Plasma Cutter?

boostlesstj · 07-18-2010, 05:58 PM

I have been looking at plasma cutters lately and was curious what one should really look for in a plasma cutter? I was looking at a Hobart unit that will do 1/4" and has a built in compressor. I think it would be suffice seeing as i don't plan on doing any fab work with anything more than that as well as not having a welder that would go bigger.

http://store.aihalaska.com/index.php...ucts_id=339674

akhillbille · 07-18-2010, 07:18 PM

be wary of that one. They makegreat welders but their plasmas aren't the best. Ask nate he had one. When it comes to plasmas I would spend my money once and be happy. Check out the thermal dynamics ones at air liquide. I think Napa even sells them now as well. a little more money but well worth it. Of course you will need a separate air source. I haven't heard many good things about any of the ones with a uilt in compressor. Also why only go for one that will just cut 1/4"? Yeah you probably wont ever cut anything thicker but why push one to it's limits. Go with one that will cut 3/8" or larger that way you wont be working it to the max.

Just my $0.02

boostlesstj · 07-18-2010, 10:30 PM

Makes sense and always why I ask of the more experienced ones

wayne_l · 07-19-2010, 02:04 AM

thermal dynamic 38 is a fantastic machine and the consumables are always easy to get you can sevrence cut up 2 half inch easily .

The Bronze · 07-19-2010, 08:06 AM

When you start getting to the unit's limits, the cuts look like editeditedit. You'll be grinding more and you have then lost the benefits of the plasma. x2 on making sure consumables can be aquired locally. Also, if you are going to run seperate air, with a big compressor, you'll want both to run at the same time so you don't have to swap out the power cords, that is unless you are going to run 120v equipment.

The_Ronster · 07-19-2010, 11:51 AM

If it were me, I would look at getting something big enough that the rest of us could use

I really like the setup that Kelly has. He didnt pay much for it either if I recall correctly.

boostlesstj · 07-19-2010, 12:21 PM

what does Kelly have?

The_Ronster · 07-20-2010, 07:30 AM

a miller. I forget what model though

The Bronze · 07-20-2010, 07:38 AM

It is a spectrum 500. Commercial plasma which gives you a pretty serious dutycycle (It's probably 100%).

You should just come over and use it (as soon as I get a couple rigs out of the garage).

naturalbornmudder · 08-22-2010, 06:04 AM

Just wanted to mention there is one for sale on CL for 400 bucks. Good to 1/4", runs off 220V

07-18-2010, 05:58 PM	#1
boostlesstj Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ft. Wainwrignt Posts: 1,525	Plasma Cutter? I have been looking at plasma cutters lately and was curious what one should really look for in a plasma cutter? I was looking at a Hobart unit that will do 1/4" and has a built in compressor. I think it would be suffice seeing as i don't plan on doing any fab work with anything more than that as well as not having a welder that would go bigger. http://store.aihalaska.com/index.php...ucts_id=339674

07-18-2010, 07:18 PM	#2
akhillbille Club Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: the cold bowl of north pole Posts: 1,101	be wary of that one. They makegreat welders but their plasmas aren't the best. Ask nate he had one. When it comes to plasmas I would spend my money once and be happy. Check out the thermal dynamics ones at air liquide. I think Napa even sells them now as well. a little more money but well worth it. Of course you will need a separate air source. I haven't heard many good things about any of the ones with a uilt in compressor. Also why only go for one that will just cut 1/4"? Yeah you probably wont ever cut anything thicker but why push one to it's limits. Go with one that will cut 3/8" or larger that way you wont be working it to the max. Just my $0.02 __________________ there comes a point in life when you get tired of chasing everyone and trying to fix everything,but its not giving up. Its realizing you don't need certain people and the drama they bring

07-19-2010, 08:06 AM	#5
The Bronze The Admiral Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: sunny downtown Fairbanks Posts: 1,312	When you start getting to the unit's limits, the cuts look like editeditedit. You'll be grinding more and you have then lost the benefits of the plasma. x2 on making sure consumables can be aquired locally. Also, if you are going to run seperate air, with a big compressor, you'll want both to run at the same time so you don't have to swap out the power cords, that is unless you are going to run 120v equipment. __________________ Originally Posted by akhillbillie "I have enough other stuff keeping men busy."

07-20-2010, 07:38 AM	#9
The Bronze The Admiral Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: sunny downtown Fairbanks Posts: 1,312	It is a spectrum 500. Commercial plasma which gives you a pretty serious dutycycle (It's probably 100%). You should just come over and use it (as soon as I get a couple rigs out of the garage). __________________ Originally Posted by akhillbillie "I have enough other stuff keeping men busy."

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07-18-2010, 10:30 PM	#3
boostlesstj Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ft. Wainwrignt Posts: 1,525	Makes sense and always why I ask of the more experienced ones

07-19-2010, 02:04 AM	#4
wayne_l Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 186	thermal dynamic 38 is a fantastic machine and the consumables are always easy to get you can sevrence cut up 2 half inch easily .

07-19-2010, 12:21 PM	#7
boostlesstj Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ft. Wainwrignt Posts: 1,525	what does Kelly have?