Lotos LT5000D Plasma cutter deal from Amazon

[Big Barn]

Hard to fathom. I think my old SCUBA tank holds 60 so your tank would be just a tad larger? The 150 cf tank measures about 10" dia x 54" tall. Is that some government rule? Move down here we can rebuild all kinds of old junk!:laughing:

Not a government rule. Just an area LWS thing to make more money I guess. Terry

 

[cobracnvt]

I ended up ordering the Lotos and it showed up on Wednesday. I had a $40 Amazon credit, so I took a shot at getting one for $200. I had a chance to quickly try it out and it works. No air leaks and it actually worked right out of the box. It cut through some sheet metal easily on 120v.

I definitely see the advantage of Pilot arc. The torch tip gets pretty messed up quickly having to be in contact with the metal being cut in order to start the plasma. I'll definitely need to keep the grinder handy to clean up the metal surface before cutting it and keep a good supply of consumables around.

 

[KubotainNH]

So $240 total? Your original link shows almost $400 plus 30 shipping.

 

[cobracnvt]

It looks like the price went back up. It was only $244.07 buying from Amazon when I originally started this thread.

 

[muddstopper]

While I still use my chopsaw, some. I really like my plasma. When I built my track torch, I set it up to hold my oxy/acet torch, but plan on modifying it to accept the plasma. Next on my buy list was a Carolina 8x14in band saw. Not the best bandsaw on the market, but after some fine tuning I use it to cut anything that will fit in it. Next thing I want to get is a cnc plasma table. I think your shopping list for cutting tools is just getting started.

 

[Fawken]

I ended up ordering the Lotos and it showed up on Wednesday. I had a $40 Amazon credit, so I took a shot at getting one for $200. I had a chance to quickly try it out and it works. No air leaks and it actually worked right out of the box. It cut through some sheet metal easily on 120v.

I definitely see the advantage of Pilot arc. The torch tip gets pretty messed up quickly having to be in contact with the metal being cut in order to start the plasma. I'll definitely need to keep the grinder handy to clean up the metal surface before cutting it and keep a good supply of consumables around.

Is it a push start with a spring loaded tip, or just contact start? You can prolong electrode life by holding the tip at an angle til it starts and rotate it down near perpendicular to the surface. I use 1/4" Masonite (get free from furniture movers) to make my guides. You only need to clean the first inch or so of your cut after that the arc will pierce most coatings.

 

[cobracnvt]

It is contact start, no spring.

 

[hutchman]

Is it a push start with a spring loaded tip, or just contact start? You can prolong electrode life by holding the tip at an angle til it starts and rotate it down near perpendicular to the surface. I use 1/4" Masonite (get free from furniture movers) to make my guides. You only need to clean the first inch or so of your cut after that the arc will pierce most coatings.

Masonite hold up well to the heat? I need to cut a complex shape and was trying to think what I could use to cut out with a jig saw first as a guide.

 

[Fawken]

Masonite hold up well to the heat? I need to cut a complex shape and was trying to think what I could use to cut out with a jig saw first as a guide.

Yes it does if your settings are correct and you keep that torch slowly moving steadily along. I've been using the same Masonite straight edge for over a month. I also cut lots of circles that way to make fire wall sleeves.

Edit to add: Don't know if your manual covers it, but on anything less than 3/8" let the tip stay on the metal. Your tips will last longer and you won't burn your guides.

 

[hutchman]

Yes it does if your settings are correct and you keep that torch slowly moving steadily along. I've been using the same Masonite straight edge for over a month. I also cut lots of circles that way to make fire wall sleeves.

Edit to add: Don't know if your manual covers it, but on anything less than 3/8" let the tip stay on the metal. Your tips will last longer and you won't burn your guides.

I'm cutting 1/2" plate so it gets pretty hot. I just don't want to look up and it's burst into flames.