Plasma Cutter Recommendations Needed

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GTXperience

GTXperience

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I am going to buy a new portable plasma cutter because I need to be able to move it from one location to another and work where there is only 110/115 available. This is for cutting no thicker than 1/8" sheetmetal. I am looking at models with internal air (ex. Hobart Airforce 250CI, the Miller Spectrum 125C, Firepower FP-18, etc.). Besides being light-duty, does anyone have any feedback/pros/cons whatsoever on these models? Feel free to chime in on other models as well. The more info, the better. I am looking for comments on performance/functionality, pricing, cost of consumable replacements, warranty, etc.

TIA
 
If you plan on cutting alot at time, check the duty cycles. I have a thermal dynamics draggun and it works for me. If I'm gonna be making long cuts (like cutting out panels from parts cars) I use the plasma to start a cut where ever I want to start the cut, then use a sawzall. If you want smaller precision cuts, then the plasma works great. This is the one I have and bought because I got a deal on it. I was buying a mig and they had a close out on plasmas, so I got a great deal when I bought both.

https://www.mythermadyne.com/thc/en...00575/**&filterDispName=Manual+Plasma+Systems
 
I have a Cobra torch for cutting very precise small parts.....even does scrolls, BUT it's a booger to keep close to the work properly........it's best at 1/8"..........I've heard that the new small plasma's can be held literally ON the surface, even with some pressure..........

Can you guys elaborate a little?............How do these new generation plasma's work......technique for cutting, etc........thickness of steel, how clean are the edges, etc..........

Really like to hear from some experience out there............ :read2:
 
I have a Hobart 250A and it will do all the body panels you want BUT sometimes i want to lite into a frame or thicker stuff and it taxes the unit so i'm on the lookout for a larger unit. GTX, mine would be for sale and it is a 110 unit and like new . Look around and get your best price and let me know. I will probably be able to beat it and then i will buy a larger one. Thanks for the help on the MeMike project.
 
Thanks for all the feedback so far everyone.

HawaiiDuster: Could you doublecheck that link you sent me? It's not working properly.

Small Block: If I decide to go with the Hobart, you can bet I will be contacting you.
 
Hobarts are good units. Built by Miller now.

Thermal Dynamics are nice.

Make sure you can easily obtain consumables. Nothing worse than needing a tip and it's a mail order item for some of the off brands.

Same thing goes here as for welders, duty cycle. A 110 is portable, but, lacks duty cycle.
 
Man-O-Man I would love a good plasma cutter.

My first experience playing with them was in the Army. I was working with General Dynamics doing some work on the M1A2s and they brought down a super-rig from Michigan. Cut like butter.....

Can't say I have a lot of use for one, but then again, now that I have a welder, I'm getting in to all sorts of trouble.
 
I thought I would bring this around one more time to see if there were any other recommedations or words of wisodom since I am planning on making a decision next week. TIA.
 
Crackedback: You're absolutely correct! Spend a little extra and buy a brand
name from a local supplier that can provide you service and consumable items. Toolmanmike
 
hypotherm 380! 110 volt and I have cut 1/2 inch plate steel with it small portable just use a heavy extension cord (none at all works best) I have used mine for over two years now,I use it a lot and have only bought 3 five pacs of tips and there are 3 sets left I am very impressed with this unit!!!!
 
You could always use an arc gouger! They were the predicessor to the plasma cutter. Just a little messy... I have always used esab plasma cutters. They seem to be a quality product at least they were in 00-01. We had one in my vo-tech welding class & we really put it through alot of hell. It was like the energizer bunny!!
 
Bigmacdak said:
You could always use an arc gouger! They were the predicessor to the plasma cutter. Just a little messy... I have always used esab plasma cutters. They seem to be a quality product at least they were in 00-01. We had one in my vo-tech welding class & we really put it through alot of hell. It was like the energizer bunny!!
Click to expand...

Bigmac, anything like this one:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tls/731259739.html
 
GTXperience said:
Bigmac, anything like this one:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tls/731259739.html
Click to expand...

Yup, just like it! We really put that thing through the works. Mainly because we were dumb kids just trying to tear stuff up. It really held up good tho. If it can take that kind of abuse from a bunch of highschool kids, it would surely last forever in a loving environment!! 800 bucks for that is a good price & if i wasnt broke I would jump on it. I need one sooo bad. The little crap that takes me an hour to do with a cut off tool would take about 30 seconds with that!!
 

waggin said:
hypotherm 380! 110 volt and I have cut 1/2 inch plate steel with it small portable just use a heavy extension cord (none at all works best) I have used mine for over two years now,I use it a lot and have only bought 3 five pacs of tips and there are 3 sets left I am very impressed with this unit!!!!
Click to expand...

I absolutely forgot that I had an old friend that works for Airgas and contacted him today. We haven't spoken for a couple of years but it was fun catching up. They carry all the mnfrs but his #1 suggestion was to go with Hypotherm (for many different reasons - one being a high duty cycle). He is going to hook me up with his employee discount as well and I am pretty damn happy about that.

Here's the link to the PowerMax30 (which I believe superceded the 380): http://store.weldersource.com/088003.html

BTW: Here's a bulletin board I found with some general comments which I thought were helpful (even though it is from '04): http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-258804.html
 
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