cheap plasma cutter

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hi, so i'm no professional fabricator but i will be building a workbench and a smoker soon and was wondering if i should invest in a plasma cutter. the thing is i def. won't be using it much but would it be worth it to get a cheap one?found this near by:http://www.barnoneauction.com/invent...=197&lid=96816i'm just wondering if i'm going to end up spending a bunch of money in cut off wheels to cut the tank and tubing. i'll def. be getting a chop saw, most likely a HF 3.5 hp on for $100.buy i'll still need a way to cut the tank in half.thanks
Reply:If you can get it CHEAP, and I mean WAY CHEAP I might think about the Snap-on plasma cutter, or any other tool truck brand for that matter.  Most of them were badge engineered, the company selling didn't make them or keep the line for long and for the most part probably won't support them if they're more than a couple years old.That said, its a pretty common theme here and elsewhere to ask how to get the most done for the least amount of dough, and if you're only going to build a single workbench and smoker the plasma probably won't tip the scales in its direction for all the labor time you'll save by using a plasma to cut up your project materials.  That said, you will still end up dressing the cuts with a grinder because of the dross (melted, jagged, oxidized metal left at cut site) and a cheaper plasma will likely leave nastier dross than a good one.  Same tradeoff applies to cutoff wheels - cheap HF wheels won't last or cut as nice as Nortons will.If you just must have a plasma, my vote is for a "big name" brand used machine that has stayed very close to the same design for a long production run so that you can get consumables for it long into the future.  Can't go wrong with TD, Miller, Esab, Hypertherm, etc.
Reply:thank you.its def. not a must have but it would make life easier but like you said, i'm only doing these 2 projects. maybe i'll just stock up on cut off wheels. did any of the big name manuf. make those tool truck brand welders and plasma cutters? just wondering because it would probably make it easier to find parts.
Reply:Originally Posted by superwelderthank you.its def. not a must have but it would make life easier but like you said, i'm only doing these 2 projects. maybe i'll just stock up on cut off wheels. did any of the big name manuf. make those tool truck brand welders and plasma cutters? just wondering because it would probably make it easier to find parts.
Reply:A plasma cutter that big is probably pretty old.   I would definitely check out consumeable parts availability first.I don't know about SnapOn plasma units, but my impression with their welders is that they had different manufacture's for the same basic model.   I don't know if the parts were interchangeable.
Reply:thank for the info. not set on getting that cutter but i was just wondering. guess i'll just stick with my cut off wheels.
Reply:I would stay far a way. Heavy equipment shop may have beat it. Like said above , stick with the real ones. What do you have now as far as your cutting tools go ? We can help you spend lots of money. You can do a lot with a name brand grinder and cutting wheels. As far as HF goes if you only want to use it for a few projects that about what most of what they sell will last. Anything longer and you are money a head. I have their 4x6 band saw and use the heck out of it and it's still going. Got the metal cutting circular saw that I bought for two jobs cause their 60..00 price was convincing since milwaukee was 260.00. That saw and original blade is still going. Money a head on both purchases.
Reply:I would buy an import off ebay before i would buy the old snap-on..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:thank you. if i get a ebay one, will i be able to find parts?btw i only have a 4 1/2 grinder, pneumatic grinders, hack saw, 12" band saw that i need to get a metal cutting blade for, and i will be picking up a chop saw.
Reply:Professional fabricator with out basic tools?? If you are going to invest in your well being I would suggest buying decent tools even if second hand.HammerFile Big Hammer------------------------------Here, let me Google that for you...
Reply:A used Hypertherm or Thermal dynamics plasma (inverter technology, non high frequency start torch) are the best deals if you are looking for a low cost plasma. They can be had for about the same price as some low cost impots....but have a power supply and torch that are supported by a factory....with tech service and parts available. These units can be found on Craigslist often.Look for a Hypertherm Powermax600 (40 amps), Powermax 30 (30 amps, runs on 120 or 240), or Powermax1000 (60 amps).....Jim Colt
Reply:thanks for the help. i'll look on craigslist and see what i find. i might just pass if its too much and just make due with what i have.
Reply:The average home hobbyist probably would get more use out of a good set of OA torches vs a plasma unless you do a ton of sheet metal work or work with stainless or alum. With oxy fuel you can cut, braze, solder, weld and heat parts for bending/shaping. Plasma only cuts.I see way too many guys enamored with plasma. It has it's uses, but it's an expensive investment for a tool that only cuts. There's a ton of "old school" ways to do this. Drill starter holes and use a jig saw. Sawzall, or zip wheels in a grinder. Spend the money on the good zip wheels and you will save money in the long run. Circular saw and a 7" abrasive blade would probably get the majority of the stuff cut out. You could probably do a nice job if you were skilled with an air chisel and a sheet metal point..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:ya i've also been looking for a O/A setup but i'm not very good a cutting with one. need more practice.
Reply:Originally Posted by superwelderya i've also been looking for a O/A setup but i'm not very good a cutting with one. need more practice.
Reply:thanks. i think i'll just skip the plasma and get a oxy setup. maybe i'll have some monet left over for my projects.