I was thinking about saving up for a new big tool, and I need something to cut metal with... but I also need something to heat up metal with... Even cheap plasma cutters are $700+, and you can't really use it to heat up metal to bend... like steering arms. With a Henrob and a small torch set-up, I could do more $369 (Henrob) + $319 (Small Northern Tool torch setup) + gas = $688 What are the limitations of each that I'm not thinking of? Benefits?
I bought a Henrob to cut with... it worked well I ended up buying a Plasma also and now rarely use the Henrob. Just quicker and easier to plug in the plasma and go. I have a normal type torch also to use for everything else... The Henrob does work well though once you get used to it... excelent for welding thin sheet metal where you would normally use a TIG I have a TIG also... so the Henrob just sits around now.... I think you could get away with just buying the Henrob and some bottles... for a while... you could then keep your eyes open for a bigger torch on craigslist or e-bay if you needed
with a plasma you walk over flip the switch and pull the triger, your cutting, you can build a tracing machine, make your own patterens and make parts to sell.
I got both. They sit unattended now.......... I really like a good jigsaw with metal blades and a handheld metal cutting band saw. Cold cuts, and no warpage.
They both have there place Heck who said the car hobby is cheap Tools are Tools who can have enough ?
My Henrob hasn't seen the light of day for 15 years, to limited. Get a plasma and a victor 100 jr torch
I sold my plasma and bought a henrob I cut with it and gas weld with it. LOVE IT! I would do it again in a heart beat!
4t64rd, You gotta love the differences on the HAMB! I have a plasma cutter and a Henrob torch and I use them both. I got the Henrob to avoid buying a TIG welder. It also works great for light sheet metal that will require dolly work. I also have full size Smith cutting/heating torches for larger work and heating. Plasma is the slick ticket for cutting no doubt, but you also need a source of dry compressed air and a nearby electrical source. For example working outdoors, the Henrob is as portable as your bottle set up. Imo, don't buy cheap tools they cost more in the long run than a quality tool. Weigh the benefit of a tool regarding real world time saving and utility. Good Luck-
Nobody has asked so I will. What are you looking at cutting? Most $700.00 range plasma will only cut about 3/8 with any real speed or producing a clean cut so if you are looking at cutting material thicker than that then a plasma at that price range is going to be disappointing.
I've got both. I use my cheap plasma only on sheet metal, it can do up to 1/8, but slow going. If you are on a budget, get the Henrob. You don't even need an addtional torch set-up. I use mine for gas welding, cutting thick metal, for heating metal to bend or anneal, and for lead work, and regular soldering. If you can only afford an 'under 500$' tool, get it. If you've got more to spend, other machines are quicker, easier, (like plasma and MIG's) but you need more of them, and they're more money.
I've got both and while I have cut with the Hebrob In the past I now use it for gas welding exclusively since I don't have a tig I got my plasma from a eBay auction look for a used one
I also have a Victor 100, I have developed holding it like a pen/tig torch.....i was going to get a henrob, but glad i didnt. So I second this vote, a plasma would be killer.
I have a Henrob, a plasma, and a medium sized gas rig. I use the gas rig. I also have a pawn shop stick welder. The gas rig and the welder serves 99% of the time. As a footnote. The plasma is dangerous. The particles are so small they can float and be ingested. Wear a respirator!!
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