Calgary Jeep Association
4x4 Related Groups => General Talk => Topic started by: Vinman on December 13, 2012, 08:56:23 PM
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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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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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 ;)
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I have discount programs for wheelers ;)
And I'll be calling you this week
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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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Thanks Bill, what type of dryer are you using?
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Just a PA dry dessicant unit on the wall. Seems to work pretty good though.
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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!
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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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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.
Hey Bill, what model do you have and who sells them?
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Hey Bill, what model do you have and who sells them?
The models have changed over the years , I sell thermal dynamics
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Mine is a 40 amp output that will clean cut 1/2" and sever 3/4".
Like Jens said, Im sure the models have changed, but thats the basic specs on mine.
I do cut some half inch once in a while, and I can say honestly that I would like a slightly bigger machine sometimes, but realistically, the one I have is more then enough for most hobby guys.
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The thermal dynamics units were all de-rated a year or two ago, for example a 52 became a 42, the 52 is a beautiful machine and cuts amazing, there is this offer currently
http://www.victortechnologies.com/Thermal%20Dynamics/Promotions/63-1205C%20TDC%20Q3-4%20Promo%209-20-12-CA.pdf
You could get away with one model down though
Check out www.victortechnologies.com
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Slightly off topic, however...
Is anyone aware of shops in calgary willing to do one off parts in calgary?
I have roughly 6 months experience nesting and operating a large(10'x50') plasma table at my old job, however have no idea where to look? or prices for that matter.
Im looking to get a 6' x .188" Mild steel clock cut. My brother has completely designed it in *.dxf and just needs to be nested and cut.
A shop with quick turn around is preferred(I know the program would only take about 15 minutes on the table i used to run) as this is for my brother and his wives house and he'd HOPE to have it done by the 25th. ;)
Thanks!
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Slightly off topic, however...
Is anyone aware of shops in calgary willing to do one off parts in calgary?
I have roughly 6 months experience nesting and operating a large(10'x50') plasma table at my old job, however have no idea where to look? or prices for that matter.
Im looking to get a 6' x .188" Mild steel clock cut. My brother has completely designed it in *.dxf and just needs to be nested and cut.
A shop with quick turn around is preferred(I know the program would only take about 15 minutes on the table i used to run) as this is for my brother and his wives house and he'd HOPE to have it done by the 25th. ;)
Thanks!
Give Metal Alloy Fabrication a call, they usually give a good turn around time.
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Slightly off topic, however...
Is anyone aware of shops in calgary willing to do one off parts in calgary?
I have roughly 6 months experience nesting and operating a large(10'x50') plasma table at my old job, however have no idea where to look? or prices for that matter.
Im looking to get a 6' x .188" Mild steel clock cut. My brother has completely designed it in *.dxf and just needs to be nested and cut.
A shop with quick turn around is preferred(I know the program would only take about 15 minutes on the table i used to run) as this is for my brother and his wives house and he'd HOPE to have it done by the 25th. ;)
Thanks!
Try Vance at Surway metals he has done some one off work for me in the past
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Quote VIA PM
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Quote VIA PM
Thanks a ton Jenssen, looking forward to getting the new weapon of mass construction/destruction
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No problem it will be in Monday AM
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Oh yeah...
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e229/vinman02/Cutmaster42_zps9c80b2d9.jpg)
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Oh yeah...
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e229/vinman02/Cutmaster42_zps9c80b2d9.jpg)
Oh my...sooooooooooo pretty....shopping time for me. What model is that Vince?
RACKMAN
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Oh yeah...
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e229/vinman02/Cutmaster42_zps9c80b2d9.jpg)
Have you had a chance to play with it yet?
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Justin- Cutmaster 42
Jenssen- I made a couple cuts in 1/4" angle and, oh my, what a nice tool to have.
I should be able to play sone more on Tuesday. I'm looking for a 45 gallon drum to make a dedicated cutting station before I make too much mess.
Vince
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Looks nice. What's the ratings like on 110? Still cut quater?
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Recommended Cut - Inches (mm)
1/4" (6) @ 120V
3/8" (9.5 mm) @ 230V
Maximum Cut
5/8" (15) @ 120V
7/8" (22.2 mm) @230V
Pierce Rating
1/4" (6 mm) @ 120V
3/8" (9.5 mm) @ 230V
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That thing max cuts on 120 almost as much as my old one on 230 !!!
And its smaller. Cool.
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Recommended Cut - Inches (mm)
1/4" (6) @ 120V
3/8" (9.5 mm) @ 230V
Maximum Cut
5/8" (15) @ 120V
7/8" (22.2 mm) @230V
Pierce Rating
1/4" (6 mm) @ 120V
3/8" (9.5 mm) @ 230V
What's that machine going for?
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That thing max cuts on 120 almost as much as my old one on 230 !!!
And its smaller. Cool.
In the last few years they have come along way, consumables last longer , more stable arc, better inverters to smooth out noisy power, ect, ect.
I look forward to the "demo days" each year when I get to play with all the new metal working items.
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What's that machine going for?
Call 403.243.4291 (Acklands Grainger Manhattan Rd) ask for me and I will get you a good price. I have helped out many from the site :)