which of these pilot arc Plasma's are the best option?

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Sadly, am not in the market for a "proper" one.So am condemd to choose from the cheapy options.Looking for some insight into the pro's and cons of the following 4 choices:Simadre Techs 50 amp pilot arc plasma cutterhttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....323450366#shIdThis ones main claim to fame is its genuine Toshiba MOSFET component and dual input voltage capability.Here in Australia we only have 240v so that is no great advantage.External air pressure regulator / filter thing.Claims to be 3/4"inch/19mm rated  and 1"inch/25mm severance cut.ProWeld 60 amp pilot arc plasma cutterhttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....m=330682725630This one claims IGBT control cards & PWM technology?Internal air pressure regulator / filter - looks neat.Claims a 20mm cutLotos 50 Amp pilot arc plasma cutter - LTP5000Dhttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....m=260946417104Exernal air regAdvertises IGBT Technology Claims 1/2"inch/13mm cut with 3/4"/19mm severanceCheapest option.Lotos 60 amp pilot arc plasma cutter.   http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LTP6000-L...item3cc1c91d0cExternal air reg.Advertises IGBT Technology...Claims 3/4"/19mm cut - 1.3" severance.Probably the most expensive optionWill be cutting mainly clean mild steel + some rusty autopaneling work.Looking for a reasonably performing machine that makes clean cuts through thick mild steel.  Minimal slag / dross, etc.   Can cope with being used on an angle etc.Thoughts?  Comments?Anyone had any experience with any of these in particular?Feedback?
Reply:The import machines are pretty much a crap shoot, There are sections on this forum just for these machines, they are all pretty similar inside with the main differences being the importer and the cases they come in. Some come across working fairly well while others are DOA. Most of the importers are decent at replacing them but it could take 3-4 go arounds with them before you get a good one.This topic has been covered many times, I would do a search and see what others have experienced
Reply:I have an Everlast plasma cutter that has worked fine. If u had it to do over again, I would have saved up for a Hypertherm or Thermal Dynamics machine. Even though my Everlast machine has done fine, the build quality is not great and I wonder about the long term reliability.Lincoln Powermig 255Hypertherm Powermax 45Thermal Arc 161SOxweld 24R OA TorchStill Looking for an Old Round Top Idealarc 250
Reply:Hi,I have had the Lotos LTP5000D ($399) for almost a year.  The first one smoked when plugged in, sent it back ($40) shipping.  It  was replaced promptly and the new one has been working fine since then.  I use it mostly on sheet metal up to 1/4".  It will cut 1/2" but not very pretty.  I think the pilot arc is the only way to go.  It is dual voltage but runs best on 220V. It is pretty easy on consumables. I get them on ebay cheaper than the dealer. I am  a hobby welder and use it about once per week.  PM  me if you are interested in the dealer that I used.  Hope this helps.Hobart 190 migLincoln/Century 140 migLincoln buzz boxChicago Electric cutoff sawLotos LTP5000D Plasma CutterHMC Swivel head band saw
Reply:Buy and angle grinder and a stack of cut disks. Sounds like you dont realy need a plasma, just want one.Save your money.
Reply:If you'd rather have a "proper" machine, www.hypermaxonline.com, which sells Hypertherm plasma cutters offers leasing so you could get the machine you want to begin with even if you don't have the money right awayhttp://www.hypermaxonline.com/Leasing_ep_32-1.html
Reply:I repair these things, Don't throw your money away on them. Save it till you can get a good one. Or you can send the money to me I could use it.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Originally Posted by weldingoneIf you'd rather have a "proper" machine, www.hypermaxonline.com, which sells Hypertherm plasma cutters offers leasing so you could get the machine you want to begin with even if you don't have the money right awayhttp://www.hypermaxonline.com/Leasing_ep_32-1.html
Reply:Used my new Hypertherm Powermax 30 for the first time today.  Didn't use a plasma cutter in about 15 yrs.  WOW   Only used it on 120v. and it did great.  1/16 ss, 1/4, 1/8, 3/8 mild steel.  Handled them all.  Tried 1/4 aluminum, and it tripped the breaker.  The machine comes with a couple of pigtails, but I need a different one .   Will make one up tomorrow and try it on  240v.  It should really rip.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120Aussie doesn't only have 240v.....Maybe you haven't come across 415v 3 phase yet????I'm inclined to agree with Larry on this, if you're not in the market for a "real one", use an angle grinder or OA.....save your pennies and get a Hypertherm.
Reply:Originally Posted by cabranch47Hi,I have had the Lotos LTP5000D ($399) for almost a year.  The first one smoked when plugged in, sent it back ($40) shipping.  It  was replaced promptly and the new one has been working fine since then.  I use it mostly on sheet metal up to 1/4".  It will cut 1/2" but not very pretty.  I think the pilot arc is the only way to go.  It is dual voltage but runs best on 220V. It is pretty easy on consumables. I get them on ebay cheaper than the dealer. I am  a hobby welder and use it about once per week.  PM  me if you are interested in the dealer that I used.  Hope this helps.
Reply:Hmm.Not a lot of love for any of the 4 by the sounds..Looking for a better option than angle grinding.  Have angle grinders and disks.OxyAcet  is not an option.Looked at hiring /  renting before posting.  For the cost over 6 months I could buy all 4 machines.Will ask some questions of the seller of the Simadre and the ProWeld.. they are looking to be the best of a bad bunch - very unloved bunch.If anyone has any experience with them - or the lotos 60 amp version... would love to hear...
Reply:Hi Paul,The LTP5000D will cut 1/2" but it is slow and ragged, more of a severence cut than a clean cut.  3/8" and down should be no problem.Hobart 190 migLincoln/Century 140 migLincoln buzz boxChicago Electric cutoff sawLotos LTP5000D Plasma CutterHMC Swivel head band saw
Reply:As many on these sites know....I work for Hypertherm....so in regards to choosing between a list of low cost, entry level plasma systems I cannot offer a product from my company that fits in the price range....but I can offer advice.If you absolutely must have a plasma cutter and their is a strict budget limit as you have....then I would suggest going with a low cost plasma that is sold through a reputable supplier.....not one that is sold by importers that likely operate out of a warehouse. Research the systems. (as it sounds like you are) but more important....ask questions from user that have had these models/brands for a few years.....questions about reliability, parts availability, warranty support and coverage as well as online or phone support when technical issues nee to be resolved.The experience here in the U.S. from many buyers of the low cost imports is that...yes, the machine cuts metal.....but when problems occur it is difficult to get warranty coverage, difficult to find somone that can help you fix the machine, and difficult to get [parts and advice. There are many different brand names.....almost all of which look similar when the cover is removed!So....I suggest buying these low cost machines form an equipment company that has a reputation of backing up their products. In the States you can buy an import from the Eastwood Co., as well as from Northern Tool......if issues occur you will get support from their companies.I'm not sure how well this works in other regions....but in the US there also is a great used equipment market where you can find major brand plasma systems with a few years of use on them for prices that are similar to the imports. To me this is a far better way to get a good piece of equipment that will be supported for many years.....buy it used!Jim Colt   Hypertherm  Originally Posted by paulvSadly, am not in the market for a "proper" one.So am condemd to choose from the cheapy options.Looking for some insight into the pro's and cons of the following 4 choices:Simadre Techs 50 amp pilot arc plasma cutterhttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....323450366#shIdThis ones main claim to fame is its genuine Toshiba MOSFET component and dual input voltage capability.Here in Australia we only have 240v so that is no great advantage.External air pressure regulator / filter thing.Claims to be 3/4"inch/19mm rated  and 1"inch/25mm severance cut.ProWeld 60 amp pilot arc plasma cutterhttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....m=330682725630This one claims IGBT control cards & PWM technology?Internal air pressure regulator / filter - looks neat.Claims a 20mm cutLotos 50 Amp pilot arc plasma cutter - LTP5000Dhttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....m=260946417104Exernal air regAdvertises IGBT Technology Claims 1/2"inch/13mm cut with 3/4"/19mm severanceCheapest option.Lotos 60 amp pilot arc plasma cutter.   http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LTP6000-L...item3cc1c91d0cExternal air reg.Advertises IGBT Technology...Claims 3/4"/19mm cut - 1.3" severance.Probably the most expensive optionWill be cutting mainly clean mild steel + some rusty autopaneling work.Looking for a reasonably performing machine that makes clean cuts through thick mild steel.  Minimal slag / dross, etc.   Can cope with being used on an angle etc.Thoughts?  Comments?Anyone had any experience with any of these in particular?Feedback?
Reply:I'd second on straying away from lotos, personal review is When it worked it cut good, 1st one purchased 3-8-11 ltp5000d used it on small thin <5/16" stuff cut maybe 20 min. total off and on and in Jan 2012 it blew a board, after weeks of emails and digging and $100 shipping they sent me another, day 1 cut 7/16-1/2" stuff for about 2 mins off and on, day 6 turned it on and nothing dead, zilch, no internal signs of issues, they are suppose to send me another LOL.......3's a charm or a strike out.. I did buy a propane tip and regulator for my torch set tho and I'm at least getting my monies worth out of that.....
Reply:Save for a decent machine, ESAB, Hypertherm, TA etc.   Amps are not equal between Imports and a quality machine.   it will take about double the amps on an import to get the same cut from say a HT unit.   This is from my own observations and discussions with others on this board who own various machines.   Look for a used machine, That's how I got my ESAB 875.   which I am very happy with.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Southpaw is correct....it is not amperage that provides the cut power and cut speed....rather, it is killowatts. If you multiply the amperage output of a plasma cutter times its maximum load voltage capability.....you will get watts. Unfortunately most plasma manufacturers do not actually publish tthe kW output of their systems, as it has to also be linked to duty cycle, ambient air temperature....and gets complicated.If you were looking for a plasma system that had the highest kW output per dollar.....you might be surprised to find that the most expensive plasma would turn out to be much more of a bargain!Jim Colt Originally Posted by soutthpawSave for a decent machine, ESAB, Hypertherm, TA etc.   Amps are not equal between Imports and a quality machine.   it will take about double the amps on an import to get the same cut from say a HT unit.   This is from my own observations and discussions with others on this board who own various machines.   Look for a used machine, That's how I got my ESAB 875.   which I am very happy with.