommended Thermal Dynamics, and I've been happy.

 

I have a HTP MicroCut 400 and love it, plus HTP's customer service is awsome.

 

I have a Thermal Dynamics plasma they range from $1100-$2150 unbelivable performance just my .02

 

Yea right now I use cutting wheels,what a pain in the ***.

 

What thickness are these plasmas you have good for?

I reckon I'd need to do 1/4".

 

I bought a Miller spectrum 125 and use it all of the time. I can't believe I survived without one for as long as I did. Love it.

 

This is on my list for christmas.. prob wont use it ALOT but often enought to justify wanting one =)

 

I have a hypertherm and i love it anytime it gets used.I told a friend who has a bodyshop up north and he bought a newer version of the same model.After the first rot job he said it just about paid for itself in time savings.The welder is the pencil and the plasma cutter is the eraser.

 

I also have a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38. It is one of the best I have used. DO NOT buy an Esab, mine was junk, short life on consumables, expensive to repair.
Note: Dry air is very important to consumable (cutting tip) life. At the least a good seperater, at best a dryer is needed in the line to machine.

 

I picked up a hypertherm Powermax 30. SUper machine. Easily cuts 3/8 plate powered either 220 or 110 by switching the adapter plug. Seems to be easy on consumables and only has 1 set to cover the entire range. When I demoed this prior to purchase I used it t o sever 1/2 stock very versitle. Clean cuts on sheet stock.

Tim

 

9 yrs? ago, my Miller Dealer would not sell me a Miller plasma. He steered me to the Thermal Dynamics packmaster 38.

Like was said...how did I survive without a Plasma?

It has a simple toggle switch to switch it to 220v. Man what a difference on 220.

Bear in mind that capicity of any brand model is what it can "sever", not actually cut clean as ****er. a 3/8 will make a mint cut on 220 with 1/4" steel.

 

power max will rough cut up to 1/2"

Also to keep in mind, if your air line have oil fed in the line, or your compressor isnt oilless you have to run a seperator....or blow it up!

I cut anything on a car with it. Have cut cars in little bitty pieces with it...Like a hot knife across ****er.

 

Try Cyberweld on the web, good prices, free shipping ,I'v got a Miller works great.

 

Something that will cut 3/8 would be excellent for me. Are these top $ type units?

 

I have a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 51. Does it have the same abilities of the 38? Or More? Or less?

I have not been able to use it yet, as my electrical is not all set up where it needs to be.
Anyone know how long of an extension cord (same gauge wire as the plasma or bigger) can I use before it affects the performance?
Will it damage it at all?
I cannot cut up cars in the front yard, where my 220 outlet is..

 

The 51 is a heavier unit than the 38. Will sever 3/4 stock if I remember right. You could probabily get away with a 50ft 10 gauge extension,maybe 75 ft on the 10 gauge. I run my Cutmaster 38 on about 20 ft of 12 gauge no prob.

 

Another vote for the thermal dynamics cutmaster 38!

 

thermal dynamics cutmaster 51, i love mine

 

thermal dynamics cutmaster 38 I love it. Had a millermatic killed it working it to hard was not as good a machine as the thermal dynamics. I have had one for a long time now ,every real car i let try it has eventually bought one.

 

ok. this is going to get me run out of here.

those little 40 amp plasma chineese copies you can buy off of ebay for around 250-300 are actualy good for the HOME USER!!! (not pro...) I used to have a miller plazcut back home but since I moved I tried out one of those cheapies. needless to say I just bought one on ebay... warrenty you say.. I can buy 3 for the price of one. Parts/consumables you say.. 50 50 50 consumable sets on ebay around 50 bucks. now would I expect it to last in a full on fab 10 hour a day shop usage situtation.. NO. But for what we use at home with this hobby of ours I say it fits perfect.

Hilo Hotrodder??? I just left kona after 6 years... PM me when you come to da ninth Island.

 

I have the hypertherm 380 and it is awesome for hot rod/ race car fabrication. 110/220 volt also.

 

Ive got a chinese ebay one, its awesome up to 1/4 inch, over that, near useless.
Im happy for 250 bucks.. use it pretty regularly.

 

do you have the 20, 40 or 50 amp chinese?

 

I've heard through the rumor mill at work that Miller is working on a hobbyist level plasma cutter that will be under $1000.00 in the next couple of years.

Shawn

 

I got a Hobart 250A from a divorce sale. The two things I like about it, is it only requires a 110 20 amp circuit, and has a built-in air compressor.

I used it last weekend to cut a radiator support out of a GM truck, and it had a little trouble with the double wall areas. I just made multiple p***es and it got the job done.

If you go to the junkyard, all you need is a small generator, and don't have to drag the air compressor along.

 

The "Thermal" units are the best!-------Be sure to run a "toilet paper" type filter unit, it sure helps out on the consumables!!-------& don't forget to change the filter, from time to time, depending on usage!!----------Don

 

Take a look at this http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293327&highlight=plasma