Do plasma cutters wear out?

[charlz]

I am looking at buying a 10 year old Lincoln Pro-Cut 55... is there any downside to buying a plasma cutter this old? Currently I use a O/A torch so I am looking to move up.

 

[keving]

I am looking at buying a 10 year old Lincoln Pro-Cut 55... is there any downside to buying a plasma cutter this old? Currently I use a O/A torch so I am looking to move up.

Not sure about that model, but I'd make sure that there are available parts for the torch. If it's only 10 years old, you should be OK. It's amazing what you can do with these things...

 

[john_bud]

There are consumables like the tips and hand piece may get roughed up. Like any electro-mechanical device, wear happens, but it can be brought back pretty easily

jb

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto what the others siad.. check if the consumables are available

soundguy

 

[patrick_g]

The power supply is likely not to "wear out" but the front panel controls might. If the air control solenoid works and doesn't leak and all the controls work well you stand a decent chance of being OK. If the torch is OK and there are readily available consumables for it you are probably going to be OK. The easiest repair for the average guy is to replace the torch if it is too far gone.

If you have to ever replace the torch, don't waste time looking for an exact replacement for the old torch. Get a modern late model torch for which there is easy availability of consumables. Just be sure the new torch is designed for the amps of your unit.

I never got very good with an OA cutting torch. I bought a 25 amp plasma cutter and it just didn't cut the mustard. I took it back and upgraded to a 40 amp unit and found that it is a true delight to use. I try to use templates when possible for cutting circles and a guide board for long straight lines. I do free hand it but I'm no artist.

Your model is rated for 25-60 amps and has a quick change torch. It is still being sold so parts is not a problem.

I have never seen a new one for sale under $2200 so if you beat that figure significantly and it is fully functional you have done well.

They are rated for cutting up to 3/4 inch mild steel. My 40 amp Hypertherm is rated for 3/8 steel and at reduced speeds up to 5/8. It will sever up to 7/8. Severing material of 3/4 or thicker is slow and results in a rough cut.

I just love the plasma cutter and hardly ever touch the OA torch now.

(I do have a carbon electrode holder for my Lincoln tombstone AC DC buzz box and it can be used for heating in place of an OA torch.)

I'm sure you will see an improvement in your cutting results. I bet the plasma cutter will put a smile on your face!

WARNING WARNING WARNING

When operating yoiur plasma cutter NEVER EVER use air that is not filtered to remove moisture.

Pat

 

[Zick]

The power supply is likely not to "wear out" but the front panel controls might. If the air control solenoid works and doesn't leak and all the controls work well you stand a decent chance of being OK. If the torch is OK and there are readily available consumables for it you are probably going to be OK. The easiest repair for the average guy is to replace the torch if it is too far gone.

If you have to ever replace the torch, don't waste time looking for an exact replacement for the old torch. Get a modern late model torch for which there is easy availability of consumables. Just be sure the new torch is designed for the amps of your unit.

I never got very good with an OA cutting torch. I bought a 25 amp plasma cutter and it just didn't cut the mustard. I took it back and upgraded to a 40 amp unit and found that it is a true delight to use. I try to use templates when possible for cutting circles and a guide board for long straight lines. I do free hand it but I'm no artist.

Your model is rated for 25-60 amps and has a quick change torch. It is still being sold so parts is not a problem.

I have never seen a new one for sale under $2200 so if you beat that figure significantly and it is fully functional you have done well.

They are rated for cutting up to 3/4 inch mild steel. My 40 amp Hypertherm is rated for 3/8 steel and at reduced speeds up to 5/8. It will sever up to 7/8. Severing material of 3/4 or thicker is slow and results in a rough cut.

I just love the plasma cutter and hardly ever touch the OA torch now.

(I do have a carbon electrode holder for my Lincoln tombstone AC DC buzz box and it can be used for heating in place of an OA torch.)

I'm sure you will see an improvement in your cutting results. I bet the plasma cutter will put a smile on your face!

WARNING WARNING WARNING

When operating yoiur plasma cutter NEVER EVER use air that is not filtered to remove moisture.

Pat

Can I ask what happens? I was thinking about buying a cheap plasma cutter that requires an ext air source. My air compressor filter doesn't do a very good job at keeping the moisture out. I didn't realize this might be a problem.

 

[BOBBYROGERS]

the only thing i have found wrong with plasma's is the control boards get out dated farelly quick and you can not get the parts you need to repair them or the part will be very expensive on a unit that has any age to it i would check with your local welding shop to be sure all the components are still avilible to sevice the machine first but you can not beat the speed and quality of the cut

 

[patrick_g]

the only thing i have found wrong with plasma's is the control boards get out dated farelly quick and you can not get the parts you need to repair them or the part will be very expensive on a unit that has any age to it i would check with your local welding shop to be sure all the components are still avilible to sevice the machine first but you can not beat the speed and quality of the cut

Zick, Water will play havoc on performance and not do consumable life any good. You could be cutting along and one lousy drop of water will shut you down.

Bobby, The model number he gave is currently being sold new. A quick Google shows them available for around $2300 from a welding supply house to the super discount Home Depot on-line for only $3000. Since it is widely available new, parts should not be unusually difficult to get. If it is in good shape, works OK, and costs less than $2000 (the less the better of course) it is probably a good deal.

I really like my 40 amp model and this unit should be just more of the same.

Pat

 

[Pfm1011]

I picked up a miller Spectrum 375 X-TREME for just over 1k new . it is 115/230 volt and good for up to a 3/8 rated but severs up to 5/8 . Great little unit . Also the price includes a drag tip . Unless you are cutting 3/4 inch etc this unit is a real deal and highly recommended.

 

[3RRL]

The power supply is likely not to "wear out" but the front panel controls might. If the air control solenoid works and doesn't leak and all the controls work well you stand a decent chance of being OK. If the torch is OK and there are readily available consumables for it you are probably going to be OK. The easiest repair for the average guy is to replace the torch if it is too far gone.

If you have to ever replace the torch, don't waste time looking for an exact replacement for the old torch. Get a modern late model torch for which there is easy availability of consumables. Just be sure the new torch is designed for the amps of your unit.

I never got very good with an OA cutting torch. I bought a 25 amp plasma cutter and it just didn't cut the mustard. I took it back and upgraded to a 40 amp unit and found that it is a true delight to use. I try to use templates when possible for cutting circles and a guide board for long straight lines. I do free hand it but I'm no artist.

Your model is rated for 25-60 amps and has a quick change torch. It is still being sold so parts is not a problem.

I have never seen a new one for sale under $2200 so if you beat that figure significantly and it is fully functional you have done well.

They are rated for cutting up to 3/4 inch mild steel. My 40 amp Hypertherm is rated for 3/8 steel and at reduced speeds up to 5/8. It will sever up to 7/8. Severing material of 3/4 or thicker is slow and results in a rough cut.

I just love the plasma cutter and hardly ever touch the OA torch now.

(I do have a carbon electrode holder for my Lincoln tombstone AC DC buzz box and it can be used for heating in place of an OA torch.)

I'm sure you will see an improvement in your cutting results. I bet the plasma cutter will put a smile on your face!

WARNING WARNING WARNING

When operating yoiur plasma cutter NEVER EVER use air that is not filtered to remove moisture.

Pat

Pat,
I've been considering a plasma cutter for quite some time now. I know something about machining, but some of my future projects could be easier done with a plasma cutter, I presume. I'd like to see what you have done with yours so I can get an idea of how you use yours, such as in everyday/all-around uses, etc.
Perhaps there are even more uses than I've been thinking of?
How about posting some pictures for us to gawk at?

 

[denmansoft]

Rob:
I guess you haven't you filled that shop yet. Looking for more toys!

 

[ovrszd]

Rob,
I'm kinda surprised you don't have a Plasma Cutter. A man of your talent would certainly enjoy one. Using a guide you can cut a line amazingly smooth. Reguires a lot less grinding and best of all minimizes metal heat. All that's required is a good clean air supply. Consumables are minimal. I use a Miller 625. I think I paid around $1400. It's awesome on anything 3/8 thickness and under. Will cut thicker but slows down to get a clean cut. I don't have any pics of anything tractor oriented but here's a few of a Jeep bumper I cut from flat steel. I rarely use my OA torch anymore and probably burn more fuel thru it lighting the shop wood stove in winter than anything else.

Edit: Forgot to mention, consumables are extremely cheap!!!! I've used my cutter a LOT. I've replaced several tips and other consumables in the gun and haven't spent $50 yet.

 

[patrick_g]

Pat, How about posting some pictures for us to gawk at?

Rob, I'll try to think of what might illustrate the results of using a plasma cutter and if I get any good ideas I'll post pix. Many of my plasma cuts are subsequently welded but I will try to get pix of something.

A piece of steel sliced (ripped to use saw language) is not all that photogenic. Maybe a closeup macro photo of the cut edge... I used to have a pile of little steel circles which I used a template to cut out. The pieces were the scrap and the holes were what I was after (access to use a socket to tighten bolts. I have used most of the scrap circles for various things.

Rob, I'll stay alert to taking pix of something illustrative of a plasma cut and will post.

I'm afraid it will not be impressive or particularly photogenic.

Pat

 

[patrick_g]

Terrific bumper fabrication. Of course we'll have to take your word that a plasma cutter was involved.

That it the difficulty I have. Not much in the way of cut edges to show off.

Pat

 

[AlanB]

Rob, I know you did not ask me, but thought I would offer this view.

The plasma is great in that you can pattern cut from easily made patterns (luan plywood and a scroll saw) and you can do those "limited" production runs that are not worth dialing in a larger machine, yet, you can duplicate fairly accurately by hand.

Here is a link to a bike for sale that has one of th rear brake assemblies I made on it. Dad actually plasma'd these out for me then I welded and assembled them.

I think we built about 15 or so.

2001 Sherco 50 - Topic Powered by eve community

I think it is a "torchmate" that works real well with the plasma as well and Williams lowbuck tools had a pantagram setup at one point, I think he just sells the magnets now that I have always wanted.

Dad uses his an awful lot for stripping out stuff for re-use, for example he got a whole lot of aluminum cabinet doors from something. He takes the plasma, puts the edge of the tip against the raised lip of the door and then drags along cutting off the lip, it "instantly" gives him nice aluminum sheets to work with and they have no lips or edges.

The way I would sell one is to ask someone to think of a torch, now think that you can turn the torch on and off at the touch of a button, now that torch will cut any material (basically) and will do it like drawing with a pencil.

That is why I use a Plasma

Another example that requires a bit of prior knowledge to work, have you ever seen the guy demo a Dillon / Henrob Torch? You ever then tried to use one yourself? (much the same as watching the demo of a Shopsmith) Well a Plasma lets you do the Dillong Henrob demo with your existing skillset, with the exception of I never had the guts to try the fingernail bit. (you have to have seen the demo to make sense)

 

[3RRL]

Thanks for the great explanations and photos guys.
I had my buddy Larry get some stuff plasma cut for a couple projects now. The hydraulic gauge wheels and Loretta's grapple jaws and I got interested in getting one. I am concerned, since I'm an old timer and get things done via my machining skills, so I was wondering about the other uses around the ranch. I might not always be building new projects, (know what I mean). And I know it's a fairly sizable investment to get a decent one. That's why I'm asking. I sure do appreciate the information.
Pat, go ahead and show your projects like the others did, so I can get an idea what another old guy does with his...