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Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's??

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Dr. Evil

08-26-2002 08:29:54




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Who has one? How big is it? What Brand is it? And was it worth the $$$$ for what You wanted to do? Does it do what You thought it would?




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Connie

08-05-2003 13:23:01




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 Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Dr. Evil, 08-26-2002 08:29:54  
Thanks guys for all your tips. Because I'm a woman people give me a hard time when I call places to get specs or questions answered. I have a couple of questions you might be able to help me with. I've been doing a lot of research and have found several units with built-in compressors. I would figure this is not the way to go because if the compressor goes out then the whole thing is out of commission. What is your opinion? Also, how do you feel about refurbished units?

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DumOleBob

08-27-2002 08:12:54




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 Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Dr. Evil, 08-26-2002 08:29:54  
Check 'em out on Ebay and on the internet in general. There are several authorized dealers that sell new units. I saved $500.00 on A Hypertherm 900 & shipping was included for free! Also, don't forget the "consumables". They are not cheap, but you can also find good deals on the internet.If you'll do a lot of cutting - you WILL love it!



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Terry J

09-23-2003 09:33:36




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 Re: Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to DumOleBob, 08-27-2002 08:12:54  
Don't like plasmacam's bedside manner. Any recommendations for a similar device?



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Bob

12-02-2003 02:17:28




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 Re: Re: Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Terry J, 09-23-2003 09:33:36  
I also was not impressed with PlasmaCams bedside manner. I was ready to drop some serious dough on one of their units, but could not get any answers from them. I was rushed and told to order the video and catalog, both of which I already had, but still had a few questions. If they are that unhelpful when trying to sell a unit, how will they be if something goes wrong with it and I needed help.



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gwarren

02-03-2006 19:25:54




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Bob, 12-02-2003 02:17:28  
My friend bought a plasmacam and he loved it until he needed help diagnosing a problem with it. He spent 10 thousand dollars for this machine and they sent him to there technical support which is a pay by the minute outfit. by the time he got it going again it cost him six hundred dollars in pay by the minute and longdistance bills. The next time it messed up he sold it and bought a torchmate cutting table and loves it. They answer the phones when ever u call and have no problem solving your problem.

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Fred OH

08-27-2002 07:20:15




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 Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Dr. Evil, 08-26-2002 08:29:54  
Got a Hypertherm a few years ago (800?), never ran one before. So, got to playing with it, rated at 50 amps and 1/2"...done a fine job...kinda a magic pill sort of thing. Tried it on 3/4" and it was just a good bit slower...but did it okay. Went to the sheet metal and it said that it would cut at a rate of 108 inches per minute...hmmm...tried .045" cold finished stuff with it and decided to see just how fast the damn thing would cut. As fast as I could zip the torch across the metal...it would drop at my feet...no time for any heat to warp the metal at those speeds. Remarkable tool...in fact it is an amazing tool. I finally destroyed the tip in it...due to not reading about how to do it right and haven't used it in a couple of years. I ahould get some new tips for it as it is a lot cheaper (and faster) to use than a torch...a fabricator's delight...not to mention the body shops and other uses. L8R....Fred OH

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Rick

08-27-2002 05:17:50




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 Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Dr. Evil, 08-26-2002 08:29:54  
Have Thermal-Dynamics pak 50. It will cut 1/2 inch as rated. Have had no complaints. They just take some practice as they cut alot different that a cutting torch. I use mine to cut ornamental designs.



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Cliff Neubauer

08-26-2002 17:46:57




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 Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Dr. Evil, 08-26-2002 08:29:54  
I know that our local welding supplier will not even stock Miller plasma cutters and I don't think they stock Lincolns even though they carry those lines. The salesman said from what they had seen the Hypertherm and I think Esab were the only ones worth having. I have one on my wish list too. I priced a 50 amp (I think, rated at 1/2 or 3/4") Hypertherm and if I remember right it was around $1,500 but don't quote me on that. Most people say they are rated about 1/8" better than they really will cut so one rated to cut 5/8" will really cut 1/2" and do a good job.

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TP from Central PA

08-26-2002 18:40:17




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 Re: Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Cliff Neubauer, 08-26-2002 17:46:57  
I have used both Hypertherm and an old ESAB. The Hypertherm was a 50 amp job rated to cut 1/2" steel and I believe 3/8" aluminum(SP?). They ESAB was a smaller model...I really liked the Hypertherm! They are nice to cut thick chunk of iron, but they really work good at cutting Aluminum and thin gage steel...I wouldn't mind having one..but I really don't have $700 to blow on it...My Smith cutting torch works WAY to good!!!!

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Bus Driver

08-26-2002 16:45:30




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 Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Dr. Evil, 08-26-2002 08:29:54  
Friend of mine does lots of MIG welding and is big customer of big welding supply house. They loaned him 4 different plasma cutters and he decided on the Hypertherm. He remains pleased. There are "consumables", tips, etc that must be replaced with plasma cutters. Hypertherm consumables are about 1/4 the cost of those for some other brands- so I am told.



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Rod (NH)

08-26-2002 11:54:38




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 Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Dr. Evil, 08-26-2002 08:29:54  
Check out this link and the thread it is in.



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Dr. Evil

08-26-2002 12:38:02




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 Re: Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Rod (NH), 08-26-2002 11:54:38  
I did a search & read all 21 HITS I got. The biggest thread was over 2 yrs old. Newest was a couple months. I just wondered if anything or any new brand was available I'd missed. I'm looking at a Hypertherm POWERMAX 600, 40A machine. Local welding supply place recommends them and stocks all the parts. And beats Cyberweld's $$$ on the equivalent Miller machine by $100-$120. In fact, The smaller 27A Hypertherm & Miller are IDENTICLE....except for paint & decals.

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Jeremy

08-26-2002 13:55:22




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 Re: Re: Re: Plasma Cutters? PRO's CON's?? in reply to Dr. Evil, 08-26-2002 12:38:02  
Having used plasma cutters in the past, one is at the top of my list for my shop as soon as the $$$'s are available. A plasma torch isn't a replacement for an oxy-acetylene torch because it doesn't have the capacity, but it's great for thinner sections and cuts sheet metal very nicely. It's heat is generally confined to a small area instead of spread out like an oxy torch.

HyperTherm torches are well liked.

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