plasma cutter

[welderboy14]

does any know the chepest place to get a plasma cutter

thanks for any replys

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

i don't know if the words cheap and plasma cutter can be used on two different websites.....let alone in the same thread! especially if you want one to cut 1/2" with.....

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

You get what you pay for.
Bill

 

[RonMar]

What Bill said, particularly with a plas...

 

[jeff_jeff]

try ebay - search for: plasma cutter - I bought one of the cheap chinese units a few years ago... works fine, cuts 3/8 no problem (slow, but no problem) cuts 1/2, but its not pretty...

just realize, you're taking a gamble... if it breaks, you're probably on your own.....

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

my local TSC has a Hobart that will cut 1/4" steel for $799 or one that cuts 5/8" for $1299.

 

[Scooby074]

You can get the Chincom "stuff" on ebay. Most of what ive read on them hasnt been the most flattering, but some have been happy with their purchase. Have a look on Weldingweb and see whats there.

Is there a reason you want plasma? Cheap and plasma dont go together as the others have said. You'll also need good air filtration or youll go thru consumables quickly.

A Oxy/acet torch with bottles can be bought for under $500. ~$200 for a brand name torch (Victor) and bottles for under $300. A torch will also give you a more flexable tool than a plasma. You can weld, braze, cut (thicker) and probably most important heat with a torch. Just something to think about.

 

[kayco53]

I'am fabricator that does a fair amount of stainless steel work etc and we use the plasma quite a bit.You should check the price of consumables (tips etc) when you buy a unit.If you use it a fair amount they really add up.Mind you we cut up to 1 1/2" stainless with them.Even light stuff will burn up parts not a big deal but some machines have way cheaper parts.

 

[bal0123]

Just like Scooby074 said cutting torch is by far the cheapest way to go. Although the Acetelen is somewhat high. I have used Oxy/Propane for several years and love it. It is by far the very cheapest and still with the right cutting tip, I have cut up to 1" 1/2 metal. Takes a bit longer to heat up then Acetelen, but only about 20seconds longer. No big deal. And I use the propane cylinder from my BBQ grill. Good luck

 

[kayco53]

Given a choice I would rather use a torch myself.Plasma is not the most healthy.

 

[wushaw]

I just got this one and it was about the cheapest for what I wanted.
MIG Welders, TIG Welding Gloves, Hobart Welders, Miller Welders, Welding Jackets

 

[2manyrocks]

kayco53, what is the health issue with plasma cutting?

 

[George in Spokane]

They cost so much you'll be selling your plasma!

 

[CurlyDave]

OK, this is a torch and not a plasma cutter, but it is one of the mnost amazing things I have ever seen....Bacon: the Other White Heat | Popular Science

 

[wushaw]

I have only had my plasma cutter for a week so I am real new to it and this morning I was cutting up some metal and something I noticed I like about it more than using a O/A torch is I can make a cut and just lay the plasma torch pretty much anywhere without having to worry about shutting it down to get ready for the next cut.

It is just a really cool toy/tool

 

[J_J]

I have only had my plasma cutter for a week so I am real new to it and this morning I was cutting up some metal and something I noticed I like about it more than using a O/A torch is I can make a cut and just lay the plasma torch pretty much anywhere without having to worry about shutting it down to get ready for the next cut.

It is just a really cool toy/tool

Now that you have a plasma cutter, look at these tools that help you do a better job, perhaps.

http://www.pipefitter.com/existing_php/plasmawiz.php

Plasma Cutting Guide

http://www.usweldingsupply.com/filecabinet/pdf/Flangewi.pdf

http://www.flangewizard.com/html/mag_base.html

 

[Ivan49]

I have a Thermal Dynamics Cut Master 38 and it was a good machine. After I had it a couple of years I started getting shocks off from it and I an electrian come in and he checked my ground on the shop added a new wire and thought all was well until it went out of warrenty and one day the fire blew out the bottom and it died was told it would cost more to fix it than a new one cost. I have not bought a new one yet but have been looking at the Hyper Therms any one know anything about them good or bad?

 

[plastikosmd]

I love my hypertherm.

 

[MichiganIron]

We run Hypertherm 1650 on a CNC machine table. Absolutely the most amazing tool for pattern cuts. Not the tool of choice for true holes, even with the CNC control. A good plasma cut still has about 2-3 degrees of bevel.

Use the CNC plasma table to pearce the holes, finish with a punch. Other than that, the Hyperthem 1650 is a beast.

 

[buggyman1]

Try cyberweld.com , no sales tax, free shipping. Its where i bought both of my welders.