Which plasma cutter?

[Carol in CA]

Opportunity for Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 40 or Hypotherm 380. Your suggestions? Needed to build my FEL and BH for my JD.

 

[ovrszd]

Don't know anything about either of those. I have had 2 Miller 625 Extremes and have no complaints. Pricey but effective. Not sure how big of cutter you need?? I often cut 1/4" and sometimes cut 1/2".

Like your ole 400. Can't wear one of those out. My eldest Son has a 420.

 

[Shield Arc]

I don't know anything about those models, but far as brands I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[Jim in ICT]

I have a Powermax 380 that's about 4-5 yrs. old. Bought it on sale before the Powermax 30 came out. Has given me good service with no problems. Cuts cleanly up to about 3/8". Can't beat the factory support. Like S/A said, you can't go wrong with either brand.
I'm assuming your 380 is used? What's the asking price?

 

[Carol in CA]

$650-$700 for either.

 

[Big Barn]

Carol, ebay occasionally yields decent finds. I got my Miller 625 Extreme brand new with the $100 extra consumable package for $1000 plus $28 shipping a couple of months ago.

Terry

 

[dragoneggs]

Carol, ebay occasionally yields decent finds. I got my Miller 625 Extreme brand new with the $100 extra consumable package for $1000 plus $28 shipping a couple of months ago.

Terry

What the heck???? Tell me where? This is hard to find under $1700! Who did you buy from and was it new? Even the 375 is more than $1000.

 

[Big Barn]

I had been watching ebay for months. Really wanted a Miller 875 or equivalent Hypertherm. This was a new listing for $1375 or "make an offer". Brand new, unused in the hard case, 20ft hand torch and extra consumable kit. 2013 manufacture date. I offered $1000 and in the comment box told him that I hoped he wouldn't be insulted by the offer, but if accepted I could 'pay immediately'. He accepted and even put extra shipping insurance on it at his own expense. Terry

 

[ovrszd]

Terry, you scored big time!!!!! I'm never that lucky on ebay and don't even get a response from my offerings.

 

[Big Barn]

Terry, you scored big time!!!!! I'm never that lucky on ebay and don't even get a response from my offerings.

I've had really good experiences with ebay, Richard. Earlier this year I bid and won an auction for a brand new Arcair 6000 gouging torch setup for $110USD for a friend of mine. The seller happened to be located in Canada and offered to drop it off the next week to save me shipping as he was relocating his daughter to start University here in Victoria. A family at my daughters school won a MAJOR lottery here two years ago. Me.... I get good deals on welding equipment. I think I'm better off and happier.... Terry
My apologies to Carol

 

[J_J]

I am not even sure there is a best buy for plasma cutters.

After you do all your research, you have to decide as to cost, manufacturer, consumables, warranty, etc.

Everyone that owns one will probably tell you that you should get this or that.

I doubt you have the chance to check out the plasma cutters, so it is not an easy choice.

You might find a brand name cheap, and it might work well or not.

I have Lincoln products myself and they do the job, a 25 amp and a 55 amp plasma cutter.

Everlast, Hypertherm, Lincoln, Miller, Esab, just to name a few.

Some places will let you test some of the units.

I don't think a new to plasma person is a good tester. An experienced plasma user should go with you.

Some units are basic, and others have bells and whistles.

Cost varies quite a bit for for the cutting amp range.

Some are 110v and others only 220v.

Some are three phase.

A lot to take in, but your research may pay off in the long run.

 

[Shield Arc]

Here's what my Hypertherm can do on 1/2" thick plate.

 

[Big Barn]

Here's what my Hypertherm can do on 1/2" thick plate.

Very nice! ...but that's with YOU behind the wheel!

Terry

 

[Shield Arc]

Very nice! ...but that's with YOU behind the wheel!

Terry

Oh as bad as I shake, I need help.

 

[tkappeler]

Not to hijack the thread but ... glad to see you back, ShieldArc :thumbsup:

 

[ovrszd]

If at all possible, I will use a guide. As someone said on here once, a plasma cutter will jiggle in time with your heart beat.

The only thing wrong with plasma cutters is I didn't invent them.....

 

[chuck172]

I'm old school oxy-acetylene. Just wondering, can I used compressed air from an air compressor with the new plasma arc cutters or do I need to buy another cylinder of something?

 

[ovrszd]

I'm old school oxy-acetylene. Just wondering, can I used compressed air from an air compressor with the new plasma arc cutters or do I need to buy another cylinder of something?

Filtered air from any compressor. The smaller the compressor the more you might hafta wait on it a little. My large compressor keeps up nicely but runs quite a bit if I'm doing a lot of cutting. 220V and air.

I still have an oxy torch. I use it to heat metal for shaping, cutting thru very thick metal, and lighting the wood stove.

 

[Carol in CA]

Clever idea. What size is the angle stock? Is it aluminum?

 

[ovrszd]

I mostly use a piece of 1/8x3"x12" stainless steel flatiron. Just happened to have it. Depending on the gun whether you might prefer angle or flat. ShieldArc has cut more metal than I've ever saw. So he can give you the plus/minus of either. I usually clamp my guide too. Saves it from moving in the middle of a cut and making a wiggle in what might have been a perfectly smooth cut. Speed also plays into smoothness. But you'll figure that out once you start using it.