plasma cutters

[jimg]

Was wondering if anyone here has/uses one. Am interested in your input good/bad (what you like and dont like). I was thinking along the lines of a gas rig but have since decided a plasma cutter really does the better job/more versatile. I would need still need some sort of gas/air rig for heating though. Im particularly interested in the Hypertherm PM30 and Miller 375 Xtreme (both inverter cutters). If you own one of that size (or make) how well do they pierce and gouge? Ive heard they also cut beyond their sever capacity....true in your experience? Thanx

 

[dfkrug]

I have a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 51, 40A 220V unit. Works
great. I don't cut thicker than 1/2, tho it is rated to 3/4 steel. I drill
a small hole instead of piercing at that thickness. It pierces easily at
1/8 or below. I recommend Indiana Oxygen as a vendor. I keep my
O/A system for brazing and heating....no cutting.

 

[Willis Fecon Bushhogging]

Was wondering if anyone here has/uses one. Am interested in your input good/bad (what you like and dont like). I was thinking along the lines of a gas rig but have since decided a plasma cutter really does the better job/more versatile. I would need still need some sort of gas/air rig for heating though. Im particularly interested in the Hypertherm PM30 and Miller 375 Xtreme (both inverter cutters). If you own one of that size (or make) how well do they pierce and gouge? Ive heard they also cut beyond their sever capacity....true in your experience? Thanx

This may help, I bought a after market plasma cutter, when my Miller plasma quit working (bad lead cable) Whatever you buy, buy it from a dealer, so youll have warranty and customer support, its worth the extra bucks, trust me on this one. The after market (Ebay) lasted about 2 hours.
A plasma cutter is a great item to have, but it has its limits. I use it for most of my 1/2" and down cutting (I got the bad lead fixed) I use the torch, for most other cutting and heating.

Again, buy a quality unit, from someone that can service it and you can buy parts for the machine.

 

[jimg]

Im buying locally and their prices are as good as any over the net. Both units I mentioned are rated for 3/8 and sever at 1/2 (Hypertherm) or 5/8 (Miller). I view both units as identical or nearly so. Im going to chalk that high sever rating to sales speak esp since its at 5 IPM. Not sure Im that patient.

If I were to do it now Id get the Hypertherm unit b/c it has 3' more of torch/lead & includes a circle cutter + a *large* handful of consumables.

I asked particularly about piercing and gouging b/c I can see a need for those. Does gouging req a special tip like an O/A torch? As for piercing I was hoping to be able to not have to drill. In other words it would be a quick substitute for my drill. My only experience piercing is w/ an O/A rig and it didnt seem all that involved.

 

[AlanB]

Between Dad and I we have a couple.

I would look at tips, and consumable costs. It can add up quick, especially if you are doing "rough" (read rusty and into corner's and pockets) work.

I have a Packmaster 50 which is probably the best one we have for pattern tracing and to the line work.

Dad has a 1/2" rated lincoln, I forget the # on it, but that is the one too use particularly for nasty and corner pocket work.

Dad just picked up a new one, I think it is a Hypertherm itty bitty little unit, looks like a toy and think it was rated to 3/8". I have not run that one yet, but dad is just pleased as punch with it so I expect it is a pretty fair machine.

I will probably pick up another Lincoln for myself when one comes available too me again. I tend to do more rough work at the moment and it would be nice to have that unit.

The problem with piercing is it is very possible to blow back into the head, and loose several dollars in consumables. I am like the other gentleman, in that if I am not working off an edge, I will drill a small pilot hole to blow through.

 

[jimg]

Good point...I still need to price consumables + a filter. I have an IR water filter on the output side of my compressor but would also want one on the cutter. Ive heard and dealer confirms wet air = high consumable costs.

I bet your dad has a Powermax 30. Theyre really small and light since its an inverter machine. Whats he using it for? I thought the 3/8" rating was ideal for my farm. Really cant envision a need for steel > 3/8.

My plan was to wire brush rusty/painted recycled metal before cutting. The dealer said it worked OK but Im thinking the drag shield is going to last LOTS longer if I take a minute to clean things up.

 

[dfkrug]

The problem with piercing is it is very possible to blow back into the head, and loose several dollars in consumables. I am like the other gentleman, in that if I am not working off an edge, I will drill a small pilot hole to blow through.

It blows back into the head of the torch AND your face.

My consumable use had been low and Thermal Dynamics sent me a new
regulator no-questions-asked when the diaphragm went bad.

 

[bigshovel]

We run Hypertherm dual voltage units at work they work good on 220v but not so much on 11ov. The air regulator is a touchy but for $1700 what do you expect. One is eight yrs old and the other is 5, neither one has needed any repair yet. If I need a garanteed finsh final cut with no grinding I use bottled gas instead of compressor.

Brad

 

[Skyco]

I'm delighted with my $700 (on sale) Harbor Freight unit, 40AMP rating 220 volt.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[Dargo]

I have a Hypertherm Powermax 1250 and have had great service out of it. Last fall I used it to slice railroad track into sections without much trouble, so I'd say that they do a decent job of severing and cutting over their rated capacity. Another plus is that with a good dry air supply, consumables have been kept to a minimum.