Plasma Cutter Choices

[Perplexed]

Let me say right from the start, I am NOT bashing Everlast! Having said that, I was looking online for possible choices in a plasma cutter that can quality-cut 1/2" mild steel. I'm not working with that thick of a steel at this time, but I can see where in the future that may happen, and I'd like to have the equipment at that time.

So I've looked at the Hypertherm Powermax 45, Miller Spectrum 625 X-treme, Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52, and Everlast PowerPlasma 50 or 60 (for the Infineon IGBT inverter). They all look good on paper, but...

The Everlast models are up to half the price of the other ones I mentioned. Half! I can see where big-brand name recognition would play a part in the difference in prices, but surely it can't account for the whole difference. What is Everlast doing that they can offer their plasma cutters for so much less? Anyone have any experience with the current generation of PowerPlasma 50 or 60, that they can compare to the others on my list?

I will say that at this point, the Powermax 45 has my nod, if for no other reason than the cross-cut drag cutting tip that lets you rest the cutter right on the material being cut. Trying to maintain free-hand a gap of 1/16 of an inch is something I suck at while trying to stick to the desired path of cutting...

 

[mefyj]

I use a Miller 375 and have not been dissapointed. However the tips are more expensive than some but very durable. I often drag the tips on with this and it's no problem for me on good clean steel. This is a 110/220 unit which is quite handy at times. Needless to say the 110 useage is much more limited than the full voltage. It is also small enough to transport easily.
I have it along with my Miller 211 mounted on the same cart so it's handy as he!!!! if you know what I mean...
What ever you choose you be very pleased having a Plasma Cutter in you tool line

 

[gwdixon]

No comparison available because all I have is a PowerPlasma 70. It cuts just like advertised. Recently Everlast had a special on a free upgraded torch with the purchase of a PowerPlasma. Not sure if it is still in effect. Maybe it would be a "contact" torch. The secret is in how the tip is constructed.

Holding the gap is a bit difficult in inexperienced hands. With practice, my skills have gotten much better so it is just a matter of time spent on task.

Also, I've found it much easier to hold the correct gap when using a guide, such as a 2x4, to make straight-line cuts. If you can weld consistently with 6010 or 6011 then a plasma torch will be second nature.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The PP 50 can drag cut up to 30 amps without major issues. Above that it will drag, but cuts down on consumable life.

 

[rbcsaver]

....So I've looked at the Hypertherm Powermax 45, Miller Spectrum 625 X-treme, Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52, and Everlast PowerPlasma 50 or 60 (for the Infineon IGBT inverter). They all look good on paper, but...I will say that at this point, the Powermax 45 has my nod, if for no other reason than the cross-cut drag cutting tip that lets you rest the cutter right on the material being cut...

I purchased the Hypertherm Powermax 45, primarily because of their great reputation and, most importantly, I always try to buy American made products!
regards,
Steve

 

[Rustyiron]

I've got a Hypertherm 900 (older model) like it.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Steve,
You mean American assembled out of global components?:laughing:

 

[crazyal]

I wish I could tell you that my pp60 makes quality cuts but my hand is just not stable enough. I'm also not a good free hand drawer. I guess if I took the time to hone my skills I would get better but I just don't see that happening so even if another brand made nicer cuts it would be totally wasted on me.

 

[Shield Arc]

My Hypertherm 1250 makes quality cuts. :laughing:

 

[grsthegreat]

I have a hypermax (hypertherm) 1000, and can cut up to 1" steel. I really think i get better cuts on the thicker metals than i do on the very thin metals, even when i use the fine cut consumables.

 

[Perplexed]

The PP 50 can drag cut up to 30 amps without major issues. Above that it will drag, but cuts down on consumable life.

Steve,
You mean American assembled out of global components?:laughing:

Mark, thanks for the input! How is Everlast able to sell their plasma cutters for considerably less than the competition like Miller, Hypertherm, and Therma Dynamics? What would turn up during a direct, component-by-component comparison between all these brands?

 

[yomax4]

Thermal Dynamics Cut Master 52 can Drag Cut at 60 Amps..No Problem. 4 year warranty. Nuff Said.

 

[tglass]

I bought an Everlast plasma cutter and was very leary. Didn't want to anything from another country either, but what piece of equipment is completely built in USA anymore? Anything you buy anymore has some parts built from another country where ever you live. Anyway I've had very good luck with the Everlast, and has exceeded my expectations considering I've used the more expensive brands at work.

 

[rbcsaver]

Steve,
You mean American assembled out of global components?:laughing:

Yes, just like a computer, automobile, or welder. Often off shore components,
but yes, made/assembled in the USA, vs ALL off-shore made in F'N China.
For example, today I purchased the 3rd 100W dusk/dawn light for
over my wife's barn in the last 5 years. All of them them made in FN' COMMUNIST
China. Can't find a USA made one.
Buy American made products!
For only a few dollars a year we will increase USA jobs!
regards,
Steve

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I'd hazard a guess that you'd be surprised by some of the U.S companies found in our products...and from Germany, Japan and other countries. Buying more American made products doesn't necessarily translate into more jobs. Any number of things usually happen. Companies become more automated typically, employing less workers as product demand increases because capitol increases to a level where more expensive equipment can be bought to reduce the over all cost of manufacture. This lower cost of manufacture doesn't really ever lower the cost, as it goes to pad corporate executives pockets. Also buying American reduces the buying power of the average employed American family, so less money is available for purchases overall, thereby reducing the demand overall, thus leading back to layoffs.

Back in the great depression, almost all products were U.S. made. Buying American did not stop it or cure it in the slightest. War did. After WWII, the buying power of the American was increased as imports from Japan flooded in, allowing for one of the biggest economic growth periods in the US, as products became more affordable. While buying 100% American is a noble and thoughtful ideal, it doesn't hold up when put in practice.

The best way to secure global jobs is international trade both ways. Its a fragile line that must be walked but the only one that makes sense.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Mark Lugo Everlast Welders 1st off would like to thank you for spending your advertising dollars on this form and its nice to have someone that knows more than most of us on were things come from and welding product. As for your products I dont know anything about them other than what I read on here so sounds like you follow up and only ones giving you grief are the ones that have not bought from you so keep up the good work.

To the OP I have a 375 extreme from miller and would not trade it for any thing. I use it on 110v more than anything and it is great I have cut 1/2 and it does OK on 220v. All my welders are miller products but I have a client that sells miller and he does a great job taking care of all my welding supplies and equipment. Have fun shopping get what you need/want or you will regret it later. I didnt need or want a plasma till buddy dropped one off and said try this.

 

[grsthegreat]

Yes, just like a computer, automobile, or welder. Often off shore components,
but yes, made/assembled in the USA, vs ALL off-shore made in F'N China.
For example, today I purchased the 3rd 100W dusk/dawn light for
over my wife's barn in the last 5 years. All of them them made in FN' COMMUNIST
China. Can't find a USA made one.
Buy American made products!
For only a few dollars a year we will increase USA jobs!
regards,
Steve

Check out RAB lighting products
RAB LIGHTING - BUY AMERICAN YARDBLASTER

these are usa made yard lights. all aluminum (not plastic). 65 watt florescent yard lights cost about $45.00

 

[powerstroke444e]

I have used the 375 extreme a good bit, enough to know that its a pocket rocket for sure. I wasn't thrilled about he torch flexibility, but its capacity on 110V was quite good. Miller hit a home run on that one. A plasma will definitely open up fabrication and repair opportunities that didn't exist before.

I agree on the torch I have used bigger plasmas and there torch seemed lighter and less fatigue after using it for a few hours. I dont remember name on one I was using.

 

[Scooby074]

Check out RAB lighting products
RAB LIGHTING - BUY AMERICAN YARDBLASTER

these are usa made yard lights. all aluminum (not plastic). 65 watt florescent yard lights cost about $45.00

RAB makes a quality product. Ive installed a few of RAB Canada's LED fixtures (made in Can). Great product at a very competitive price.

 

[Shield Arc]

At some point, the Chinese and other offshore manufacturers are going to experience what we did and labor will stand up and say no. Their wages will increase. their products will become more expensive.

It happened in Japan, and it's happening in China now. It doesn't take long for workers to get educated.
Africa is the last place for cheap labor.