Who want to chat about plasma cutters?

[GeneV]

I’m currently comparing the Bestarc CUT50 and the Lotos LTP5000D, Lotos is a little more expensive but dosen’t come with the 120 power cord, (not really a big issue unless I needed it out of my shop, but still a consideration).
Anyone think one is better than the other?

Thanks,
Mike

That's what I was comparing too, that model Lotos vs the others. Methinks a leg up Lotos has on other same spec machines is that it's been around longer as a brand.

I bought the Bestarc per Mike Festiva's Youtube review (plus the Amazon customer reviews), and I think he said it best....no matter whatnot budget anything you buy, run it a lot when you first get it. Don't abuse it, but really work it a whole lot. If there's gonna be problems with it, chances are they're gonna present themselves within that time, and then you could return/refund/replace whatever.

 

[mike0000]

That's what I was comparing too, that model Lotos vs the others. Methinks a leg up Lotos has on other same spec machines is that it's been around longer as a brand.

I bought the Bestarc per Mike Festiva's Youtube review (plus the Amazon customer reviews), and I think he said it best....no matter whatnot budget anything you buy, run it a lot when you first get it. Don't abuse it, but really work it a whole lot. If there's gonna be problems with it, chances are they're gonna present themselves within that time, and then you could return/refund/replace whatever.

Thanks for replying Gene,

I ended Up going with the Lotos, @ $279.00 w/free shipping from Amazon. I think that’s good advice to really work it That first 30 days. I’ll follow up here once I get to “play” with it.

Mike

 

[mike0000]

The Lotos Plasma cutter arrived last week. I ended up running another 240 outlet for it, the one I have for my welder was 30amp and the Lotos needed a 60 amp. So far I‘ve only made a few cuts with it, what a game changer. I did some free hand circles for a snowman my wife wants made from an old propane tank. The limitations are all on me, I have no idea what I’m doing. Straight cuts with a guide were very good on some 1/8” metal I had. I have a low quality air trap on my compressor that needs to be upgraded. So far I think it will be a good fit for my needs.

Mike

 

[CliffH]

Who's got one or uses one?

I'm thinking of getting this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052OX87...&colid=TJYU61LC7LU&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I've been reading comparisons and watching some youtube reviews, that one seems to be a hit.

I have been using the same HyperTherm 1250 since 2008. I have a CNC table and am also wired for a manual option. I have done 3/8" silhouettes as well as 1" straight cut-offs. I love it! One thing you want to check is the Cost, Durability (#pierces and cut length) and Availability of your consumables. Also, your load ratings, cut speeds, fine/course cut options, etc. A low-priced machine can eat up the difference quickly in duration and cost of consumables or cutting time - in addition to cost of replacement when you overworked it trying to make a deadline.

Best Wishes,
C

 

[CliffH]

And I agree as we found out the hard way. GET AN AIR DRYER. Condensation will KILL your cutting head! Paper filter cartridges will work, but you need to swap them out regularly to let them dry or they will get mold/mildew.

Drain you tank before start up and blow condensation out of your hoses before hookup. The more variation in your temperatures the more condensation.
You also need to ensure adequate ventilation. It can take up your clean air in a hurry.

C

 

[mike0000]

And I agree as we found out the hard way. GET AN AIR DRYER. Condensation will KILL your cutting head! Paper filter cartridges will work, but you need to swap them out regularly to let them dry or they will get mold/mildew.

Drain you tank before start up and blow condensation out of your hoses before hookup. The more variation in your temperatures the more condensation.
You also need to ensure adequate ventilation. It can take up your clean air in a hurry.

C

Thanks for the advice CliffH, HyperTherm seems to be great equipment from the research I did. I just wasn’t ready to spend that amount of money. I unfortunately broke the T drain on the bottom of my compressor tank while trying out the plasma cutter. I plan to add a elbow and a ball valve for better drain system.

Mike

 

[GeneV]

The Lotos Plasma cutter arrived last week. I ended up running another 240 outlet for it, the one I have for my welder was 30amp and the Lotos needed a 60 amp. So far I‘ve only made a few cuts with it, what a game changer. I did some free hand circles for a snowman my wife wants made from an old propane tank. The limitations are all on me, I have no idea what I’m doing. Straight cuts with a guide were very good on some 1/8” metal I had. I have a low quality air trap on my compressor that needs to be upgraded. So far I think it will be a good fit for my needs.

Mike

I'm real curious how that Lotos runs on 120v, wonder if it's as crappy on that as the Bestarc.

But anyways, I'm sure air driers with an element work best, but I just use these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083BLRMVT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

I install one right on the compressor, and the second one at the end of the air line which plugs into whatever, including the plasma cutter.



For draining water from the compressor, I ditched that annoying t-drain, and installed a needle valve I had lying around:

 

[grsthegreat]

I'm real curious how that Lotos runs on 120v, wonder if it's as crappy on that as the Bestarc.

But anyways, I'm sure air driers with an element work best, but I just use these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083BLRMVT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

I install one right on the compressor, and the second one at the end of the air line which plugs into whatever, including the plasma cutter.



For draining water from the compressor, I ditched that annoying t-drain, and installed a needle valve I had lying around:

View attachment 767392

For light work that might be soso, but you need near 100% dry air and that wont cut it. At least use a paper cartridge system.

https://www.amazon.com/Motor-Guard-M-60-Submicronic-Compressed/dp/B000WZYKAE

 

[ljjhouser]

Always wanted a plasma cutter. Never got around to getting one. I always bought Miller welders. I guess that may be the reason I didn't want to pay for a cutter. I have used them, but not owned one.

 

[GeneV]

For light work that might be soso, but you need near 100% dry air and that wont cut it. At least use a paper cartridge system.

https://www.amazon.com/Motor-Guard-M-60-Submicronic-Compressed/dp/B000WZYKAE

I think I might even have one of them submicronic filters laying around somewhere, actually. Yeh, I'm sure you're right, for serious work my filtration system ain't awesome. But then again, it is way more awesomer than just relying on the thing which came with the machine.

 

[mike0000]

Picked up a ball valve and hardware I needed to have a good drain for my compressor tank. Close to ordering air dryers based on research and member recommendations.

I did play around today with a project for my wife.
yes it’s pretty scary, I used a old brake rotor for the circular cut, which did pretty well. Free hand cuts for the eyes and mouth, I’m not too good with that part. Cut through a railroad spike, but it was anything but pretty, but it did do it, (I’m sure there’s operator error on this stuff). Any Guess on what it’s supposed to be?

 

[CliffH]

The micro filter will catch Some water, but not all. It is surprising the amount of water that comes out of compressed air - especially with high humidity. You want your final dryer on the plasma cutter end of your supply line, with as little opportunity for condensation as possible. Mine is on the wall, less than 3 feet. A good dryer is money well spent.

C

 

[mike0000]

The micro filter will catch Some water, but not all. It is surprising the amount of water that comes out of compressed air - especially with high humidity. You want your final dryer on the plasma cutter end of your supply line, with as little opportunity for condensation as possible. Mine is on the wall, less than 3 feet. A good dryer is money well spent.

C

Thanks Cliff, I had planned the dryer at the tank then to my hose reel. I may put a Tee after the dryer and send one side to the reel and the other to a short hose for the plasma cutter.

Here‘s the final on the project for my wife. Brake rotor isn’t attached to what’s supposed to be a snowman.

 

[grsthegreat]

My harbor freigh air dryer collects so much water that it amazes me when i drain it. It blows out a stream of water. But the paper air filter about 20 feet away never gets wet. Every time i check it its bone dry.

 

[mike0000]

Filtration/Dryer parts arrived, need to make up a short connection Hose, almost have as much into it as the Plasma cutter.

Mike

 

[hornett22]

Hypotherm or Thermal Dynamics. The dryer the air, the longer your consumables will last.