? Budget Plasma Cutters ?

[TLowry]

Howdy, new guy here.

I want to buy a PC but don't want to spend a fortune for it. It will be used light duty and 1/4 mild steel would be about the thickest. This is not an everyday tool, just the occasional welding project tool so I don't need an industrial version.

I looked at the Hobart 250Ci but then got to wonder how well it would really work at with only 12 amps.


Somebody pointed me to the Chicago Electric (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95136) unit sold by Northern Tool. At 40 amps and 60% duty cycle (better than the Cutmaster 50), it looked good for an $800 unit. I downloaded the manual and didn't see in it where you could or could not drag cut with so I call tech support and they said no. Bummer!

Anybody ever try one of these units?

Can someone suggest a unit under $1K that works well without being a bear to find consumables and parts for?

Thanks,
Tom

[SundownIII]

Hypertherm Powermax 30.

Great machine. Built in US.

Do a search on Powermax 30 and I think you'll find that the owners of that machine are very pleased.

Just don't resort to the "cheap" (not inexpensive) Chinese junk that's offered all over the internet.

I've seen low use PM 30's offered below your budget quite a bit on e-bay. Just need to be a "smart" shopper.

[Zrexxer]

Can someone suggest a unit under $1K that works well without being a bear to find consumables and parts for?Another good value in an American made plasma is the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 39, which can be had for $989 delivered to your door. It will do 1/4" conservatively with a 5/8" maximum cut.

I have a TD 52 but I've run the 39 and it's every bit as nice. I've also run the Horror Fright "Chicago Electric" units and don't let them fool you with the 40A designation, the machine won't cut anywhere near as well as a 30A Hypertherm or TD.

[TLowry]

Thanks for the input.

I ended up with a Hobart 400 new in the box, delivered for $998.

I've run the Cutmaster 50 and did notice one thing right out the gate. I like the way the Hobart ignites as soon as you hit the trigger.

Here is the first project using the Hobart.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/DesertSkies/Shop/IMG_7566.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/DesertSkies/Shop/IMG_7567.jpg

[Tony D]

powermax 30 is the way to go mine works very well ...as they are the leader and inventor of plasma technology woot woot

[old timer]

hypertherm units work great, but way to costly to repair. my 1000gs around 2400.00 new died after only four years and the repair estimate almost 1300.00 they said a bad board... and it alone was 840.00 guess i'll just buy a new one. but not a hypertherm.

[Glurg]

Here is a possible choice. A little over you $1000 limit, but a brand name, with support.


http://www.princessauto.com/welding/plasma-products/plasma-cutter/8257487-120-volt-lincoln-plasma-cutter