110v plasma help, please

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I am in need of a 110v plasma with built in air. This will be my first and I'm seeking advice. I will be working where 220v is not an option and mainly be making cuts in 16ga around 2ft long. I have found the Hobart 250, Thermal Dynamics Aircut 15C, and Miller Spectrum 125C. Which of these is the better machine or am I missing one.  Thanks for any guidance
Reply:Miller 125c is the same as the Hobart 250ci. The Hobart may be cheaper. I had one and loved it.Forney also makes one that looks the same. You can find it on eBay.Or if you can find a used hypertherm 190c?And thermal arc used to make a drag-gun. It was like 60 pounds and good for sheet metal.Last edited by Gamble; 10-05-2013 at 09:35 AM.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I don't know which is better. All I can tell you is my experience. I bought the Hobart 250. It worked for about 5 mins. I called Hobart and they told me to take it back to the store and exchange it. The store didn't stock but one at a time. They also didn't carry any other units. I returned it for credit and ordered the 500. It is only 220v but it has worked flawlessly. I cannot recommend any 115 volt plasma. Hope you have better luck than I did. Weld On!
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleMiller 125c is the same as the Hobart 250ci. The Hobart may be cheaper. I had one and loved it.Forney also makes one that looks the same. You can find it on eBay.Or if you can find a used hypertherm 190c?And thermal arc used to make a drag-gun. It was like 60 pounds and good for sheet metal.
Reply:could you use a 110/220 volt plasma unit and a separate 110v air compressor?  The reason I ask, I think you would be better off going up the the Thermal Dynamic cutmaster 42 (which is dual voltage) and a separate air compressor..  It would cost more, but your versatility and cut capacity would also be greatly increased..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Not only versatility and cut capacity would be greatly increased, but the all important high priced consumables life would be enhanced tremendously.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:If you plan to operate a 120 volt plasma with a built in compressor....here is the issue:Air compressors are very innefficient. They convert electrical energy into rotating force....which then spins a compressor that pumps air, pressurizing it. An air plasma cutter requires compressed air at a certain pressure and flowrate to develop a plasma arc, it also needs DC energy that is developed in the power supply by converting AC wall power into DC and controlling its amperage.A standard 120 volt circuit in the US produces 120 volts AC at 20 amps.  The compressor in these plasma systems consumes roughly 12 amps (of the 20 available) to produce adequate air flow and pressure to support a small plasma, the Plasma Power source is then left with about 8 amps of input power to convert to DC cutting current. New technology plasma power supplies are very efficient, and that 8 amps of AC at 120 volts (960 watts) is converted into about 12 amps of DC at about 78 load volts (936 watts). .Bottom line, the compressor uses 60% of the outlet wall 120 volt power to do its job, the plasma uses the remaining 40%, which allows for roughly 12 amps of cutting power.  12 amps will cut 16 gauge at a relatively slow speed of about 50 inches per minute. It can probably sever 3/16" or 1/4" at less than 5 or 6 inches per minute. So, a 120 volt plasma that has a built in compressor probably would do an adequate job on the 16 gauge job you are talking about. Just keep in mind that it will never make a good fabricating shop machine as its power level is so low.A 120 volt plasma that relies on a separate compressor (compressor operated on a separate 120 volt circuit) can produce 30 amps. The Hypertherm Powermax 30 as an example can cut 16 gauge steel at about 150 to 200 inches per minute, can cut 3/8" easily, and can sever 1/2". These units can work well in many shop environments. For field use if you had more than 1 120 circuits you could bring along a portable compressor (such as those used for Nail Guns). If there was only 1 120 volt, 20 amp outlet...you could bring a cylinder of compressed air and a regulator (to get the pressure at 120 psi), or bring a gas powered compressor.....or a gas powered generator that could run an air compressor.To me...the better choice is a plasma without an internal compressor. For your application....the internal compressor unit may be adequate.Jim Colt  Hypertherm Originally Posted by dt.2448I am in need of a 110v plasma with built in air. This will be my first and I'm seeking advice. I will be working where 220v is not an option and mainly be making cuts in 16ga around 2ft long. I have found the Hobart 250, Thermal Dynamics Aircut 15C, and Miller Spectrum 125C. Which of these is the better machine or am I missing one.  Thanks for any guidance
Reply:This will be used on a job site with temp power only. I will only be able to get 1 circuit, that's why I wanted an all in one. I will rarely use it and be moving it around from job to job and state to state often. I love the specs of the 42 but really want the built in air.Any thoughts on this one?http://www.wayfair.com/Thermal-Dynam...d=TP49-TDY1000I found this one thanks to Gamble
Reply:Go with the Thermal-arc Aircut 15c .  15 amps output on a 15 amp 120 volt circuit. Having used the Miller,(which is also a Hypertherm 190)  and owned the Hobart twin. Esab too. 16 ga the Esab is awesome for the tiniest kerf, and torch. Laser like on 16 ga.. I wish somebody would build one like the Air-cut with variable amp output, up to about maybe 20 amps output. Then run on a 20/30 amp 120  volt circuit when needed. (smaller generator/etc) Look, right now the Aircut can run on a 15 amp 120 volt circuit at 15 amps output, then the leap is really within sight.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Dragun sucks , get the Aircut..Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:I would never buy another 110 volt plasma cutter or a plasma cutter with built in air.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Thanks for the great info I'm getting
Reply:The best 115volt plasma made today the Hypertherm 30. The cost is a tad above $1350, but you will save on consumables down the road if you buy the in bulk form Hypermax. Of course it does not have a built in compressor but you could piggyback that with a splitter.  The oilless pancake compressor don't take much current. That would be the route I would go.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Jim Colt is our resident expert wit 36 (I think) years with hypertherm.  Take his advice to heart. He also is well known for giving non bias info and will tell you if it's a good unit regardless of brand.    Why not get a metal cutting circular saw?  It will zip through 16 gauge.  EVOLUTION, or STEEL MAX are great brands. Sent w/ Tapatalk using Swype, pls excuse typos now FreeLast edited by soutthpaw; 10-06-2013 at 09:25 AM.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:I was 11 when I started at Hypertherm.Jim Colt
Reply:The thing that I hate most about 110 volt plasma cutters is the duty cycle. You are looking at something like 2 minutes on and 8 to 10 minutes off and the most it will cut is 1/8''.My miller 625 that I bought back in 2004 was bought for the power and duty cycle, it was the largest single phase unit they had at the time. It will run continuously on the lowest setting which will cut 1/8'' steel like it isn't even there, allegedly it has a 50% duty cycle at full power 5min on, 5 off. Most I ever cut was in one swipe of the torch was a 7 foot line in 3/8 steel and a 4 or 5 foot line in 1/2 inch, it never shut off. If it does shut off its because my air compressor cant keep up. Originally Posted by soutthpaw   Why not get a metal cutting circular saw?  It will zip through 16 gauge.  EVOLUTION, or STEEL MAX are great brands.
Reply:120 volt plasma cutters with a built in compressor have short duty cycle and typically are good for 1/8" or less. 120 volt plasma cutters without a built in compressor have decent duty cycles and can sever to 1/2" and cut with decent speed to 1/4". read my earlier post about that for details.Duty cycle is always based on ambient temperature (many are rated on a 104 degree F day) and amperage x load voltage. Load voltage is higher when cutting thicker materials, so duty cycle with any plasma cutter gets lower on a hotter day and lower when you cut thicker. Almost any plasma cutter can be 100% duty cycle when cutting the thinnest materials on a cool day.This thread was asking about the merits of 120 volt plasma cutters with built in compressors. They work acceptably for what they were designed for, which is thin gauge materials. They can do short cuts on thicker materials.Hypertherm used to have the Powermax190 in its line, it was built by Miller and private labeled for Hypertherm, used a Hypertherm torch. Many were sold, unfortunately many users were disappointed that it was slow and short on duty cycle when you tried to push it on thicker materials.  Hypertherm decided that market was not worth it, that most serious plasma cutter users already had access to compressed air......so the units with built in compressors were dropped.Jim Colt  Hypertherm Originally Posted by mad welder 4The thing that I hate most about 110 volt plasma cutters is the duty cycle. You are looking at something like 2 minutes on and 8 to 10 minutes off and the most it will cut is 1/8''.My miller 625 that I bought back in 2004 was bought for the power and duty cycle, it was the largest single phase unit they had at the time. It will run continuously on the lowest setting which will cut 1/8'' steel like it isn't even there, allegedly it has a 50% duty cycle at full power 5min on, 5 off. Most I ever cut was in one swipe of the torch was a 7 foot line in 3/8 steel and a 4 or 5 foot line in 1/2 inch, it never shut off. If it does shut off its because my air compressor cant keep up.That is what I do if its a smaller cut, drag out the skill saw with a metal cutting wheel on it.Whats the hold up why don't you have 220?
Reply:I have the miller 125cIt needs all of the 20amps from a dedicated circuit.It will trip a 15amp circuitEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I have another recommendation if space and weight are not major concerns. You can get 120V powered air compressors with 2-stage pumps and fairly large tanks. Home Despot sells a Dewalt with an (approx.) 20 gallon tank for under $400.Get that and the Powermax 30. You will have to wait for the tank to fill, cut for a while, wait for tank to fill, etc. A pain in the neck but no worse than using a slow, low-duty-cycle cutter with built in compressor. You will then have a good plasma cutter and compressor that you can fully utilize when you have access to more circuits.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawJim Colt is our resident expert wit 36 (I think) years with hypertherm.  Take his advice to heart. He also is well known for giving non bias info and will tell you if it's a good unit regardless of brand.    Why not get a metal cutting circular saw?  It will zip through 16 gauge.  EVOLUTION, or STEEL MAX are great brands. Sent w/ Tapatalk using Swype, pls excuse typos now Free
Reply:I simply want the best 110v cutter with built in air. Its looking like its between the Hobart and the Thermal Dynamics Aircut 15C. Is there a better option than these?
Reply:Never used that thermal arc. But I loved my Hobart 250ci. I never cut anything that was 1/8" and didn't have an air compressor at the time. It's quick to just plug it in and cut.I would buy another if I found a used one for cheap. But if you am get an air compressor there are a lot of better options out there.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I'm with gamble. Get something like a cutmaster 42 which if dual voltage and a lil compressor from Harbor freightSent w/ Tapatalk using Swype, pls excuse typos now FreeTiger 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:Originally Posted by soutthpawI'm with gamble. Get something like a cutmaster 42 which if dual voltage and a lil compressor from Harbor freight.  One u get one and see how handy they are, you will use it  way more than u plan on nowSent w/ Tapatalk using Swype, pls excuse typos now Free
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleNever used that thermal arc. But I loved my Hobart 250ci. I never cut anything that was 1/8" and didn't have an air compressor at the time. It's quick to just plug it in and cut.I would buy another if I found a used one for cheap. But if you am get an air compressor there are a lot of better options out there.Originally Posted by jimcoltI was 11 when I started at Hypertherm.Jim Colt
Reply:Originally Posted by dt.2448The ONLY thing I will do with this is cut irregular access holes in round  grease duct. The cuts will not be straight or perfectly round. The total length of any of my cuts will be no longer than 2'.