What to look on a Plasma Cutter?

[jimcolt]

Keep us posted on how it works...if you have any questions...I'll be happy to help out.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

 

[tonylumps]

Thanks jim I will Tony

 

[tonylumps]

After weeks of research ,reading everything I could find on Plasma Cutters and watching every video I could find I ordered a Hypertherm PM 30 Even though I have a 220V hookup I liked the Idea of the 110v. 1/4" and below is all I will be cutting. I already have a cart set up with 3 dedicated Filters For the Cutter Also 1 filter on the Compresser for shop air The compresser is 5 HP with 60 gallon tank Rated at 10.5 SCFM @90# so I think I will be getting the Max. Performance out of the Powermax 30 That should be enough Thanks Tony

Last night my powermax arrived, Tonight I fired it up. I have never seen one cutting live just the Video, Let alone holding a torch First I tried 1/8' the first one was pretty bad About the Fourth cut it looked like I cut it with a chop saw, That good Then I tried 1/4" The first one I think I was going a little too fast By about the Fourth cut It looked like the Hypertherm Video Real good I do not have anything thicker in my Garage But will pick up a piece of 1/2" at work Just to try it out. But all in all Very happy with the PM30 But never tried any other cutter so can not compare it to any other make or size So I think I made good move

 

[jimcolt]

Just be careful that you don't cut all your steel into small pieces.....it happens often when guys get new plasma systems!

 

[tonylumps]

tonylumps, in a moment of "what did I just do" I bought an Everlast Supercut 50P. Rarely cut over 1/4" metal at home. Have read good and bad reviews about the product as with any other. When it came it was dark so I put it in the house to open. The size was disappointing compared to what I am used to at work. Next day I hooked it up and was very supprised. 1/4" was no problem and had a piece of 3/4" laying there. Cut it like paper. Hate to buy out of country products, but anymore what isn't? Not my John Deere with the Yanmar engine and chinese loader. Cutter was almost half the price of others, now to see how it holds up.

I do a lot of research before I Buy anymore. I get tired of getting beat up I have a Kubota Tractor,Craftsman Tractor, Ford van ,Nissan Xterra ,Honda Scooter.If 90%of what I read about a product is good If I need it I buy that product.All the Research I did on Plasma cutters Not One Negative On Hypertherm, Now 2 other brands I was looking at came in at a close second on Reviews. And because Hypertherm was made in the USA was like iceing on the cake But not the deciding factor Tony L

 

[tonylumps]

Just be careful that you don't cut all your steel into small pieces.....it happens often when guys get new plasma systems!

Jim I am starting to look for more scrap now, I cut a lot faster now than I did with the O/A

 

[grsthegreat]

i have a Hypertherm 1000 and love it. used it for about 5 years now. Does a wonderful job. I use a 60 gal stand up tank, 120 psig and 14 csfm flow.

The consumables are kind of spendy, but its a hobby, so that doesn't matter (HA)

Mines a mechanized unit (CNC) but im trying to get a hand torch to add to it.

I do mostly steel art and odd ranch jobs. i've made trailer boxes for trailers, etc.

Once you get a plasma cutter, you'll wonder how you ever got around without one.

 

[Shield Arc]

grsthegreat that is an awesome gate!:thumbsup:
Years ago I bought a CNC plasma cutter with the intentions of building gates, but it never took off. Everybody wants a gate for the same price Home Depot sells chain link gates for! Did a little metal art, but lost my shirt at that. My wife wants me to build a gate for us, but she can't make up her mind what she wants.:laughing:

 

[grsthegreat]

grsthegreat that is an awesome gate!:thumbsup:
Years ago I bought a CNC plasma cutter with the intentions of building gates, but it never took off. Everybody wants a gate for the same price Home Depot sells chain link gates for! Did a little metal art, but lost my shirt at that. My wife wants me to build a gate for us, but she can't make up her mind what she wants.:laughing:

thank you....its just a hobby, so i dont care if i make a profit, if i had to do this for a profit, id go bankrupt hehe:laughing:

your right about everyone wanting it for cheap

thats a great job on the wall art too.