Plasma cutter recommendations

[Big Barn]

I have the Miller Spectrum 625. At the time I was shopping for the next size up Miller or Hypertherm but this one came up brand new unused on eBay with hard case and a ton of consumables for $1050 USD shipped.



It realistically only cuts 5/8” but I’m glad I didn’t get the next model up as anything thicker I like using my oxy-acetylene torch.

 

[dragoneggs]

I have the Miller Spectrum 625. At the time I was shopping for the next size up Miller or Hypertherm but this one came up brand new unused on eBay with hard case and a ton of consumables for $1050 USD shipped.

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It realistically only cuts 5/8” but I’m glad I didn’t get the next model up as anything thicker I like using my oxy-acetylene torch.

Still love that office chair stand. :drink:

 

[cabinhollow]

cabin, I think you are in another league vs. what the OP is looking for... not sure how your advice helps here.

Yes and no.
The point is that with over 3m+ inches of cut, with my Hypertherm 85, I have not had to make any repairs to it.
I used a Hypertherm 1000 for 8 years on the table and still use it for freehand cutting.

 

[dragoneggs]

Yes and no.
The point is that with over 3m+ inches of cut, with my Hypertherm 85, I have not had to make any repairs to it.
I used a Hypertherm 1000 for 8 years on the table and still use it for freehand cutting.

Ah... you are putting in a vote for Hypertherm brand. No argument here.

 

[Big Barn]

Ah... you are putting in a vote for Hypertherm brand. No argument here.

I’ve never used a Hypertherm, but if I had to purchase a plasma cutter today, that would most likely be my first choice.

 

[dragoneggs]

I’ve never used a Hypertherm, but if I had to purchase a plasma cutter today, that would most likely be my first choice.

I met Jim Colt and a couple of his buddies at the Hypertherm booth at Fabtech a few years ago. Got to try out the units and appreciated their advice. He used to chime in on this forum but I haven't noticed him lately.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I have an Everlast 50 from Mark. 3 years on it so far and not one issue. There isn't much to these machines. Air, electricity, and have some fun. A buddy of mine has a miller I think (he is a pro, can't afford his tools). What I like about his is that you can have direct contact with the steel. Mine has a little standoff that keeps the tip out of the metal. But I also have probably 2K more in my wallet so the perceived inconvenience is not an issue in the long run

 

[Dneel81]

I'll add to the Hypertherm 45 train. Great machine with long life of the consumables, thus far!

 

[dragoneggs]

I'll add to the Hypertherm 45 train. Great machine with long life of the consumables, thus far!

Yep, I am itching to add a CNC table but got no room!

 

[TMGT]

Yep, I am itching to add a CNC table but got no room!

I've got plenty of room if you want to buy me one

 

[SkeeterFood]

I'm another who would prefer to have a Hypertherm. However, until I can justify the cost, I'm using the Lotus LT5000D. Had it for almost 2 years. No complaints. ...Not a lot of use yet either, though. That's why I can't (yet) justify a Hypertherm.

 

[dragoneggs]

I've got plenty of room if you want to buy me one

No problem... just move 3000mi and next door.

 

[Jeepnford]

Yep, I am itching to add a CNC table but got no room!

Buy me one and I'll let you use it.

 

[dragoneggs]

Buy me one and I'll let you use it.

You aren't any closer than TMGT!

 

[yomax4]

To be honest, You can't take the top dog position from Hypertherm. Been that way for years. But. The Top Dogs Hypertherm, Miller, Victor and Lincoln will at some point become somewhat less relevant. None of them are truly made in USA although Hypertherm is the closest to being able to say that. They are all either imported or assembled here. The main thing that keeps Hypertherm, Victor, Lincoln and Miller safe is that they have their own Torch,Consumables and QA dept. to monitor and continuously develop and improve. They all have great torches and pretty good consumables. The other plasma companies ( all imports ) source that old Trafimet torch or the old PT torches ESAB used to use. Neither have had any measurable improvements in recent years. One day soon Someone will develop a torch that has the durability, features, consumable life and cut quality of the leading plasma torches out there. Until the import type plasma companies pay attention to kilowatts and slightly higher quality components on better dipped boards with a more modern torch, Nothing is going to change. 5 years should even the playing field and the domestic plasma companies will see their products bringing less profit. Happened to the Mig Tig and Stick market already..

 

[johndeerefarmer]

I have the Cutmaster 42. It works fine just slower than my Miller 625. Since it's for my summer place in CO I couldn't justify the added expense of another 625. Even though both units are rated the same the 625 is more powerful.

i was afraid to buy an off brand. If I need parts I want to make sure they are available. Sure i know its made in China but Victor/thermal dynamics will be around

 

[yomax4]

I have the Cutmaster 42. It works fine just slower than my Miller 625. Since it's for my summer place in CO I couldn't justify the added expense of another 625. Even though both units are rated the same the 625 is more powerful.

i was afraid to buy an off brand. If I need parts I want to make sure they are available. Sure i know its made in China but Victor/thermal dynamics will be around

I too have a 42 among others. It's a solid machine.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

To be honest, You can't take the top dog position from Hypertherm. Been that way for years. But. The Top Dogs Hypertherm, Miller, Victor and Lincoln will at some point become somewhat less relevant. None of them are truly made in USA although Hypertherm is the closest to being able to say that. They are all either imported or assembled here. The main thing that keeps Hypertherm, Victor, Lincoln and Miller safe is that they have their own Torch,Consumables and QA dept. to monitor and continuously develop and improve. They all have great torches and pretty good consumables. The other plasma companies ( all imports ) source that old Trafimet torch or the old PT torches ESAB used to use. Neither have had any measurable improvements in recent years. One day soon Someone will develop a torch that has the durability, features, consumable life and cut quality of the leading plasma torches out there. Until the import type plasma companies pay attention to kilowatts and slightly higher quality components on better dipped boards with a more modern torch, Nothing is going to change. 5 years should even the playing field and the domestic plasma companies will see their products bringing less profit. Happened to the Mig Tig and Stick market already..

We use the Tec.mo torch design which is very nearly identical to Lincoln...or at the least, we use the Innotec, the chinese manufactured version (owned by a member of the same Italian family, using the same design). I suspect Tec.mo manufactures the torch for Lincoln.

 

[Searchman]

I own a Lotos LT5000D plasma cutter. Very good machine for the money. You will need dry air, if water collects in the tank or airline you will be going through a lot of consumables. The pilot start tip is a big plus. Consumables are readily available on eBay or directly from a company call River Welds. Search Google for the site.
I started cutting metal plate using a wooden pattern. The cutting head can be dragged on the metal plate to follow a pattern. I got the CNC Plasma Bug and built my own 5 x 5 cutting table from scratch. You may want to go that route, thinking it is a slam dunk. NOT!!! I have been perfecting my skills on the cnc Plasma table for over three years. Not steady mind you though. If you want a challenge give it a whirl. Still have a long ways to go. Learning as I go. I am not recommending that you build your own table unless you have lots of patience. The driving factor I had was lack of $$$$. I am happy the way it turned out. Play with the plasma cutter and have fun.
BTW I recommend wearing a good ( Not Harbor Freight ) welding shield when using the cutter. You will see people cutting with protection meant for gas welding. I would high not recommend that practice.
I may have offered way more info than you needed, but I remember starting out from scratch using Plasma.

 

[Herness]

Very happy i found this thread! Just looking for one.