Used plasma cutter options. Which one?

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I know very little about plasma cutters, how to check them, consumables, etc.... This is for my son who is starting to get into welding/fabricating. I don't think we'll have anything thicker than 1/2" material.  there are 3 used ones for sale locally that are in my LOW price range First is an old L-tec PCM-VP-i. Second is a brand new chinese Chiry 40AThird is a Century 50A. Looks fairlywell used and is the most expensive of the 3...almost out of what I can afford. So what would you suggest?THANKS!!
Reply:Welcome to the forum.  I had a 110V plasma cutter and was underimpressed.  But the technology has improved and the 110V machine have had a vast improvement.  I would recoment buying a machine that is capable of cutting at leat 1.5 times your expected regular cut.  If you go small it will create all kinds of issues with slag and poor quality edges.  I am not even going to go into the off shore versus "made in US" argument, but suffice it to say I am very happy with my amercan madw 60 Amp machine torch equiped unit now.  Consider the thickness you expect to cut carefully and insure the machines duty cycle is up to your requirements as being able to pierce and cut yiour material.  Copper and Aluminum can be cut for artistic as well as functional parts with a great deal of accuracy if  that is what you want to do.  I have a CNC table to do just that.  So a little more info from you is needed to really point you in the right direction, such as material, planned use and wheteher this is a money maker or a hobby endeavour.  Hope this helps.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:For now, my son is hobby. I'm leaning to rule out the L-tec...too old, can't really test it out, hard to find parts (i'm told), etc... The Chinese one is new. cheap. It claims to cut 16mm, which is just over 1/2". I hear ya on chinese stuff though. the Century is the most expensive of the 3, but at least I recognize the name. Didn't Lincoln buy them out? of course, I guess it's still a Century product. Are parts hard to find for Century? It is 50 amp. I think our material is mostly under 1/4", and rarely 1/2", always steel. We have a tractor and need to move the bucket rolling cylinders. In order to do so, we need to cut the plate, move it into position, and re-weld. Also need to cut frame rails on my bent trailer... a sawzall would even do that. but zip discs and blades just get eaten up. all 3 are 220V, and we are set up for that.
Reply:Miller, ESAB, Hobart and Hyperterm.  Out of the 4 I mentioned I have a Hyperterm and it has performed flawlessly.  Consumable are readily available though not cheap.  Clean dry air in sufficient volume is a big requirement of the system to function properly.   Current prices for the units I mentioned do vary wildly depending on your location.  A good clean late model used machine may be the way to go especially if your son is just getting started.  Remember that you cannot use amps you didnt buy so make sure you size your machine and air to accomodate your need and all will be well.  Has your son taken any classes or attended any training?  If not now would be the time to get him enrolled so that he understands the processes and how to use them effectively to accomplish his goals.   Good luck.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:what rbeckett said, plus my 2 cents, I would save a little more money & buy a decent machine or if needed right away make payments on it, you wont regret it! about 14 yrs ago I shopped for a cutter & went with a miller spectrum cutmate 300 for several reasons (price 1200.00, 120/220, consumbles, size) i used it mainly for auto body repairs & light fab work out of my 750 sq ft shop it was a perfect little machine & worked great, I had even used it on some 3/8 with good results. over the years it served me well but i out grew the machine, I did some research, asked some questions, sold the miller (650.00 not bad considering all the use i got out of it) & decide on a thermal dynamics cutmaster 52, bought it from indiana oxygen (online) & it even came with a free 95s stick welder. the machine is unbelievable  will cut 1 " like a laser.  I would stay away from all 3 of the machines you listed, go with something more reputable, like i said just my experience & opinion                                                                                Bob
Reply:thanks guys. the used Millers in my neck of the woods run around $1,000-1,200.  I suppose he won't outgrow those. He used a plasma cutter at school in metal shop/welding class. i know he still has a ton to learn, but he is very keen and eager to do it.
Reply:Linde & L-tec's assets were purchased by esab, who took over their support as well.  I wouldn't rule out getting parts for the L-tec as a lot of them aren't (comparatively) that old.I have an Esab PCM-750i and I couldn't be happier with it.  Picked it up for $600.
Reply:Originally Posted by greenbuggyLinde & L-tec's assets were purchased by esab, who took over their support as well.  I wouldn't rule out getting parts for the L-tec as a lot of them aren't (comparatively) that old.I have an Esab PCM-750i and I couldn't be happier with it.  Picked it up for $600.
Reply:like the others said name brand.   plasma are like cars and trucks, they require parts. with parts there dust collecters.   If you buy a good one it will serve you well,and have a resale value.  I would wait and save your pennys.Good luck DayePound to fit, paint to match
Reply:well L-tec didn't reply. Chinese cheapy sold right away. there are 2 Miller units for mo money. One says it's been modified to cut 9/16" thick. It looks older, and is big, on wheels. Guy wants $750. There's also a Miller Spectrum 625 for around $1,000, newer. I probably know the answer...get the Spectrum (??). I think they're a smaller compact style.
Reply:I would definately stay away from anything that has been modified,Depending on the condition of the unit,  I say pull the trigger on the miller, its a pretty good deal for a machine of that size, maybe you can even bicker a little on the price. Its a little more cut capacity than you were looking for but i dont think you will regret it, & if you guys lose interest in it you can resell a miller machine very easily. just my opinion, hope it helps.                                                                                                        Bob
Reply:My vote is the spectrum if you can afford it good solid unit with a good company to back it. In 5 years if you need replacement parts you will be able to find it with out having to buy a plane ticket to a third world contry and get a tranalator.Vantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:Eastwood just came out with a new plasma cutter. It's dual voltage, has a 3 year warranty, and costs $635. The downside is it cuts up to 3/8 steel or aluminum.Having said that, you cannot go wrong with a un-modded Miller.BillMillermatic 2111960 Ford Ranchero1975 Dodge B200
Reply:My vote is for Hypertherm.  Even though I bought used, they still treated me well when I needed parts or just plain advice.  Their machines will amp for amp cut the fastest (except maybe Miller, which use the Hypertherm torches).  Bottom line an impressive machine with a good company backing it up.If I ever need another plasma it would be a new Hypertherm (like the 65).Plasma cutters that work on 110V are not generally worth it.  If you are cutting thin material, just grab the jigsaw instead - much cheaper, more precise etc.If you are going to look at one parameter, look at mechanical pierce.  The ability to blow a hole in a piece of steel without tilting the torch. In my opinion, that is a lot closer to the 'recomended' thickness than any other factor.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:If you can get a deal like that on the miller spectrum, I would buy it. However, don't try to repair or fix this thing onyour own. It is a very very compact inverter. Meaning it uses capacitors to store energy and you don't want to mess with it.  Since miller has started making their own machines they have a good luck with them. Hypertherm by far is the market leader. Very tough machines. If you can, see if there is an open house at a LWS and try to demo a couple out. If you want to cut 1/2", you are going to need atleast a 40amp machine, but amps don't tell the whole story. Stay away from any 110v plasma cutter. They can't generate the necessary power. Remember the temp on the plasma stream is the same temp as the sun. Also, any L-Tech machine and torch you have can be repaired by Esab. We bought them in 1989 and still service the older models. Hope this helps. Sorry if it looks weird, I'm on a blackberry.
Reply:thanks for the candor esabrep, it would have been easy to bash the competition. A guy just posted an older 100 amp Hypertherm (was made by Hypertherm for someone else??), but it's 3 phase and i'm not set up for that. so I'm leaning to the Miller. If only someone would come and buy my diesel Gator to free up some cash for me!!
Reply:well, the one I was looking at was $1,000 "asking". I spoke to the guy and he said he wanted something really close to asking price.... let's say $950. He used it for a small business venture, so it had some use. He told me I was his first call in a week...no rush. I needed to raise just a bit more coin and sell my gas powered Echo weedeater. So I sell the weedeater a few days later and call. It sold the next day...he got 5 calls!! DANG! But there was one other for $1500, way less use. Like one small hobby job...maybe 5 hours. ((((Is there an hour meter somewhere?)))) We agreed to $1150, so i figure it cost me an extra $200, but maybe I got a slightly less used unit?? Who knows. I never like spending more than I have to!!No type of air moisture filter tho. Should I filter the moisture right at the compressor outlet (good for all my tools??), or at the inlet to the cutter? from what I read, regulate the air at 60PSI?  thanks
Reply:You should be able to find the pressure regulation spec's on their website.  I'm assuming you bought the Miller if so.  here is a link to their plasma cutters.http://www.millerwelds.com/products/plasma/You should be able to navigate thought their page and find the manual or info.  As far as the dryer goes,  I would put it at the machine or as close to it as possible.  If you put it at the compressor, the hose will have the opportunity to add moisture to the system.  Yes, the air will be dry out of the dryer, but depending on the hose length it could add moisture to the system.   I have heard of some people putting one after the compressor and one by the plasma cutter.  The dryer the better.
Reply:Originally Posted by canuckleheadNo type of air moisture filter tho. Should I filter the moisture right at the compressor outlet (good for all my tools??), or at the inlet to the cutter? from what I read, regulate the air at 60PSI?  thanks