Which Plasma Cutter?

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I'm trying to decide on whether or not to get a plasma cutter and if so, which one.  I'm a hobbyist with some small fabrication projects in mind for the future.   Don't think I'll ever need to cut anything thicker than 1/4", and I do have an OA setup if that need arises.  I have an air shear and plan to buy a JD2 notcher.  So the question are:Would you buy one?If so, which one?I don't believe in buying crap and support USA products, but with the limited use I have intended, would you risk buying a Chicom cutter on eBay if you could get it for a certain price?  There are a few 50A models that can be had for less than $200.  I'm talking plasma only, not 3 in 1 units.  ThanksTA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Check out the Everlasts. I just got this one, they're nice units.http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Po...70-367-pd.html
Reply:http://hypertherm.com/en/Products/Ha...powermax30.jspIts a little costlier than a $200 import, but remember, you get what you pay for.[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Hey DRF ,I have asked my self the same question . I don't have a OA or plasma set-up but I have had use for both of them at times and will own both someday  , my opinion on buying shop equip. (welders,saws,plasma's etc.)save your money and buy  good quality equipment it pays in the long run.1.) I look at tech support and consumables ,repair parts etc. "not good on the cheap chicom stuff " . 2.)if you buy one of the quality units no more than you or I would use it , it will last you a lifetime trouble free . 3.)I look at resale value ,I know we are not used machinery dealers but I watch craigslist daily and the name brand anything always goes for decent coin and doesn't last long the chicom stuff is on there and for almost new price and these guys can't get rid of it " there is a reason why". if you ever want to upgrade or want to sell because you need cash this is something to think about . I never like to say the words  "what a POS I wish I would have saved my money and bought the good whatever" 4.) you might be able to pick up a good used on for a decent price  that you can get fixed and get parts for, that is definitely worth something you can't do that with chicom stuff . just my 2 cents let us know what you decide . good luck Chris .
Reply:Originally Posted by ct from shawneeHey DRF ,I have asked my self the same question . I don't have a OA or plasma set-up but I have had use for both of them at times and will own both someday  , my opinion on buying shop equip. (welders,saws,plasma's etc.)save your money and buy  good quality equipment it pays in the long run.1.) I look at tech support and consumables ,repair parts etc. "not good on the cheap chicom stuff " . 2.)if you buy one of the quality units no more than you or I would use it , it will last you a lifetime trouble free . 3.)I look at resale value ,I know we are not used machinery dealers but I watch craigslist daily and the name brand anything always goes for decent coin and doesn't last long the chicom stuff is on there and for almost new price and these guys can't get rid of it " there is a reason why". if you ever want to upgrade or want to sell because you need cash this is something to think about . I never like to say the words  "what a POS I wish I would have saved my money and bought the good whatever" 4.) you might be able to pick up a good used on for a decent price  that you can get fixed and get parts for, that is definitely worth something you can't do that with chicom stuff . just my 2 cents let us know what you decide . good luck Chris .
Reply:Originally Posted by ct from shawneeHey DRF ,I have asked my self the same question . I don't have a OA or plasma set-up but I have had use for both of them at times and will own both someday  , my opinion on buying shop equip. (welders,saws,plasma's etc.)save your money and buy  good quality equipment it pays in the long run.1.) I look at tech support and consumables ,repair parts etc. "not good on the cheap chicom stuff " . 2.)if you buy one of the quality units no more than you or I would use it , it will last you a lifetime trouble free . 3.)I look at resale value ,I know we are not used machinery dealers but I watch craigslist daily and the name brand anything always goes for decent coin and doesn't last long the chicom stuff is on there and for almost new price and these guys can't get rid of it " there is a reason why". if you ever want to upgrade or want to sell because you need cash this is something to think about . I never like to say the words  "what a POS I wish I would have saved my money and bought the good whatever" 4.) you might be able to pick up a good used on for a decent price  that you can get fixed and get parts for, that is definitely worth something you can't do that with chicom stuff . just my 2 cents let us know what you decide . good luck Chris .
Reply:The low price made me become irrational for a moment there.  I will buy a Miller when the time comes.  I have 2 Milers now and the customer service is unbelievable, plus I could always get a decent price if I decided to sell it someday.  Thanks.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Definately a Hypertherm or a Miller.  The chicoms do not stand up very well and the cost to ship them is kind of high.  I have a Hyperterm Power Max 1000, third Generation with a machine torch on my CNC plasma table and it has performed flawlessly since day one.  If you plan to do this for any length of time get the biggest amperage machine you can swing and just turn it down if you need less.  The extra amps will come in handy for that weird saturday request that always comes along.  Welcome and have some fun while you learn to use the machine.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:Originally Posted by Drf255The low price made me become irrational for a moment there.  I will buy a Miller when the time comes.  I have 2 Milers now and the customer service is unbelievable, plus I could always get a decent price if I decided to sell it someday.  Thanks.
Reply:I have a hypertherm powermax 45......a nobrainer and performance is way better than expected......check your pricing before you buy a miller ...Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:I have a Thermal Dynamic however i heard several people say they are irritated they are made over seas i didn't realize this when i bought it though. Its a Cutmaster 42 works great i also have a Millermatic 211that will weld up to 3/8 so i wanted to be able to cut that thickness as well!!! Good luck lots a good units out there just figure out what ya need thats all.Miller 211Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 42
Reply:I have a Hypertherm Powermax 30 that I bought off of CL for $500.  It works great and came with a circle cutter.  The deals are out there if you look for them, especially if you aren't in a rush.  It's a nice machine and will do pretty much anything needed for garage fab.  I think I may upgrade to a new 45 in the future and should easily be able to get what I paid for my 30.
Reply:I've had a hypertherm 380 for 7 years, no problems, works great. They don't make that model any more but the brand is good.Sailwelder250 Idealarc,Miller passport100 A stick/tig, hypertherm 380Woodhouse/Mitchell 14X45 latheCraftex  Mill/drillKing 4X6 band saw,DoAll band saw Grizzly drill press , Craftex radial drillCarolina 50 T press, O/AEverlast 200 DX
Reply:Know alot of ppl already said it but just so u know it is worth every penny. I bought a Powermax 45 for 750 almost brand new and i love it. I will never go without anouther plasma they are WELL worth the money. I would recommend the Powermax 45 for what you say you need it for.Equipment:Lincoln Ranger 8Lincoln Power Mig 255Miller Diversion 165Hypertherm Powermax 45Victor Pro Series Torch setTons of other shop supplies