|
Hi Chuck I have a Hypertherm #350, 25 amp, 230v plasma cutter. I love it. I have been wishing I had one for a long time and finally bought it last year. I probably cannot justify it on strictly economic terms though, since I am not in any business, use it only a few times a year and do not count my time as money. If I used a strict economic justification, I would have far fewer tools! The cost was about $1100, I guess actually closer to $1200. It is a pleasure to use. For material 1/4" thick and less, it does a better job than my oxy/acet torch with less slag and post cut grinding needed. For 1/8� steel it is as near perfect as you can get�no slag and no post cut grinding�just nice smooth, clean, square edges. I have also found that it completely replaces the torch set for most automotive type work. Sheetmetal is a real breeze with no torch flames to set undercoating or wiring or other surrounding rubber parts ablaze! I have also used it to cut out automotive exhaust systems and associated fasteners�again I think easier and safer than the torch I have used in the past for this type of work. Another thing that tipped the scales in favor for me is the fact that it can cut nonferrous materials, aluminum especially. I do a small amount of aluminum work and never had a decent way to cut sheet material other than using a jig saw�kind of a pain. Works great on 1/8� aluminum. I have an upcoming project this spring to modify my existing WeatherGuard aluminum truck box to fit around the wheel wells of my replacement truck. The plasma cutter will be ideal for that. Going over 1/4" thick material is not, in my opinion, favorable to the plasma cutter over the stardard torch�unless you are really in a business for profit with the heavier material. For example, Lincoln�s cutter for 3/4" stock is $2500�certainly out of my league. No amount of even ease-of-use justification could justify that expenditure for my perhaps one small cut per year in such material. Just some food for thought. Rod
| 
