Beatin' a Dead Plasma Cutter Horse Here.

admin

I am going to spring for a plasma cutter any day. I am naturally drawn to Miller to match my Sync. and personal likes. I need quality (not rated) cuts on 3/8 Alum. I have around a $1000 in my budget give or take a hundred or two. I have already talked to Weldersales (who is a great guy to do business with) about a 375 or 375 Xtrm (Which is better?) . If I was to go with a 625 (should I?), would I still get really clean cuts on thin material or do you lose some finesse with more power?Also, any other manufacturers with a better product for same or less money I should know about? I want a machine that will last forever with fairly light use. I am not scared to go with inverter tech. if it will hold up. I have plenty of air for anything. Thanks, I searched but didn't find my exact situation within the last year.BC
Reply:The 375 is heavier, compared to the 375X by about 27lbs. They are rated the same. My 625 cuts thin sheet excellent. It is a bigger (amp) machine but you still have the low end.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Going up should not sacrifice quality on your cuts.  on thin material just turn your heat down, and cut away.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Blackcypress,I'd also look at the Hypertherm line.  All they make are plasma cutters.  Rumor has it that they make the torch for Miller.Their 600 is comparable to the Miller Spectrum 625.  A lot of owners feel that they get better life out of their consumables with the Hypertherm.  I like the drag tip for the torch.  They also offer a fine cut kit (about $80) which is recommended if you're really into fine details.  I know, how do you define fine datails.  Guy at my LWS described it as "if you're cutting the cat's whiskers in a cat profile".I'm a dyed in the wool Miller fan, but my plasma (soon) will be a Hypertherm.My .02
Reply:Black Cypress - will your dealers let you test the machines on some of the material you plan to cut?  You may already know it, but aluminum isn't going to cut really nice with a plasma, and takes a LOT of power compared to steel.  I used my 90amp Esab Powercut 1500 to cut some 1" thick 6061-T6 plate.  With the machine maxxed out I had to move the torch extremely slow just to achieve a "sever" grade of cut.  We were going to machine the edge after cutting, so that was not a problem.  But, my point is a machine rated to cut 1.5" steel struggled to cut 1" aluminum, so I would definitely think you'll need the bigger machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by TubularFabBlack Cypress - will your dealers let you test the machines on some of the material you plan to cut?  You may already know it, but aluminum isn't going to cut really nice with a plasma, and takes a LOT of power compared to steel.  I used my 90amp Esab Powercut 1500 to cut some 1" thick 6061-T6 plate.  With the machine maxxed out I had to move the torch extremely slow just to achieve a "sever" grade of cut.  We were going to machine the edge after cutting, so that was not a problem.  But, my point is a machine rated to cut 1.5" steel struggled to cut 1" aluminum, so I would definitely think you'll need the bigger machine.
Reply:Thanks for all the advice folks, I will look into hypertherm. They have been in the back of my mind as a possibility. I am a Miller fan but open to things that make sense. I will also check with my LWS for a trial. They don't have a big selection though. Originally Posted by SandySo as a parallel question, what's the minimum to conveniently cut 1/4" aluminum?
Reply:If you are going to look at other plasmas, then I would check out the Thermodynamics line as well. Both Hypo and TD are reviewed and rated as the best plasma cutters going and have the best overall life. I went with the TD as the reviews showed it to be the number one overall and the consumables were half the price of all the comparable units. One thing to keep in mind, when checking the quality cut ability. make sure you look at the alum rating as it takes more amps to cut alum at a quality cut.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:I believe the General rule on PC's is to take the rated cut for mild steel and cut it in half for aluminum. So a 1/2" mild steel machine should cover it.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamlitIf you are going to look at other plasmas, then I would check out the Thermodynamics line as well. Both Hypo and TD are reviewed and rated as the best plasma cutters going and have the best overall life. I went with the TD as the reviews showed it to be the number one overall and the consumables were half the price of all the comparable units. One thing to keep in mind, when checking the quality cut ability. make sure you look at the alum rating as it takes more amps to cut alum at a quality cut.
Reply:Roger that, I will check them out too. My Harley crapped the bed on me today, so I will have to see if that cuts into my budget. I hope not. Dang Joe, that is a serious pipe you got there. Prince Albert must have you on the payment plan.
Reply:Hey y'all, I am looking into TD and HT. I also found a '05 Spectrum 2050 with a 50' torch and a couple of tips for $1000. What do y'all know about these machines? He says it works great with no problems.
Reply:Originally Posted by Blackcypress-EBHey y'all, I am looking into TD and HT. I also found a '05 Spectrum 2050 with a 50' torch and a couple of tips for $1000. What do y'all know about these machines? He says it works great with no problems.
Reply:Alright Y'all. I found a TD Cutmaster 100, 3 years old with under 5 hours use for $1200. The fella seems honest and said he would give my money back if something went wrong when I got it home. I think I might be able to swing that, but hesitant to. I have sure heard a lot more positive things about the TD and HT's than the big 2 units.Good deal? Should I pull the trigger on this?
Reply:Originally Posted by Blackcypress-EBAlright Y'all. I found a TD Cutmaster 100, 3 years old with under 5 hours use for $1200. The fella seems honest and said he would give my money back if something went wrong when I got it home. I think I might be able to swing that, but hesitant to. I have sure heard a lot more positive things about the TD and HT's than the big 2 units.Good deal? Should I pull the trigger on this?
Reply:I live in Africa, just kidding. I think I am going to get the TD.
Reply:Originally Posted by Blackcypress-EBI live in Africa, just kidding. I think I am going to get the TD.
Reply:Yeah, I confirmed on the TD, it is a cutmaster 100. The guy seems real reasonable and offered to give my money back after a week or so if it wasn't what I wanted. I called TD and they said it was a decent deal and about half the price of a discounted new one. Of course, they said it is probably out of warranty and might be expensive to fix if something goes wrong. I guess that's the chance you take. I pick it up on Saturday. I have two people that are interested in the contact number of the Spectrum 2050. I will PM both gentleman with his information and then one day later post it here if they choose not to get it. Thanks for all the input folks. By the way, I am a proud Texan Jamlit, just messin with you about that Africa thing.Gig 'em Aggies
Reply:Here's my plunder. I drove down this morning and picked it up with the wife. I got everything you see for $1200. It's a cutmaster 100. Attached ImagesLast edited by Blackcypress-EB; 08-04-2007 at 08:58 PM.
Reply:Here's my plunder. I drove down this morning and picked it up with the wife. I got everything you see for $1200. It's a cutmaster 100.
Reply:Wow, it looks like a new one!Miller EconotigCutmaster 38Yes ma'am, that IS a screwdriver in my pocket!
Reply:Looks great, Lets us know how she works. Remember clean dry air make the plasma run great all day and the consumables last forever.Have fun.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:How do the consumables compare on all these machines. I've noticed over the years that there can be a big difference in the cost and longevity of plasma tips and electrodes. Anybody have any thoughts on the subject. It seems to me an important consideration that hasn't really been hit on here at all. I mean once you bring the thing home the only real cost is consumables except for maybe an occasional repair. For instance, I've got a twenty year old Miller zipcut  that has tips with platinum in them that cost a lot. At work we use a miller 2050 that seems to go through a lot of tips and we used to use a miller spectrum 500 that went through less tips and electrodes. I'd be real interested to know which are the better machines with regard to consumable affordability and longevity. That could make or break a deal in my mind.
Reply:eBay   (buy new at 1/2 price)
Reply:Originally Posted by 12,000 DoorsHow do the consumables compare on all these machines. I've noticed over the years that there can be a big difference in the cost and longevity of plasma tips and electrodes. Anybody have any thoughts on the subject. It seems to me an important consideration that hasn't really been hit on here at all. I mean once you bring the thing home the only real cost is consumables except for maybe an occasional repair. For instance, I've got a twenty year old Miller zipcut  that has tips with platinum in them that cost a lot. At work we use a miller 2050 that seems to go through a lot of tips and we used to use a miller spectrum 500 that went through less tips and electrodes. I'd be real interested to know which are the better machines with regard to consumable affordability and longevity. That could make or break a deal in my mind.Hey BlackCypress,That new Cutmaster 100 work so well you cut your phone line? Let's hear how you like the new machine.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Hey, I feel guilty for not following up on this after all the good advice I received. The TD 100 is awesome. My consumables last forever and I haven't had any problems other than getting more slag than I care for on thin stainless but I am working on that.Miller 250DXTD Cutmaster 100Duct TapeBFH
Reply:Originally Posted by Blackcypress-EBHey, I feel guilty for not following up on this after all the good advice I received. The TD 100 is awesome. My consumables last forever and I haven't had any problems other than getting more slag than I care for on thin stainless but I am working on that.