Just wondering if this plasma cutter is any good?

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HI,I was looking on ebay and ran across some plasma cutters for pretty cheap,only $369 shipped. Just wondering if these were any good. I only need to use it a few times a year and need to cut steel up to 1/2 inch thick. Wasnt looking to spend a fortune. ThanksJasonhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ht_3960wt_1139http://cgi.ebay.com/Plasma-Cutter-50...ht_6071wt_1139
Reply:I find it a bit strange that neither vendor lists their location nor is a detailed warranty shown.  And both have very high ratings.  I learned thehard way just how easy it is to manipulate Ebay ratings.I have purchased a couple of imported machines in the past.  One was supposedly an upgraded and tested CUT40D from an American seller who specializes in welding gear. The other was from a CA based seller who seemed to be marketing his own brand.  I have had the first unit, from Parkermetalworking.com, for three years and it has worked great.  I have been quite impressed with its capabilities and have probably put 200 hours of use on it. The guy also maintains a repair capability and is always available for tech support.The other was a disaster, a combination TIG/stick/plasma unit.  The first one I ordered went up in smoke as soon as I plugged it in.  The second came DOA.  The third one came with minor sheet metal damage but has worked fine. It has given me no problems but I had to replace all the poor quality peripherals like the regulator, cables, and clamps.  In the end, I spent $250 more on the unit just to get to a unit in usable operating condition.  Tech support and manuals were non existent or poor at best.My point is that buying one of imported units out there are a crap shoot.  There are few that seem to be trying to insure a quality product but most come from venders who who sell anything from welders to kitchen appliances.  The first unit in your letter appears to be the better of the two for what it is worth.   Hope this helps.Steve in TX
Reply:If you purchase from the first seller/link you are agreeing to the following fine print:I, for myself, my heirs, personal representative or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue CEFTech, Inc., itsofficers, employees, and agents from liability from any and all claims, resulting in personal injury, accidents, or illnesses (including death) and property loss arising from, but not limited to, the use of the plasma cutter machine that I am purchasing. I have read the previous paragraph and I know, understand, and appreciate these and other potential risks associated with using the plasma cutter. Indemnification and Hold Harmless: I also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD CEFTech, Inc., HARMLESS from any and all claims, actions, suits,procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees brought as a result of my use of the plasma cutter and to reimburse themfor any such expenses incurred. Severability: I further expressly agree that the foregoing waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. Acknowledgment of Understanding: I have read this waiver of liability and indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I acknowledge that I accepting the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by purchasing this plasma cutter through eBay to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.
Reply:I would check into the Everlast before either of those.Tim Beeker.
Reply:I agree with all that was said in reply.However, If you must buy of this seller he is also selling the same units auction style. So you might save a few bucks going that way instead of Buy It Now.BillMillermatic 2111960 Ford Ranchero1975 Dodge B200
Reply:Thanks for the replies. I ended purchasing the second one on my list. I found some youtube reviews of this machine and besides a few small issues, everyone seemed happy with the machine. For only $340 with the 40 pieces of exta nozzles etcl the price was just too nice to pass up. I only have need for a cutter a few times a year, so I think this machine should last quite a few years. (i hope)haha. Thanks again and after I use it a few times I will post back with an update.Jason
Reply:let us know what it looks like when you get it and how well it works for you.
Reply:Should have read the thread "Lotos plasma cutter ". They talk all about those cutters.
Reply:i got onne of the Lotos cut d50 it said it will cut 1"  but 3/8 is all it will doi use it alot and am very happy with it for the money i got it over a year ago an no problemsit was new for 329.00 shipped to the house now they are 550.00 glad i got it when i didthanks godbless
Reply:A 50 amp plasma for $369? Thats a flag right there. Who do you call for tech support when it has problems? What kind of replacement tips and electrodes does it use? Where do you get them?JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:HiI'm the seller of the first item. The price is low because I'm able to buy bulk and sell for a reasonable price for people that need these machines without breaking the bank. The warranty is valid for a year and I'm located in California - not overseas. The consumables are high quality and sold through my ebay listings as well. It is very difficult to have a high ebay rating now but that might have been different in the past. I work very hard to support my customers. Either way please feel free to check my feedback as the people the have bought units from me are happy with their purchases. This is the most important thing. Chris
Reply:Buy a Thermal Dynamics or Hypertherm and get a 4 yr warranty and Tech support you can call anytime to get information and help when you need it. Not to mention parts that are available from the manufacturer that will be around when you need them.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:$369 for a 50 amp plasma cutterDid you read and understand all that small print in their LEGAL DISCLAIMER????????????????????????????save your pennies and pocket change get some betterCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by joedirt1966If you purchase from the first seller/link you are agreeing to the following fine print:I, for myself, my heirs, personal representative or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue CEFTech, Inc., itsofficers, employees, and agents from liability from any and all claims, resulting in personal injury, accidents, or illnesses (including death) and property loss arising from, but not limited to, the use of the plasma cutter machine that I am purchasing. I have read the previous paragraph and I know, understand, and appreciate these and other potential risks associated with using the plasma cutter. Indemnification and Hold Harmless: I also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD CEFTech, Inc., HARMLESS from any and all claims, actions, suits,procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees brought as a result of my use of the plasma cutter and to reimburse themfor any such expenses incurred. Severability: I further expressly agree that the foregoing waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. Acknowledgment of Understanding: I have read this waiver of liability and indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I acknowledge that I accepting the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by purchasing this plasma cutter through eBay to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.
Reply:If you only need to cut 1/2" ferrous metals, you should consider an oxy-acetylene torch outfit, which will be versatile in a few ways a plasma cutter wouldn't be, such as if you ever just had general heating needs, or any variety of welding, braizing, etc tasks that may come up.  A very good thing about the oxy-acetylene setup over the plasma is its portability, since it needs no compressed air or power.You could probably get into such a setup for about the same ballpark amount of money as this plasma cutter, I'm thinking.  I just used my old oxy-acetylene outfit when I needed to cut a friend's 1/2" thick steel, 3 foot diameter fire pit in his back yard.  To get my plasma cutter out there, I would have been a real hassle extending 240V power to the area and also transporting my air compressor out there.  JMHO.The things you will not be able to do with oxy cutting that you *can* with plasma is, cutting stainless and aluminum materials.  Also oxy cutting seems to input more heat (more warpage) and leaves a little wider kerf (width of cut) than plasma.  But either when guided by an unsteady hand (and not a robot or on some very specialized cutting guide) will leave irregular surfaces with oxidizes that, at least when it comes to welding aluminum or stainless, will require additional labor to prep for welding.-------------------------------------------------------As to buying an unknown brand machine.  If the idea of repairing it yourself if it breaks does not scare you (how comfortable are you around electronics?  You should at least own and know how to use a multimeter), and the machine has good capabilities, and good build quality based on your research, and a good price, an off brand can be a very good value over a more expensive name brand.  My 3+ year old Everlast Super200P (multi function TIG/plasma) has proven dependable and a good unit for my needs, FWIW.  In fact, it is better in certain aspects than name band machine options.  At the time I bought it in 2007 it was a completely unproven machine and brand, but since then has proven itself to be highly useful and reliable. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by joedirt1966If you purchase from the first seller/link you are agreeing to the following fine print:I, for myself, my heirs, personal representative or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue CEFTech, Inc., itsofficers, employees, and agents from liability from any and all claims, resulting in personal injury, accidents, or illnesses (including death) and property loss arising from, but not limited to, the use of the plasma cutter machine that I am purchasing. I have read the previous paragraph and I know, understand, and appreciate these and other potential risks associated with using the plasma cutter. Indemnification and Hold Harmless: I also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD CEFTech, Inc., HARMLESS from any and all claims, actions, suits,procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees brought as a result of my use of the plasma cutter and to reimburse themfor any such expenses incurred. Severability: I further expressly agree that the foregoing waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. Acknowledgment of Understanding: I have read this waiver of liability and indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I acknowledge that I accepting the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by purchasing this plasma cutter through eBay to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.
Reply:jump on craigslist....save up a few more bucks and upgrade. (http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/2115404231.html) A little advice...Whom ever you buyit from, should gladly test the unit for you.  Good luck-Graham-Mechanical EngineerAutosport Mechanic/Fabricator
Reply:Originally Posted by spiral-cut-beveljump on craigslist....save up a few more bucks and upgrade. (http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/2115404231.html) A little advice...Whom ever you buyit from, should gladly test the unit for you.  Good luck