plasma torch recommendations

taem

Member
Rebuilding and reinforcing the bucket on my JD 2240- gave 20 years of good service but worn through in spots. Plan to cut out the places that are thin or perforated and weld in new steel. Thinking of springing for a plasma torch since cutting with grinder is long and expensive. So far, I see 35-40 amp Chinese models from HF and Northern tool between $500-700 and then much more expensive Hypertherm or Thermodynamics or miller up to $1500-2000. Any thoughts that I would be wasting my money on the Chinese ones (Chicago and Klutch) respectively? I've been looking for a used US model but no luck so far. Thanks
 
I would be leery of HF for something like that. You need a name brand that will be around for years to provide replacement consumables.

Might take a look at Zoro Tools, they are a division of Grainger, but about 1/2 the price. It's a reputable company, very quick shipping.

Or if there is a local welding supply, see what they stock parts for. They may have a used machine or a rental.

You'll want to stay away from off brands, 120v units, or older models. They have improved greatly in the last few years.
 
I would not even think of buying the HF kind of plasma cutters. You will need consumables. SO where are you going to find them in a few years down the road if you have a HF one??? I have had several and they all have been Hypertherm brand. I would recommend a used name brand over a new China junk one. The one I am using now cost me $700 off of Graigslist. Rated to cut up to 1/2 and it flies through loader bucket type of cutting.
 
I have a Lotos but I didn't get the pilot arc. I've cut 5/8 steel with it. It's a slow job with that thick but when you get down to 1/4 inch it cuts great. Consumables seem to be easy to find and if you can't get them anymore you replace the entire unit. You could buy 4 of these new for the price of one Hypertherm.
Lotos Plasma torch with pilot arc
 
taem, I bought my Hypertherm Max 43 in 2010 used for $750. Place in Mankato was set up at a fair I attended and asked if they ever get plasma cutters in on trade. Told me they did, so I told him to put my name in for one. 2 months later I had mine. As others have said, stick to known brand, Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics are probably the top 2. I love mine and somedays I wonder how I got along before.

Mike
 
I have a Thermodynamics 40 amp machine. It cuts great. Not very good at heating stuff for bending. Have you thought of a torch? A torch can multitask where a plasma can't. If you go with a plasma machine I recommend a 220 volt model. They cut much better than a 110 volt.
 
taem I would go with name brand. Don t go cheap. My personal preference is thermodynamics. Torch for heating & brazing. Plazma cutter for cutting. RB
 
Thermodynamics has been causing us a lot of problems in the last year(the old black case ones were very good units) Hypertherm would be my recommendation now.
 
I have a klutch 375 and it does great for the price. Cuts great for 3/8 nice and smooth. Had it
for 2 years and still works great and good customet service.
 

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