Hobart Airforce 250 ci , is it worth considering?

i have wanted to buy a plazma cutter for some time and think i have found a interesting unit which includes a built in compressor,so COOL.
has any1 here on this board had any expierance with this model? if so please chime in and let me know what u think of it,is it noisy and does it perform well?

 

I have one and I like it ...

( taken off their brochure )

This simple technology uses an electrical arc and compressed air to cut steel, aluminum, and other conductive metals. Designed to cut up to 1/4" mild steel, the AirForce 250ci is powered by standard household current (115 VAC). A built-in air compressor and lightweight inverter power supply make this plasma cutter the most convenient, totally portable cutting system available. The AirForce 250ci excels at cutting sheet metal and 1/8" mild steel, and can even sever 1/4" steel. Compared to the complexities of an oxy fuel cutting torch system, plasma cutting is easy.

I am a hobby type and do not need to cut more than 1/8th inch thick stuff.
I bought mine used ... ( the previous owner need a larger unit ... but he did frame/ch***is type work regularly ) but I am well satified with mine. .

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Nads just posted about getting a plasma cutter, look up his thread on his new El Camino

 

thx's for the replies,i went and ordered 1. sad part is its 800 in the states and 1000 in canada plus gst=5%

 

Don't own one but borrowed an ESAB self contained unit with similar ratings to cut brackets off of a 9" Ford housing. It was able to do it but seemed to be at the top of it's capabilities. Nice and convenient with it's own air supply and operating off of 110V.

 

I've only used it on sheet metal so far and I love it.

 

I've heard the only problem with onboard compressors is moisture... especially down here in FL... keep it in a dry spot.

 

I am considering one of these now. Can any of you with the 250ci provide any updates? Interested to see how it held up after a year.

 

Beware, tips are difficult to get, Northern Tool has zero back-up and don't know their *** from their elbows. Even the big welding supply shops in town are of no help, eventually I called Hobart themselves and they pointed me to Fastenal who are a distributor.
Tips wear out pretty fast, order extras.

 

Because the Hobart is basically a Miller in a different case ... my Miller dealer has most everything you need in stock. I bought a " GUARD " for mine and the tips last a lot longer using the guard

Nads ... get yourself a guard ... and save $$$ and trips to the tip store.

 

Just an FYI, I hear that Tractor Supply stocks them too- if you have one of those close by.