Hobart AirForce 250CI opinions wanted.

[Ryan225]

Hi all, ive been thinking about getting a 120V plasma cutter for thin sheet metal and preferably has a built in air compressor. Ive been looking at a Miller. Take in mind I'm biased, if its not red or blue its not on the map. However ive seen a Hobart AirForce 250CI at TSC at a nice price and im thinking about giving in and trying out the Hobart brand.

Can I get some input? Hows the product support?


Thanks,
-Ryan

[Northweldor]

Hi all, ive been thinking about getting a 120V plasma cutter for thin sheet metal and preferably has a built in air compressor. Ive been looking at a Miller. Take in mind I'm biased, if its not red or blue its not on the map. However ive seen a Hobart AirForce 250CI at TSC at a nice price and im thinking about giving in and trying out the Hobart brand.

Can I get some input? Hows the product support?


Thanks,
-Ryan

In my experience, product support was excellent, and I think Hobart tops Miller and Lincoln, and Esab in support of older models and access to manuals.

[Blacksmith]

I like Hobart for their product support, however, take a hard look at any color/brand of 110 volt self-contained plasma cutter. Sharing a 110 volt 15-20 input between a compressor and the plasma severely limits the plasma power. Do a thread search - too many people outgrow these units quickly and take a bath trading up. If you only ever do sheet metal, you should be good, but if you start getting ideas ...

[Ryan225]

Thanks guys. I plan on keeping the plasma around for just sheet metal. if i need to burn anything over 3/16" i got a set of torches with a few different tips, the biggest one capable of cutting several inches of steel. so i imagine ill be good. as for the power, yes, its gotta share it with a welder, so im going to run a dedicated outlet. i got a 200 amp service that has alot of room left for breakers so i should be good.


thanks,
-Ryan