Buying a Plasma Cutter

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Been looking around for awhile for different types.  I live next to tractor supply which has the hobart 250A for about 850$  Also seen some millers online for around 1000$ that were a little stronger.http://www.hobartwelders.com/product...airforce250ci/http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00160Im a hobbyist I build hotrods and dragsters so the most im ever cutting through is frames or mild 1/4in steel.  Clean cuts would be nice.  Im just sick of the cutting wheels and millions you spend on them.  Can anyone give me some brands they have bought and loved and do about the same work as me.  Are the built in air-compressor ones junk?Would like to not spend more then 1000 or atleast 1200 on a new one.  Thanks inadvance.
Reply:You may want to consider a Hypertherm plasma cutter, I have a Hypertherm Powermax 45 and it is a very good machine. The 45 may be a little more than you want to spend but the powermax 30 should be in your range.
Reply:You'll get more machine for your money buying Hypertherm or Thermal Dynamics than from Hobart/Miller/Lincoln. A Powermax 30 or Cutmaster 38/39/42 will do just what you need and be around a grand.  The PM30 is made in the US, but some of the TDs are Chinese.   I don't think anyone makes a built-in compressor model that will happily cut 1/4".__David Hillman
Reply:i am with you on this one....i have heard all the gripes and groans about  east wood welders but they have a special with a 240v Tig and 240v plasma cutter for  i think about $999.  i have always been happy with east wood products over the past 30yrs  and i know people dis them all the time but i am thinking about this special serioulsyLast edited by 37ford4dr; 11-25-2011 at 09:39 PM.bobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:Get the hypertherm powermax 30. I have one and love it. It will handle more then you need and i think you can get the base unit new for around $1,100 on the internet. Hypertherm is the only plasma cutter i'll ever buy.Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Its funny how amazing their products look and probably are but their name isnt common.  Or atleast ive never heard it.  Def looking into a powermax 30 they seem like more then ill ever need.
Reply:Originally Posted by DuganIts funny how amazing their products look and probably are but their name isnt common.  Or atleast ive never heard it.  Def looking into a powermax 30 they seem like more then ill ever need.
Reply:Hypertherm has been in business since 1968.....was started by a Dartmouth graduate engineer in a rented two car garage. Today, Hypertherm has close to 1300 employees....who are all owners of the company. The main plant is located a few hundred yards from the original garage. Hypertherm is the worlds largest producer of plasma cutting equipment and exports over 60% of its products. Our key to success is with our strive to build what our customers ask for, and to ensure the well being of our owner employees.If you need a Plasma cutter, either for hand or mechanized cutting, Hypertherm has systems from 30 Amps to 800 Amps that will likely fit your needs! We also produce peripheral equipment for cnc plasma machines such as CNC controls, Torch Height Control systems, as well as state of the art CAM Nesting software for these systems. Hypertherm recently introduced a new technology Fiber Laser cutting system for industrial cnc plate cutting as well.Jim Colt
Reply:What is the minimum capacity compressor you can use with the powermax 30?
Reply:That is a loaded question! As long as the compressor will produce enough pressure (psi) to satisfy the plasma system...then the plasma will cut. The pressure switch on a Powermax30 will shut the unit off if the pressure drops below about 55 psi.So....you could use a very small compressor that can produce over 55 psi....the arc will fire and it will cut until it runs out of air...perhaps for 10 seconds or 20 seconds or a minute....depending on the air flow capacity of the compressor (cfm). If your air compressor is sized exactly the same as the Powermax30, which I believe is rated to use 4.0 cfm @ 90 psi...then expect the air compressor to run continuously....and likely will keep up with the 30.  If your air compressor is smaller.....you will have to stop cutting periodically to let the compressor build pressure. If your compressor has a higher rating as compared to the Powermax30....the you could cut continuously, the compressor will keep up, and eventually will cycle off.So....if you are only doing occasional short (20 second or less cuts) you can use a compressor with a slightly lower rating......maybe one rated for 3.5 cfm @90 psi would work. A larger compressor tank will not boost flow or pressure....but will provide more plasma run time between compressor on cycles.Jim Colt Originally Posted by ChobroWhat is the minimum capacity compressor you can use with the powermax 30?
Reply:If you can scrounge a large air tank (perhaps off a dead compressor setup) you'll get a longer run between (also longer) recharges.
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltHypertherm has been in business since 1968.....was started by a Dartmouth graduate engineer in a rented two car garage. Today, Hypertherm has close to 1300 employees....who are all owners of the company. The main plant is located a few hundred yards from the original garage. Hypertherm is the worlds largest producer of plasma cutting equipment and exports over 60% of its products. Our key to success is with our strive to build what our customers ask for, and to ensure the well being of our owner employees.If you need a Plasma cutter, either for hand or mechanized cutting, Hypertherm has systems from 30 Amps to 800 Amps that will likely fit your needs! We also produce peripheral equipment for cnc plasma machines such as CNC controls, Torch Height Control systems, as well as state of the art CAM Nesting software for these systems. Hypertherm recently introduced a new technology Fiber Laser cutting system for industrial cnc plate cutting as well.Jim Colt
Reply:Thanks everyone for your responses.  Def gonna invest in a PM30.  Maybe I ment to say ive never heard their name because i know mainly of welding companies haha, first time ive looked into purchasing a plasma unit def gonna be thrilled I can cut and fabricate in seconds without the use of large amounts of consumables
Reply:Thanks. I've got an old 30 gal. Speedaire.  I reckon my current compressor should do the trick for a while.  Originally Posted by jimcoltThat is a loaded question! As long as the compressor will produce enough pressure (psi) to satisfy the plasma system...then the plasma will cut. The pressure switch on a Powermax30 will shut the unit off if the pressure drops below about 55 psi.So....you could use a very small compressor that can produce over 55 psi....the arc will fire and it will cut until it runs out of air...perhaps for 10 seconds or 20 seconds or a minute....depending on the air flow capacity of the compressor (cfm). If your air compressor is sized exactly the same as the Powermax30, which I believe is rated to use 4.0 cfm @ 90 psi...then expect the air compressor to run continuously....and likely will keep up with the 30.  If your air compressor is smaller.....you will have to stop cutting periodically to let the compressor build pressure. If your compressor has a higher rating as compared to the Powermax30....the you could cut continuously, the compressor will keep up, and eventually will cycle off.So....if you are only doing occasional short (20 second or less cuts) you can use a compressor with a slightly lower rating......maybe one rated for 3.5 cfm @90 psi would work. A larger compressor tank will not boost flow or pressure....but will provide more plasma run time between compressor on cycles.Jim Colt
Reply:Hi there - how about these plasma cutters? If you have a look at their Hypertherm Powermax 45 they have a good deal on at the minute. Ive bought a few things from here in the past and they are really good quality and good customer service. Hope this helps .
Reply:Just wanted to come back and say thanks yall for your input, I purchased a PM30 for 1033$ no shipping or tax from bakersgas.com, Was def worth it been playing with it and trying to see what its capable of.  Def a great investment I already have a customer from work coming to get a few holes gouged for his hitch on his truck because he failed at drilling them out.  Cant beat making money already! Thanks again!