Plasma Cutter

What I really want to be able to do with it is cut silhouettes from sheet metal. I won't be cutting anything thicker than 1/4" since that's the most I can weld (usually thinner). I'm looking to spend around $1000 and I already have an air source. I'm considering the Lincoln Procut 25.

What are your reccomendations? What kind of edge quality should I expect? How much will I be spending on consumables?

Thanks for your help.

Link

Though this is a site that is trying to sell plasma cutters, they do have a lot of links to helpful info! If you scroll down the page at the above link, you can read about selecting a plasma cutter.

I really wish I could afford one right now! Oh well... maybe someday!

I would take issue with the statement that the Powermax 380 "severs 1/2" easily". The 380 is an updated version of my 350. They have the same "recommended" capacity of 1/4". As I said below, I would NEVER use mine for 1/2" stock. It might make it but not easily, certainly not pretty or clean and would take a long time. Again, beware overstated claims on cut capacity for any plasma cutter. If you stick within the "recommended" capacity, you will be pleased. Otherwise you may swear at the poor job it does!

Unlike what some of the others have suggested, I would caution about overbuying just because you may be able to afford it and think you might need it some day. Been there, done that, on several occasions over the years and regretted it later. If your going to be cutting sheetmetal most of the time, get a machine designed for sheetmetal...not 1/2" plate.

Rod

Bigger,Better,Faster--Its a Man thing(smile face)

Mike.

I have a Hypertherm model Powermax 350. It's a 25 amp output machine that is rated at 1/4" "recommended" capacity. It works well at 1/4" steel with a small amount of slag that is easily removed. At 1/8" and less, the cut is excellent with no slag. Beware overstated claims on cut capacity. My machine is rated at a "severance" capacity of 1/2", twice the "recommended" capacity. I would NEVER use it for that thickness. It would take too long to clean up the kerf afterwards.

This size machine is typically around $1000-$1100 and is perfect, IMO, for stuff 1/4" and less. Anything thicker and you should move up in capacity (and cost). Unless you are a fabricator doing a LOT or work with steel over 1/4", the significant additional cost is not worth it. That is in the area where an oxy/acet or oxy/fuel gas torch is more cost effective and perfectly acceptable for the intermittent user.

Don't worry about consumables. Tips are cheap and you probably will not go through a lot. After 3 years of intermittent use, I still have not needed to replace the original tip. No need too.

I suspect that Lincoln is comparable to my Hypertherm. Go for it. You will not regret it.

Rod

As said in the other post, buy the biggest one you can afford.