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[Matt_Meiser]

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[wushaw]

If you don't need to cut thick stuff then why not..
Just make sure you can get consumables.

 

[MadReferee]

I've never heard of them nor do I remember them being discussed on any of the welding specific forums I frequent. I would try asking on the Hobart Weld Talk forums. Someone over ther may be able to give you a product review.

 

[montanaman]

As always, you will get what you pay for!! I bought one like the Riland but I spent more money and bought it from a place that says they can repair them. Had to send the first one back and now the second one won't hold a stable flame unless the tip is touching the material, which destroys the tip and electrode in no time. I've managed to cut very little with it and have had nothing but frustration in owning it.

I'll likely but a top of the line unit some day but again, I've learned my lesson the I can't ever seem to save money and be happy!!

I'm very shocked that the unit you mentioned is made in USA. So shocked in fact that I'm not sure I believe it!!

Just bought a pair of expensive brake rotors last week that were in made in USA boxes but the castings say Canada???

Ken

 

[rswyan]

I have a $500 Harbor Freight (Chicago Electric) unit that's rated for 3/8" and will sever 1/2". It very similar to this one:

MicroCut 400 - Plasma Cutters - Welding Supplies – HTP America, Inc.

that HTP America sells, in fact they look identical. Mine is only 36 amp (HTP is rated at 40.)

I've had it for a year and so far have been satisfied (once I learned how to use it) I've had to replace the cutting tip ($3) and the electrode once ($4.25), which are consumable parts. My gas diffuser is about due - mostly from me overheating it.

While it would be nice to have a larger one I bought it mostly to cut things that won't fit in the bandsaw - usually they aren't all that thick.

The On/Off rocker switch on mine was bad from the get go - I was never got around to take it in to get it replaced ..... I just switch it on and off from the circuit breaker.

 

[TOMDUALLY]

Good choice I bought one of those 'Parker lunch Boxes' the big one 3/4 regualer cut 1" severe haven't had anything but frustration since, sure glad I didn't sell my O/A outfit.

 

[Jim_in_Omaha]

I have the Miller 375. No problems in three years of use. Plasma cutters are wonderful tools if you can swing it. Cuts metal as good as you can hold the torch. Works great for those frozen nuts and bolts. Slice down one side of the nut and it comes right off...
Jim

 

[Jim_in_Omaha]

I would have bought the 375 yesterday, but they were out of them. Stopped by another dealer and they were out of the 375's too, but they did have the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38, which followed me home.

I was told by a couple of diehard welders that those are great plasma units. They seemed to think they are better than the Miller. I would not know...
Jim

 

[BTI]

How expensive are they to own after getting one?
Exactly how quick do you go thru consumables.

Thanks
BTI

 

[MadReferee]

How expensive are they to own after getting one?
Exactly how quick do you go thru consumables.

A lot depends on how YOU use them. You need clean, dry air at the right pressure and cfm. Sub par air will cause your consumables (tips and shields) to wear very quickly. Your technique will also cause wear but not as much as the air quality. A pack of 5 tips or shields will run about $25 on Ebay.