Century Plasma Cutter

[NibbanaFarm]

I found a Century 50A plasma cutter for sale locally. I haven't gone to see it yet but the seller says it is almost new. Asking $500. From web search, the company is out of business, bought out by Lincoln over a decade ago. A couple web sites seem to have parts. If it breaks, I'd probably be out of luck. These plasma cutters are expensive. Is this worth a look? Or should I pass?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[Jim in ICT]

So it's not a name brand, over ten years old, cuts maybe 1/2 inch steel, and repair parts are scarce?
What about consumables?
I'd pass, unless it's in perfect condition.

 

[Scrambler82]

I have used a HyperTherm 900 for about 9 years now, no complaints.

 

[Big Barn]

I'd be inclined to pass.

Terry

 

[ThomasH]

I used to own a pretty nice Century welder (300 amp ACDC with infinite controls and 60% duty cycle with it all the way up), but that has been 20 years ago. Towards the end before they went under they were private labeling welders and plasma cutters for Snap-on, Mac, etc., and for the time they weren't too bad.

Plasma cutters have moved on to electronic controls, which make them easier to start the arc and keep it going, cut thicker steel with less input amperage, give you better control, and in general are more reliable than the old technology.

That unit is not worth more than $200 at the most, and even at $150 I would pass. It is the equivalent of the Harbor Freight welders, in that too cheap means that it isn't good enough to not aggravate you a fair amount trying to use it, and it will use up a lot of consumables. Assuming that the torch is original, you would probably have to replace that to get it to work halfway well, and that would be another $150 and some work to attach the new torch to the old cutter.

 

[NibbanaFarm]

I'm starting to lean towards the pass side of things. It looks like consumables are available but they're aftermarket. I have oxy acetylene if I need to cut anything really heavy, which is very, very rare. Almost everything I'd want it for is 1/4 inch or under. Maybe 3/8 on occasion but again, I have a number of different options for cutting steel. So I really want something for cutting 1/4 inch and under. I can get a new one, with warrantee and parts and consumables from Northern tool for $700 that looks like it will do what I want. Chinese no doubt, but it sounds like they stand behind them.
Northern Industrial Welders Plasma 375 230V Inverter-Based Plasma Cutter — 40 Amp Output | Plasma Cutters| Northern Tool + Equipment
Klutch Plasma 375i 230V Inverter-Based Plasma Cutter — 40 Amp Output | Plasma Cutters| Northern Tool + Equipment
Any opinions on these? Looks like the comparable USA made Hobart is $1600. Can't afford that right now unfortunately.

Thanks for that reply ThomasH. I'll take your advice.

 

[ThomasH]

I'm starting to lean towards the pass side of things. It looks like consumables are available but they're aftermarket. I have oxy acetylene if I need to cut anything really heavy, which is very, very rare. Almost everything I'd want it for is 1/4 inch or under. Maybe 3/8 on occasion but again, I have a number of different options for cutting steel. So I really want something for cutting 1/4 inch and under. I can get a new one, with warrantee and parts and consumables from Northern tool for $700 that looks like it will do what I want. Chinese no doubt, but it sounds like they stand behind them.
Northern Industrial Welders Plasma 375 230V Inverter-Based Plasma Cutter — 40 Amp Output | Plasma Cutters| Northern Tool + Equipment
Klutch Plasma 375i 230V Inverter-Based Plasma Cutter — 40 Amp Output | Plasma Cutters| Northern Tool + Equipment
Any opinions on these? Looks like the comparable USA made Hobart is $1600. Can't afford that right now unfortunately.

Thanks for that reply ThomasH. I'll take your advice.

I would look at Everlast, specifically send a PM (private message) to Mark Lugo with Everlast. They are one of the sponsors of this site, and in my opinion have better quality of welders and plasma cutters with longer guarantees. I see that Home Depot is carrying their 50 amp cutter and it is $50 less than what you are looking at: Everlast SuperCut 50P Plasma Cutter-SuperCut 50P at The Home Depot

I just bought one of their 70 amp cutters when Amazon had a sale about 2 months ago and it was $750 and seems quite capable and works a heck of a lot better than the 15 year old Miller Spectrum cutter that I had.

Good luck!