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Author Topic: Which plasma cutter?  (Read 6541 times)

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Offline Vinman

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Which plasma cutter?
« on: December 13, 2012, 08:56:23 PM »
I'm looking for a reasonably priced plasma cutter for home use. I want something that can cut 1/4" steel without struggling.
I found this one at Northern Tool: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200342923_200342923

Seems to get decent reviews for the price of the machine.

Anybody have any other recommendations? I can't justify spending the money on a red or blue equivilent.

Vince
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Quote from: Bnine link=topic=25904.msg162940#msg162940      date=1341881306

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Offline JENSSEN

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2012, 09:12:04 PM »
Looks exactly the same as our westward unit ; cuts well consumables are a touch pricey,.. Long term wise I would recommend a name brand that has been around a while; miller , Thermadyne, hypertherm, just no Lincoln's. The no name or lesser know names still cut well I just have concerns long term with parts and support. If you have more questions call me at 403.243.4291

-Jenssen
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Offline TL-Iguana

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2012, 09:54:59 PM »
Looks exactly the same as our westward unit ; cuts well consumables are a touch pricey,.. Long term wise I would recommend a name brand that has been around a while; miller , Thermadyne, hypertherm, just no Lincoln's. The no name or lesser know names still cut well I just have concerns long term with parts and support. If you have more questions call me at 403.243.4291

-Jenssen

Agreed. No welder I know would ever touch a stinkin lincoln.
I did a Google search for "hot trannies" but nothing came up about oil coolers  :o

Worrying too much about mpg with a Jeep is similar to worrying about your sister's virginity. An ok thing to be concerned about but...

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Offline Vinman

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2012, 10:08:02 PM »
Wow, has Lincoln changed over the years? I always thought Lincoln and Miller were the Ford vs Chevy of the welding world.
So what are the consumables with a plasma? just the tip, or is there more to it?

Vince
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Quote from: Bnine link=topic=25904.msg162940#msg162940      date=1341881306

 Resident prick is my job and it took me ten years to earn that title

Offline JENSSEN

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2012, 10:24:13 PM »
Wow, has Lincoln changed over the years? I always thought Lincoln and Miller were the Ford vs Chevy of the welding world.
So what are the consumables with a plasma? just the tip, or is there more to it?

Vince

Welding machines Lincoln and miller are very comparable, but plasma is a different story. The Lincoln plasma fall flat on their face in anything less than ideal input power. Lincoln's in general are susceptible to weak power even on some of their inverter multiprocess units. I carry ESAB, Lincoln, Miller, Thermadyne, house brand stuff,.. There are some units from different manf. that I plain out refuse to sell as I don't want the headaches.
www.racingforthecure.ca


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Offline raf2379

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2012, 03:26:41 AM »
longevity plasmas if your looking for something that is not very expensive and descent, I have the 40D pilot Arc and i'm more than satisfied, but if you have the money miller makes some great units, ill be replacing my logevity with a miller next year.

Offline rollicon

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2012, 11:41:25 AM »
you can't beat a hypertherm! I'm a pressure welder in a vessel shop and cut through 1" shells like butter. I'm using a big 1650 but have seen lots of the smaller ones go forever with crazy amounts of use. I have a longevity in my garage that works great but like Jennsen said about the long run, I don't think Brink even deals with them anymore.

Offline cuzican

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2012, 07:30:44 PM »
I have a Miller 375 - perfect for Jeep/hobby use - I got a fantastic deal on it from Acklands a few years ago - they seem to have a sale on welding equipment once a year.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/plasma/product.php?model=M13811
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Offline JENSSEN

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #8 on: December 16, 2012, 11:53:48 AM »
I have a Miller 375 - perfect for Jeep/hobby use - I got a fantastic deal on it from Acklands a few years ago - they seem to have a sale on welding equipment once a year.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/plasma/product.php?model=M13811

I have discount programs for wheelers ;)
www.racingforthecure.ca


Definition of Link to this definition of Blasphemy
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Offline Vinman

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #9 on: December 16, 2012, 01:13:24 PM »
I have discount programs for wheelers ;)

And I'll be calling you this week
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Quote from: Bnine link=topic=25904.msg162940#msg162940      date=1341881306

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Offline Bnine

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #10 on: December 17, 2012, 01:31:43 PM »
Its been nearly 10 years now that I've been running my thermodynamic. It still works like the day I bought it, and all I've ever done is buy consumables for it.

I think miller and thermodynamic share some parts, or at least that was the pitch to me when I bought that machine way back when.

Just a heads up, the dryer the air, the better your consumables will last Vince. And at 10$ and up per consumable, its worth going through the trouble to dry the air pre plasma.
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Offline Vinman

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #11 on: December 17, 2012, 01:54:55 PM »
Thanks Bill, what type of dryer are you using?
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Quote from: Bnine link=topic=25904.msg162940#msg162940      date=1341881306

 Resident prick is my job and it took me ten years to earn that title

Offline Bnine

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #12 on: December 17, 2012, 02:43:38 PM »
Just a PA dry dessicant unit on the wall. Seems to work pretty good though.
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Offline specialk

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #13 on: December 17, 2012, 04:25:17 PM »
I have had some issues with my longevitiy...  Dana and I fixed a few wires  and it's back to working again.  You do get what you pay for but I'm more than happy with it.  Brink was still able to supply consumables.

Going to try the dryer...  thanks for the advice on that!
04 TJ Rubi

Offline Vinman

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Re: Which plasma cutter?
« Reply #14 on: December 17, 2012, 04:47:28 PM »
Just a PA dry dessicant unit on the wall. Seems to work pretty good though.

Cool, I'm sure I saw them for about a hundred bucks.
Thanks Bill
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 ()_)-()_)-o-)_)

Quote from: Bnine link=topic=25904.msg162940#msg162940      date=1341881306

 Resident prick is my job and it took me ten years to earn that title