recommendation for budget oriented entry level Plasma cutter?

[crazyal]

For plasma cutting I just use some old steel wheels from a car on top of my welding table. I have 5 of them all the same so the are the same height. Since I don't care about them and they are easy (cheap) to replace they make for a great way to protect the table. The steel wheels put the work up to about the same height as the top of my vice.

 

[RobertN]

I've been having fun doing some cutting. I did some 1/2" scrap; it was pretty rusty, I had to grind a spot clean for the ground clamp. It cut it but I would expect better results on clean steel.

With advice from here, I tried using a straight edge on some 1/8" angle; those cuts came out nice. Looking online I found roller guides, angle guides, circle guides etc.

 

[RobertN]

This is what I got. It is from US Lotos outfit direct.

I believe the good price is because it is mismarked... The unit, box, and instruction manual I received matches pictures and descriptions online. But, it is labeled on the front "LT5000D". So, I think they gave a deal on the mis-marked unit.

It's definitely the LTP pilot arc model. Has the pilot arc connections(correctly labeled) on the front.

Today ......you can buy a Lotos LTP5000D on E-bay, with free shipping, and no tax for: $369.
That is a GOOD DEAL!
E-Bay listing # is: 202015807704

 

[jwmorris]

I have ran Miller, Hypotherm and have an Esab on my CNC table but I needed/wanted a cheap one for a location I didn’t want to leave a “good” one.

Came across one called a cut 50 on eBay that was under $200 shipped, with a handful of consumables. All you need is a plug and air fitting and your ready to go.

Pulls a boat load of current turned up and running off 110, a 220 plug is better if you are going to have it turned up or your going to be resetting breakers, more than likely.

It’s not a $2000 machine but for $200 I am quite impressed. It will clean cut 1/2” steel but slow. Anything over 1/8” I generally flame cut anyway. I use it mostly on stainless or aluminum and have put it to enough use I would buy another if it ever craps out.

This is it.
Portable Electric Digital Plasma Cutter CUT5 11/22V Compatible & Accessories | eBay

 

[yomax4]

I have ran Miller, Hypotherm and have an Esab on my CNC table but I needed/wanted a cheap one for a location I didn’t want to leave a “good” one.

Came across one called a cut 50 on eBay that was under $200 shipped, with a handful of consumables. All you need is a plug and air fitting and your ready to go.

Pulls a boat load of current turned up and running off 110, a 220 plug is better if you are going to have it turned up or your going to be resetting breakers, more than likely.

It’s not a $2000 machine but for $200 I am quite impressed. It will clean cut 1/2” steel but slow. Anything over 1/8” I generally flame cut anyway. I use it mostly on stainless or aluminum and have put it to enough use I would buy another if it ever craps out.

This is it.
Portable Electric Digital Plasma Cutter CUT5 11/22V Compatible & Accessories | eBay

Keep us posted on machine life. Kind of curious because it has Mosfets and no pilot arc.

 

[powrguy]

I have ran Miller, Hypotherm and have an Esab on my CNC table but I needed/wanted a cheap one for a location I didn’t want to leave a “good” one.

Came across one called a cut 50 on eBay that was under $200 shipped, with a handful of consumables. All you need is a plug and air fitting and your ready to go.

Pulls a boat load of current turned up and running off 110, a 220 plug is better if you are going to have it turned up or your going to be resetting breakers, more than likely.

It’s not a $2000 machine but for $200 I am quite impressed. It will clean cut 1/2” steel but slow. Anything over 1/8” I generally flame cut anyway. I use it mostly on stainless or aluminum and have put it to enough use I would buy another if it ever craps out.

This is it.
Portable Electric Digital Plasma Cutter CUT5 11/22V Compatible & Accessories | eBay

I just ordered the Cut50, with the pilot arc. I had a Lotos previously, non-pilot arc, and it worked fine. Lotos is known for ZERO customer service, whereas the Cut50 seems to be supported, and has been around longer. In the end, most Chinese units are all pretty much internally the same components, just different cases. For the budget-minded/D-I-Y/hobbyist, it's hard to justify a Hypertherm at $1200-$2500 for occasional use. Yeah; I'd love to have a 45xp, but I don't wanna put that kinda money into a hobbyist unit. I always run on 220v, and usually am dealing with 16ga to 3/8" plate, anyway.

 

[lennyzx11]

I just ordered the Cut50, with the pilot arc. I had a Lotos previously, non-pilot arc, and it worked fine. Lotos is known for ZERO customer service, whereas the Cut50 seems to be supported, and has been around longer. In the end, most Chinese units are all pretty much internally the same components, just different cases. For the budget-minded/D-I-Y/hobbyist, it's hard to justify a Hypertherm at $1200-$2500 for occasional use. Yeah; I'd love to have a 45xp, but I don't wanna put that kinda money into a hobbyist unit. I always run on 220v, and usually am dealing with 16ga to 3/8" plate, anyway.

Powrguy, I'm looking for the one with the pilot arc and not finding it. Can you recommend where you got yours?
Lenny