Do plasma cutters wear out?

[charlz]

I am looking at buying a 10 year old Lincoln Pro-Cut 55... is there any downside to buying a plasma cutter this old? Currently I use a O/A torch so I am looking to move up.

[keving]

Originally Posted by charlz

I am looking at buying a 10 year old Lincoln Pro-Cut 55... is there any downside to buying a plasma cutter this old? Currently I use a O/A torch so I am looking to move up.

Not sure about that model, but I'd make sure that there are available parts for the torch. If it's only 10 years old, you should be OK. It's amazing what you can do with these things...

[john_bud]

There are consumables like the tips and hand piece may get roughed up. Like any electro-mechanical device, wear happens, but it can be brought back pretty easily

jb

[Soundguy]

Ditto what the others siad.. check if the consumables are available

soundguy

[patrick_g]

The power supply is likely not to "wear out" but the front panel controls might. If the air control solenoid works and doesn't leak and all the controls work well you stand a decent chance of being OK. If the torch is OK and there are readily available consumables for it you are probably going to be OK. The easiest repair for the average guy is to replace the torch if it is too far gone.

If you have to ever replace the torch, don't waste time looking for an exact replacement for the old torch. Get a modern late model torch for which there is easy availability of consumables. Just be sure the new torch is designed for the amps of your unit.

I never got very good with an OA cutting torch. I bought a 25 amp plasma cutter and it just didn't cut the mustard. I took it back and upgraded to a 40 amp unit and found that it is a true delight to use. I try to use templates when possible for cutting circles and a guide board for long straight lines. I do free hand it but I'm no artist.

Your model is rated for 25-60 amps and has a quick change torch. It is still being sold so parts is not a problem.

I have never seen a new one for sale under $2200 so if you beat that figure significantly and it is fully functional you have done well.

They are rated for cutting up to 3/4 inch mild steel. My 40 amp Hypertherm is rated for 3/8 steel and at reduced speeds up to 5/8. It will sever up to 7/8. Severing material of 3/4 or thicker is slow and results in a rough cut.

I just love the plasma cutter and hardly ever touch the OA torch now.

(I do have a carbon electrode holder for my Lincoln tombstone AC DC buzz box and it can be used for heating in place of an OA torch.)

I'm sure you will see an improvement in your cutting results. I bet the plasma cutter will put a smile on your face!

WARNING WARNING WARNING

When operating yoiur plasma cutter NEVER EVER use air that is not filtered to remove moisture.

Pat

[Zick]

Originally Posted by patrick_g

The power supply is likely not to "wear out" but the front panel controls might. If the air control solenoid works and doesn't leak and all the controls work well you stand a decent chance of being OK. If the torch is OK and there are readily available consumables for it you are probably going to be OK. The easiest repair for the average guy is to replace the torch if it is too far gone.

If you have to ever replace the torch, don't waste time looking for an exact replacement for the old torch. Get a modern late model torch for which there is easy availability of consumables. Just be sure the new torch is designed for the amps of your unit.

I never got very good with an OA cutting torch. I bought a 25 amp plasma cutter and it just didn't cut the mustard. I took it back and upgraded to a 40 amp unit and found that it is a true delight to use. I try to use templates when possible for cutting circles and a guide board for long straight lines. I do free hand it but I'm no artist.

Your model is rated for 25-60 amps and has a quick change torch. It is still being sold so parts is not a problem.

I have never seen a new one for sale under $2200 so if you beat that figure significantly and it is fully functional you have done well.

They are rated for cutting up to 3/4 inch mild steel. My 40 amp Hypertherm is rated for 3/8 steel and at reduced speeds up to 5/8. It will sever up to 7/8. Severing material of 3/4 or thicker is slow and results in a rough cut.

I just love the plasma cutter and hardly ever touch the OA torch now.

(I do have a carbon electrode holder for my Lincoln tombstone AC DC buzz box and it can be used for heating in place of an OA torch.)

I'm sure you will see an improvement in your cutting results. I bet the plasma cutter will put a smile on your face!

WARNING WARNING WARNING

When operating yoiur plasma cutter NEVER EVER use air that is not filtered to remove moisture.

Pat

Can I ask what happens? I was thinking about buying a cheap plasma cutter that requires an ext air source. My air compressor filter doesn't do a very good job at keeping the moisture out. I didn't realize this might be a problem.

[BOBBYROGERS]

the only thing i have found wrong with plasma's is the control boards get out dated farelly quick and you can not get the parts you need to repair them or the part will be very expensive on a unit that has any age to it i would check with your local welding shop to be sure all the components are still avilible to sevice the machine first but you can not beat the speed and quality of the cut

[patrick_g]

Originally Posted by BOBBYROGERS

the only thing i have found wrong with plasma's is the control boards get out dated farelly quick and you can not get the parts you need to repair them or the part will be very expensive on a unit that has any age to it i would check with your local welding shop to be sure all the components are still avilible to sevice the machine first but you can not beat the speed and quality of the cut

Zick, Water will play havoc on performance and not do consumable life any good. You could be cutting along and one lousy drop of water will shut you down.

Bobby, The model number he gave is currently being sold new. A quick Google shows them available for around $2300 from a welding supply house to the super discount Home Depot on-line for only $3000. Since it is widely available new, parts should not be unusually difficult to get. If it is in good shape, works OK, and costs less than $2000 (the less the better of course) it is probably a good deal.

I really like my 40 amp model and this unit should be just more of the same.

Pat

[Pfm1011]

I picked up a miller Spectrum 375 X-TREME for just over 1k new . it is 115/230 volt and good for up to a 3/8 rated but severs up to 5/8 . Great little unit . Also the price includes a drag tip . Unless you are cutting 3/4 inch etc this unit is a real deal and highly recommended.

[3RRL]

Originally Posted by patrick_g

The power supply is likely not to "wear out" but the front panel controls might. If the air control solenoid works and doesn't leak and all the controls work well you stand a decent chance of being OK. If the torch is OK and there are readily available consumables for it you are probably going to be OK. The easiest repair for the average guy is to replace the torch if it is too far gone.

If you have to ever replace the torch, don't waste time looking for an exact replacement for the old torch. Get a modern late model torch for which there is easy availability of consumables. Just be sure the new torch is designed for the amps of your unit.

I never got very good with an OA cutting torch. I bought a 25 amp plasma cutter and it just didn't cut the mustard. I took it back and upgraded to a 40 amp unit and found that it is a true delight to use. I try to use templates when possible for cutting circles and a guide board for long straight lines. I do free hand it but I'm no artist.

Your model is rated for 25-60 amps and has a quick change torch. It is still being sold so parts is not a problem.

I have never seen a new one for sale under $2200 so if you beat that figure significantly and it is fully functional you have done well.

They are rated for cutting up to 3/4 inch mild steel. My 40 amp Hypertherm is rated for 3/8 steel and at reduced speeds up to 5/8. It will sever up to 7/8. Severing material of 3/4 or thicker is slow and results in a rough cut.

I just love the plasma cutter and hardly ever touch the OA torch now.

(I do have a carbon electrode holder for my Lincoln tombstone AC DC buzz box and it can be used for heating in place of an OA torch.)

I'm sure you will see an improvement in your cutting results. I bet the plasma cutter will put a smile on your face!

WARNING WARNING WARNING

When operating yoiur plasma cutter NEVER EVER use air that is not filtered to remove moisture.

Pat

Pat,
I've been considering a plasma cutter for quite some time now. I know something about machining, but some of my future projects could be easier done with a plasma cutter, I presume. I'd like to see what you have done with yours so I can get an idea of how you use yours, such as in everyday/all-around uses, etc.
Perhaps there are even more uses than I've been thinking of?
How about posting some pictures for us to gawk at?