Plasma Cutters

Super-H-Mike · Sep 12, 2014

Hey guys, My Lady wants to get more into metal sculptures and is thinking about getting a plasma cutter. I have never owned one myself, so asking for your opinions and experiences with these. Looking for ease of use and quality with price being secondary. Thanks !

glennster · Sep 12, 2014

i have an older thermodynamics pak 5 xt. 1/2 cutting capacity. unit is prolly over 20 years old. still works good. consumables can get spendy. buy one with a larger capacity than you will normally cut. if cutting inside, you need good ventilation.

Bob · Sep 12, 2014

Cost and local availability of "consumables" is an important consideration.

I have an older Century machine, purchased locally.

It is (of course) out of date, the company sold out, and the local supplier no longer handles "tips".

I CAN get them on the "net, and as long as I think ahead and order in time I"m OK, but do don"t want to burn the last one up in the middle of a project!

504 · Sep 12, 2014

I would only buy local, and go with a brand name at a welding store. The local farm & home will sell you one, but good luck when it quits working. There is a lot of company consolidation going on,Thermodynamic & Thermadyne are gone, now it is a Victor. The machines have gotten cheaper and last longer just in the last five years. MAKE SURE,you buy the optional air filter, it will pay for itself in tips in less than a year.

58Deere · Sep 12, 2014

I bought one a couple of years ago. I went to the local welding supply and asked their opion on brand and size. I ended up buying a Hypertherm. I ordered it off the net with no sales tax and free shipping. Got the first 220 volt size available it came with 20 feet leads. Went to hardware store and got a cart to put it on. On the cart I added an air regulator and an air filter. I love it. It cuts up to 5/8. Never thought I would cut over 3/8 but I have cut 1/2 inch several times. Glad I stepped up and got the 220 volt model to start with

JD Seller · Sep 12, 2014

Hypertherm is the brand I would go with. They are the BUSH HOG of the plasma cutters. I have an older one and parts are still pretty easy to get. There are some other brands that are good but stay away from the "off" brands. You will need nozzles/tips and other consumables with an off brand the supplies can be a bear to find.

Bob seND · Sep 13, 2014

Look for one of these

http://www.weldfabulous.com/p-22643-thermal-dynamics-cutmaster-52-plasma-cutter-1-5130-1.aspx

Plasma Cutters

Super-H-Mike

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glennster

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Bob

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504

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58Deere

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JD Seller

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Bob seND

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