Plasma cutter

Lea · Jun 17, 2013

Hi everyone, I am thinking about buying a plasma cutter for my home workshop, I would never need to cut anything over half inch and maybe never, but I don't really know much about them. There seem to be so many different brands and price ranges that I am not sure what to buy. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreiated . Thanks for any advice

Lea

Locoweed · Jun 17, 2013

I bought one of these. LTP5000D LOTOS IGBT Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter 110/220VAC 1/2" Cut with CNC auto cutting feature - Amazon.com

Has good reviews. Had a minor issue with it on arrival. Called them & they shipped the part. No questions asked. I'm pleased with it so far.

CNC Dan · Jun 17, 2013

check the price and availability of the consumables. Also the life of the consumables will be affected by how much water you have in your compressed air.
I bought Hypertherm. I am impressed by how long the nozzles last. And while it's rated for 3/8" max cut, I have made many cuts in 1/2" without any problem.
(powermax 30)

joshuabardwell · Jun 17, 2013

One thing to be sure of is that you have an air compressor that can meet the CFM requirements of the plasma. I was hot-to-trot to buy a plasma until I realized that it takes a pretty big compressor to feed most of them.

gwdixon · Jun 17, 2013

Contact Mark from Everlast (see sponsers at the top of the Welding Forum). They sell a number of plasma cutters of different capacities. You can explain your situation to him and he can steer you to the right size for your needs. My advice would be to get one size up - you will eventually need it.

Plus, Everlast can give a discount for TBN members.

I bought a PowerPlasma 70 and am very pleased with its performance once a few wrinkles were ironed out.

bubbacuse77 · Jun 18, 2013

Hypertherm, American made, great costumer service, choice of most professionals.

Ken45101 · Jun 18, 2013

joshuabardwell said:
One thing to be sure of is that you have an air compressor that can meet the CFM requirements of the plasma. I was hot-to-trot to buy a plasma until I realized that it takes a pretty big compressor to feed most of them.

That's only an issue for prolonged cutting. For typical homeowner use, you don't need continued compressor output equal to the cutter consumption. OTOH, my compressor is noisy and I wish I had a bigger/quieter one but I can live with it.

There are many discussions here about this very topic. Hypertherm for support (Jim Colt), good consumables life, readily available consumables, "drag" operation, quality, American made, etc.

Hypertherm units are conservatively rated, compared to some of the others.

I bought a Hypertherm 45 a year ago and I've been very happy with it.

jimcolt · Jun 18, 2013

The Hypertherm Powermax30 (american designed and built) can operate on 120 volts or 240 volts, and has a max severance capacity of 1/2". I have often used mine on a small (3.4 cfm) portable compressor that is designed for nail guns, etc. On this small compressor I can normally cut for 35 to 40 seconds continuously before the air pressure is too low and the plasma shuts off (internal low air pressure sensor). In 35 to 40 seconds you can cut about 200 inches of 24 gauge steel.....or about 10-12 inches of 1/4" steel. The other advantage with the Hypertherm systems is with their consumable parts life.....plasma systems have a nozzle and electrode that wear during normal cutting. These parts in the Hypertherm system typically last 6 to 10 times longer than the low cost import plasma system. You pay a bit more for the Powermax up front, but end up with a tool that works well, is supported by a great company, and costs less to use (longer consumable life).

Jim

CNC Dan · Jun 18, 2013

I can testify that everything that jim just posted is very true.
I love my powermax30.

crazyal · Jun 19, 2013

Do you have a budget to work with or an idea how much you would like to spend? I assume you have an air compressor but what do you have to dry the air? Dry air makes a world of difference so you should budget it into the cost.

grsthegreat · Jun 19, 2013

I have a Hypertherm Powermax 1000, and have run it about 6 years now. The air compressor is a Lowes (Kobalt) 60 gallon and it more than handles whatever i throw at it with the plasma cutter.

I do have a refrigerated air drier, and that has really helped extend consumable tips.

Shield Arc · Jun 19, 2013

Here are some pictures of my redneck air dryer. :laughing:

Why do the pictures not load in order?!!!!!

Mark @ Everlast · Jun 19, 2013

Doubles as a still during the night...

grsthegreat · Jun 20, 2013

yeiks....heres mine. a simple harbor freight unit. works GREAT/...100% recommend

but cant use it as a still

Jim in ICT · Jun 21, 2013

Buy Hypertherm, you won't be sorry.

camshawn · Jun 23, 2013

We just got a cut master 52 and after playing a bit yesterday and this morning I am quite happy with it. So far I cut a dragonfly out of some12 g for the boss and some 3/16 flat to make. Mounting tabs for a large compressor. I am now trying to get used to bracing my hand an still moving fast enough to get a good cut, very different from a cutting touch, much faster. Having fun playing with a new toy, Cam

CNC Dan · Jun 23, 2013

camshawn said:
.... I am now trying to get used to bracing my hand an still moving fast enough to get a good cut, very different from a cutting touch, much faster. Having fun playing with a new toy, Cam

That can be a problem. I have seen my heartbeat in a cut sometimes.
A collection of round plywood discs for radiuses, and a good strait edge are a big help. For freehand cutting, you might try clamping something nearby to prop against.

Rustyiron · Jun 23, 2013

A little off topic here but maybe some one knows.....I bought (new) a Hypermax 900, it's about 10+?years old now. Do the newer models have a different torch and consumables? (That last longer)
Shield Arc would you explain your dryer, that's my style (homemade). I just bought an in-line water filter by hyper therm, I think, and have not tried it yet, but not using dry air, consumables is an under statement. I thought that with an 80 gal tank & very little use, that is no painting & very little air tool use, I'd be ok with just tank draining. I avoid using the 'plas and grab the o/a torch for this high consumption of consumables.:laughing:

Kernopelli · Jun 23, 2013

I purchase an Everlast 50 amp w/ pilot arc. Have so far cut up to 5/8" with it. Makes SUPER fast factory cut edges on sheet metals like body panels and almost as good/fast on thicker sheets of 1/8 and 3/16". 1/4" and 3/8" is no problem, just takes a slower torch movement.

My son and I still giggle like school girls every time we use it. It has worked flawlessly, came with a 5 yr. warranty and a nice consumable package and the torch is nice ( has the built in trigger button...not the cheap zip tied trigger like many of the Chinese brands).

I waited for a sale and paid $420 shipped to the door. A friend at work just got his for $400......can't beat it as a package.

Redneck in training · Jun 24, 2013

Rustyiron said:
A little off topic here but maybe some one knows.....I bought (new) a Hypermax 900, it's about 10+?years old now. Do the newer models have a different torch and consumables? (That last longer)
Shield Arc would you explain your dryer, that's my style (homemade). I just bought an in-line water filter by hyper therm, I think, and have not tried it yet, but not using dry air, consumables is an under statement. I thought that with an 80 gal tank & very little use, that is no painting & very little air tool use, I'd be ok with just tank draining. I avoid using the 'plas and grab the o/a torch for this high consumption of consumables.:laughing:

I am guessing he fills the can with ice.