Considering a plasma cutter. Any thoughts on this one?

[PNW_Steve]

Hey Folks,

I am considering the purchase of a "hobby level" plasma cutter to use for cold rolled steel up to 1/4" and sheet metal.

I have never used a plasma cutter before and am pretty ignorant as to what to look for.

This unit https://www.amazon.com/PrimeWeld-Ct5.../dp/B014ECTCB2 has pretty good reviews and a reasonable price.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you.

S.

[Rusty]

That's a 3-1 TigPlasmaMigOxy-acetyleneStick Welder Cutter thingy.

Do you want it to do all that? Plasma is simple, just need clean, dry shop air and some A/C. I have a 110V unit from Italy about 20 years ago and it is great for thinner stuff- that's the key- thin.

I use the $45 HF elec shears for the thin stuff anymore- 16 ga and under.

110V struggles w/ 1/4 inch- might want 220v. Watch duty cycle.

Buy an Everlast- nice units.

[kenfoozed]

I have a torchmate plasma table and a victor cutmaster 82 hand held. You need plenty of DRY air. I suggest a name brand from you local welding shop. If they have a floor model many times they will sell that below retail just to move it. I have bought several items that way.

[PNW_Steve]

I have a 5 hp / 26 gallon air compressor and will be adding an air dryer. The compressor will produce around 6 cfm @90 psi.

I also have 220v in my shop.

I may in the future want to tinker with TIG and having stick capability would not be bad.

What really caught my attention was price and ratings.

I don't need a production unit. Just enough to get me through the bus project with having buyers remorse from buying junk.

How important would you rate the pilot arc feature?

Thanks again.

S.

[Rusty]

Plasma doesn't require THAT much air to run- it just blows the dross trough after the electricity burns a hole. They are pretty simple, really. I don't bother with the Oxy/act torch anymore, which is nice. I don't think you need a drier, unless you live somewhere crazy-wet like the Pacific North West Try it without and see. Grab the HF unit w/ 25% off coupon day.




I have 220v in my shop...but not avail when compressor is using it. So, big tank- also helps cool/get water out and cycle less.

https://contractorsequipmentdirector...isture-removal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfBZVD5cwLo

[BurlKing]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

Hey Folks,

I am considering the purchase of a "hobby level" plasma cutter to use for cold rolled steel up to 1/4" and sheet metal.

I have never used a plasma cutter before and am pretty ignorant as to what to look for.

This unit https://www.amazon.com/PrimeWeld-Ct5.../dp/B014ECTCB2 has pretty good reviews and a reasonable price.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you.

S.

unless you want to use countless saw blades, or cutting wheels get yourself a plasma cutter. use proper eye and hand protection. In the easiest models all you need is air and electricity, like previously said. some models come with built-in compressors if you don't have your own, but most that i've seen are pretty weak, and might have to wait for it a bit to catch up to you.

[Enrico Carini]

I've had a Powermax 30 for 10 years, it rules. Tiny, light, and very powerful. 110/220/480v

I paid around $1000 for it new. Miller bought them out a few years back and so I think the equivalent these days would be a Miller

[EastCoastCB]

The only plasma's I've got any experience are production plasma tables.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Enrico Carini

I've had a Powermax 30 for 10 years, it rules. Tiny, light, and very powerful. 110/220/480v

I paid around $1000 for it new. Miller bought them out a few years back and so I think the equivalent these days would be a Miller

Ya know, you give me a great idea-

I have that Italian PCS 25 machine, back says 110v, but I'd bet a dozen donuts I can rewire to 220v pretty easily being from Europe, and get those 5 extra amps. I bought it new in 1992 and was $700. I like how I can carry it around vehicles easily. Never had any issues.

If you are ever needing to cut without a compressor around, you can use any shielding gas bottle you have. Not cheap, it gets it done.

I suggest separate machines over combo unit, but that is just gut instinct. Have not owned combo unit.

I got this little TiG from AHP in China via Russian mafia- $680. Russians are importers of cheap chinese welders, for some reason. So far, it has more capability than I have skill, lol. Works good. full dial control- no menus 60% duty 110/220v 60lbs Inverter technology IGBT- very important. A/C cleaning action is very nice on Al. Also does stick weld.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIbKxzWxwqI

Power+vs+Switching+Frequency.jpg

[dragonship]

Having worked as a welder I would definitely use one. They have a clean cut and no gas to replace.