Longevity plasma cutter

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Well just orderd a 50 amp longevity  plasma cutter  today.Cant wait to get it here and hook it up I never have used one before .Any one have any advice ?
Reply:Don't lose your warranty card.Rex
Reply:I read good reviews on them .Have you had trouble with them?
Reply:I have had good luck with Longevity products, they have an exceptionally good warranty so nothing to worry about.  On one unit I had a problem and they fixed it immediately with no questions so I'm pretty happy with the two units I have had from them.  Any unit can have a problem, it's the service that counts.  I had a real headache with a miller dynasty but it eventually got fixed but it was a major warranty hassle.  Biggest problem with some of the import welders is not as good of manuals and support as miller/lincoln; so if you know what you are doing there's no problem.  Enjoy your new unit, I'm sure you will be pleased.jbman45Century 230A AC/DCLongevity 200 Multifunction MofsetLongevity 200PI Multifunction IGBTVictor Oxy/Weld&Cut5HP 2 stage compressorTractor; tools and 40  years of collecting fine tools.
Reply:jbman's got the right idea.Buy two of them so that way you have about a 50/50 chance that one will be working.Hope you've got a door that needs holding open a couple years down the road when you can't get parts for that Chinese POS.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by jbman45Biggest problem with some of the import welders is not as good of manuals and support as miller/lincoln; so if you know what you are doing there's no problem.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIHope you've got a door that needs holding open a couple years down the road when you can't get parts for that Chinese POS.
Reply:Well that WAS 15 yrs ago after all.30 yrs ago we used to laugh at toyota cars, "corroded boners".
Reply:jonesg,Well, I've got a 1977 Miller Dialarc 250 AC/DC in the shop.  Only thing I've ever replaced is a couple power switches, amp control reostat, and a couple plug receptacles and you know what.  Parts ARE STILL available from Miller for that machine.I don't buy welders/plasma cutters expecting a 3 year life expectancy.  I buy for the long term.  The question is whether these "importers" are going to be around three years from now to support/stand behind the junk they're hawking.  I'd bet that if they had a "bad run" of machines, they'd disappear faster than you can hit the esc key on your keyboard.These importers don't "design" the machines, they don't spec the parts, they don't control the manufacturing and they sure don't control the quality control.  What they do do, is shop Chinese manufacturers to see who can build them at the "cheapest" price possible.They "prey" on the new guys to welding, because the older welders know the difference and won't fall for their "bogus" advertising.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by jonesgWell that WAS 15 yrs ago after all.30 yrs ago we used to laugh at toyota cars, "corroded boners".
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI'm not saying there is no place for these machines, but I agree with SundownIII  that many of these machines are marketed to new welders who don't think about what will happen when it breaks. Then they get pi$$ed because they get told the truth. Toss it and buy a new machine, you can't get parts.
Reply:Bingo,You made my point precisely.These importers are targeting precisely the guys who CAN'T afford to throw the machine away when it stops working.I've owned three (3) Miller Syncrowave 250's over the last 25 years.  Both machines that I sold were still working fine, I just wanted to upgrade to some of the newer bells and whistles (digital readouts, pulse, internal coolers, etc).  Based on what the machines cost me originally, what I spent in maintenance (minimal) and what I sold (resale value) the machines for, having a Sync 250 in the shop cost me, on average, just under $100/yr.  How's that compare with a $1000 machine that lasts 3 years.  You ever check the resale value on a used chinese machine (good luck).The Sync was just an example (where I kept data).  I've had similar results with Miller stick and wirefeed machines over the same time period.  Can't say too much for some of the ox/ace equipment I bought back then cause I still have it.  Don't know what it would sell for now, but I know it still works fine.I guess I am different than you.  I grew up working construction (residential/light commercial) with a bunch of oldtimers who treated their tools like an old friend.  Believed in the expression, "take care of your tools, and your tools take care of you".  They bought the best tools available and used them for a lifetime.I still have/use handtools I bought when I was 13 years old.  I can definitely tell a quality tool when I pick it up, and I produce better results with it.  Quality tools are a source of pride for any craftsman.  I came from a different generation I guess.  I really don't understand this disposable mentality.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIII guess I am different than you.  I grew up working construction (residential/light commercial) with a bunch of oldtimers who treated their tools like an old friend.
Reply:Your last post makes a lot of sense Sundown. It's hard to argue with the tried and true when you make your living at it. Conversely, a new guy just starting out probably can't afford to replace a machine that does not suit his needs for whatever reason. So he/ she needs to consider this stuff, and try to buy smart.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Originally Posted by dstevensIndeed.  But how many of them wouldn't have bought anything or that would have bought brand name only to find out that welding isn't easy and takes practice to be good at it.  I'd bet a lot of these machines, even the ones that arrive working and keep working find the corner of the garage due to unrealistic expectations. Using a quality tool does make it more satisfying for me but there are some instances that I go the local HF and get something knowing full well it's a crap shoot or that I'll wear it out in short order.  But then those are usually limited to below 100 bucks and I'm not willing to gamble a grand on the unknown.
Reply:Rojo,That's the point I've been trying to make the whole time.  Today's buyer (particularly the newbie) needs to "buy smart".Unfortunately, so many of these guys believe the "machine makes the welder".  That they can't learn a process (tig) if they don't have a machine with AC, variable frequency, balance, pre/post flow, etc, etc.To get a machine that meets their "requirements", and they can afford they resort to the importers.  Many of these machines find a home in the corner of the garage after the user finds out that they aren't willing to commit the time effort to learning the process.  That and the fact that there's no resale market for them.Had this same newbie bought say a Diversion, or even a used Sync 200 and found that the process wasn't for them, they could sell that machine for probably .80 cents on the dollar for what they paid.  Who's ahead of the game.Plasma cutters.  You don't even want to get me started there.  I formed metal (steel and aluminum) for thirty plus years before I bought my first plasma cutter.  Now every guy out there with a 140A mig "thinks" he NEEDS a plasma.  If you don't think you'll use it enough to justify buying a quality machine, then you probably don't need one to begin with.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Not wishing to flame anything,  I am going to make a couple....well maybe more...  quick points...When the horse was supplanted by the car, many people said that those other people didn't have much sense...that THEY got along fine for many years with either a horse or a mule.  That kind of thinking has proven time and again stagnant and wrong.  Sure we can still get by with horses.   People back then said these people were throwing their money away.  A person has a right to buy anything they want, try anything they want, and do it the way they think it best...They are not obligated to conform to anyone's opinion, bias or bigotry.   Though many may succomb or endure the ridicule and bullying of another making fun of them and their way of doing things, they have a perfect right not to.  Stagnant thinking saying, this shouldn't be done, or this can't be done this way is NOT an avenue to success.  This board is for all people to come here. The snotty faced chip-on-their-shoulders arrogant bullies that post deriding comments about newcomers and their plans, and intentions, without so much as initiating their own threads with serious and helpful information, such as how-to weld or issues regarding codes, only to jump into threads to ridicule really detract from the value and credibility of the forum.The fact that the guy has never used one before has NO bearing on whether or not he should have bought one.  Many other factors do, but the fact he does not have one or hasn't used one really is a side issue.  That is why he came here.With that said,  A 50 amp plasma is quite economical and convenient  to use, and allows a person with confined areas to not have to worry about room for O/A cylinders.  Many people already have a compressor, so something the size of a large shoe box is not hard to add in.  Of course, there are limitations, such as not being able to use a plasma for preheating, but that may not be his need.The importers are broad ranging in their structure and factories. This is true. But I can assure you that the company I work with does not consider price as a factor.  We look for a company with a quality rep, international certification ability, and technical advancements.   In fact, our cost our machines is much higher that other companies for this reason.  We actually deal with factories that are the same factories that some other "name" brands use.  We spec the machines individually to suit our market.  Right now we are testing multiple units in real world applications that are actually MORE advanced than what is on the market from the big boys. We have an electronics engineer on staff that is fully qualified and capable to build his own welders should he choose to.  The units are stripped down, looked at and evaluated before hand at multiple levels. Some companies may not do that.  I cannot speak for them....Nor should anyone try to brushstroke all companies importing from China or any other country that way...Particularly when the person has no experience with the products in question leading to a qualification to do so.Hondaman,  I will offer you real advice.  Sorry, you did not ask if you should have bought it or not. You asked for advice on operation.  So here it is:Make sure you have a compressor with at least 4 cfm for that small cut 50.  That will be okay for medium use.  Even though it probably has an air dryer,  buy a dessicant style air dryer and add it inline at the tank. Or at least install another air dryer/water trap at the compressor.   Spend 10-20 dollars to put in a new clean air hose so that the water will not be built up inside.  Dry air is key to electrode life. Many people complain that the consumables on some of the import plasma cutters do not last....It has been my experience that MOST of these customers calling do not use a good air dryer, and some times they have never drained their tank.   When all these variables are corrected, they report that it is night and day difference.  Also, keep in mind, that piercing capacity is not the same as the cutting capacity.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:So glad I'm not a welder by trade, I'm in a different line of work and I stay away from websites in my own skill because its frustrating.I have all the same complaints about non commercial equipment in my line but I've learned my own opinions, unsolicited, are worthless at best because they only describe my own perspective and don't apply to hobby people.Personally I'd be damn stupid to go out and buy the same equipment I own from US mfgers, I'd be out 10 grand, for a hobby? Its not how much money a person has, its the value they place on it. Miller might be better value from a professionals perspective but I'm not a pro welder and I have a different perspective.My dealings with Chinese (I married one too) teach me that they have an inherent fear of over-pricing their products, they actually fear putting the extra quality in because they think people aren't willing to pay for it. But they're learning fast.They are very smart people and perfectly capable,The new breed of machines from China , from the mfgers who listen to their US counterparts, have definately upped their game.I notice the longevity machine has a 5 yr warranty, thats not bad at all.Funny thing, I looked at the harbour freight plasma cutter today, over $600.!I thought it was supposed be all chinese junk?
Reply:The reason Longevity added the warranty they did was because if they didn't they probably would have entered the business death spiral.  I've been lurking for almost two years, only posting recently.  A year ago they were having massive issues and over the last year things have gotten better.  When that was happening the manner in which they dealt with it in my opinion was unsatisfactory and unprofessional.  I agree with the pros that the best way to go about it is to get as good equipment you can afford and get some training.  But not everyone is going to do that.  Lower cost welders for hobbyists I think is a good market to capture but it needs to be with companies that can support proper R&D, QC and service.  A good example I think is the new Thermal Arc 95S DC TIG/Stick and I hear that a new 40 amp cutter from them for a list price of $750.  Offshored but sold and supported by a known entity. One thing I think tanks the credibility of some of the importers are the exaggerated comparisons to the name brands.  Do you really think your $350 cutter using 10 year old torch technology and low budget power source is as good as the leading brands?  How many engineers do you have on staff designing new product?  How many patents does your company or the engineers have for welding or cutting technology?  QC is more than someone running a welder for 20-30 mins or opening the box and inspecting it.  TQM, Six Sigma and ISO 9001 are just a few of the methodologies.  If you ran those failure mode tests you wouldn't have to open each box and run the machine from the contractor.  And you would have caught that crappy batch of FETs last year prior to shipping.  You guys are selling machines you have next to or zero input on major design issues.  Otherwise you wouldn't be zip tying controllers to torches and using dated technologies in the power sources.  The best pitch I've seen is the company that says they are hobbyist welders that sell hobbyist equipment to hobbyiest welders.  If I were in the market for that level gear I'd look at them. Meanwhile another importer posts pics of a new facility where the QC area is some kid doing test cuts and inventory is basically piled in a warehouse helter skelter.  Have any of you been to any of the majors?  I've been to Lincoln and it looks nothing like the pics posted by that importer.I'm not against low cost or imported welders, per se.  But keep the hype to a minimum.  You do a lot more damage to your brand by overstating the capabilities and under delivering on the results.
Reply:Dstevens,You nailed it right on the head.....the differences between good quality major brand equipment and the extreme low cost imports. TQM, Six Sigma and ISO9001 certification are just a few things that help a companies products rise to the top. It really is not difficult to design a plasma or welding power supply.....however building one that suits a wide range of customer needs while also operating in harsh environments with little or no maintenance......can prove to be difficult. Plasma torches....and the consumables and processess are quite a bit more complicated to design to provide good cut quality, low operating cost, and to live life as the "hammer" end of the machine takes some serious engineering. Copying someone else's design without understanding it fully...just does not make it in the world of high temperature physics! Passing a 25,000 F arc through a small orifice in a copper nozzle.....which melts at about 1400 F.....still is pretty amazing to me after all these years.There is, in my opinion, a good sized market for extremely low cost equipment.....but one of the risks is with damaging the perception of the capability of a process in a new operators mind. I read so many postings on this and other sites....that think all plasma systems produce bad edge angles, produce extreme hardened edges, produce dross, and eat consumables like candy (based on their use of poorly designed systems...or copies of outdated technology) that they may be unwilling to look at this type of equipment in the future...I guess it could be called process stereotyping! As I have stated often in the past.....if you are in New Hampshire.....contact me, I'll arrange a tour of the Hypertherm facilities where all of our plasma systems from 12 to 1000 Amps are manufactured.....you will see state of the art engineering, research and development, and reliability labs, along with a manufacturing facility that has been compared to the best work that Toyota (and other world class manufacturers) can do. We have never laid off a single employee, and the employees own the company.Excellent products at an excellent value can be designed and manufactured here!Jim
Reply:The OP asked for advice on the use not on buying one. He has already ordered one so all this about which tools to buy might be good advice and the advice SundownIII posted is right on the mark for the most part buy the best you can even if you have to put off said purchase for a while to save the money. At the same time I understand not having the money or not wanting to spend a lot on a tool for a process that your unsure of or will only use occasionally. Again I refer to SundownIIIs post, the resale value will be much better. But instead of ignoring the OP why don't we try to help them out. This is a problem I see on this and other forums. These newbies might be the ones we sell our used equipment to down the road so lets not chase them away. To the OP if you haven't used a plasma before spend a little time reading the downloadable manuals for the name brand equipment because for the most part it will be better than what you get with the importers. Also spend a little time at the name brand manufacturers websites reading. These machines may be different but the process is basically the same. Good luck.
Reply:You are right.....I just looked back at the original post...which I had neglected to do. I guess the best thing is to power it up according to the manufacturers specs, connect it to a clean air source, at the specs listed in the manual, and practice cutting metal.The keys to making the low cost imports work as well as they can:1. Pierce with a standoff so the blowback does not damage the nozzle orifice. Edge start if possible.2. Practice cutting with a standoff of about 1/8".....if you drag cut with these units you will notice a power loss......some of the current double arcs to the nozzle and splits off ffrom the main arc. With a standoff you can cut thicker and faster, and with longer nozzle life. (Most high end plasma's have shield technology that allows for plate drag cutting without a life disadvantage)3.Clean dry air.....this is needed for all air plasmas.....moisture will affect starting, nozzle life, and cut quality.4. If the unit is rated for multiple voltages.....such as 120 /240......most of the import units will operate better (thicker, faster) on the higher input voltage.5. Unplug the unit during periods of non use...for a couple of reasons. Most of the imports do not meet CSA or UL type safety requirements....they are safer unplugged when not being used. Line voltage spikes can cause power supply damage....many of the imports do not have much for input line sure suppression.....line voltage issues that can be caused by thunderstorms, windstorms, etc...are more likely to damage these units as compared to most of the higher priced units.Jim Colt
Reply:Ok I guess I should of put some of this in my post in the first place.I am mostly a self tought welder my welds may not be as pretty as yours but they hold I built a 16 foot trailer and it hauls my 6000# tractor.I have a clarke 130 welder had it for years never giving me any trouble I have a ac/dc stick and a torch, chopsaw ,carbide 71/4 metal cut skillsaw grinder all the normal metal working tools I am in the middle of building a 20 ton press I also have a 80 gal quincey compressor.The reason I bought a cheap plasma was to try it and see how much I would use it and to play with.I just wanted advice on how to use it I have some one that will show me but still wanted your guys advice.I know the name brand stuff is better but didnt have $1200 to spend to see if it fit my needs.It is just my hobby buy I am not a newbie not that there is anything wrong with being one.
Reply:Just remember.....while it will cut metal......it will not cut as fast, as thick, as easily, or as long on a set of consumables. other than that...it is just the same! Even though Hypertherm does not have units priced in the range of the imports....I think they are a necessary product. Without the low cost systems....many start-up users would not be able to buy them in the first place. It is however.....important to not use your experiences with this type of plasma as a baseline for the capabilities of all plasma systems in the future.Good luck with it....and I'll be here to help you along with it in any way I can.best regards, Jim
Reply:Hondaman I did a test of Longevity plasma cutter over a year ago. My advicemake sure your metal is clean any oil, grease or paint on the surface will affect the torch performancemake sure the area the grounding clamp is bare clean metal and that you have a good secure clap onto the metal. improper grounding will affect torch performance and strength of the plasma arcmake sure your torch consumables are clean and tighten down onto the torch head. Dirty or loose consumables will affect not only torch performance will will also shorten the life of those consumablesmake sure your air input into the plasma cutter is clean and dry. Most filters supplied with plasma cutters need to be emptied of moisture after each use. An additional air/water/oil filter combo is highly recommended.Co-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.All good posts, I agree with everyone, even though it looks contradictory, each person speaks from their own particular perspective and what is right for them and them alone.Now I need a lathe, looking for a nice American one, south bend etc.
Reply:Looking for a lathe try http://www.govliquidation.comI have bought alot of good cnc equipment from these folks that sell used Government equip. You best bet is to always go inspect before you buy. I bought  one milling machine a couple of years ago! The pictures looked great but when I showed up to buy it!! It had apparently been sitting outside for awhile uncovered. It was rusted had a wasp nest and electronics were all oxidized. Yeah I eventually got it up and working but took a few months of work and a bit more money than I thought it would.Co-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:My hypertherm 30 has been going since April and on the same nozzel and electrode!!!! and I cut roofing tin with paint on it daily and don"t even burn the paint....I changed it to see if it helped the cut on the thin stuff any better no smaller line so I changed em back...and do all drag cutting so I'm very impressed with the unit and couldn't imagine depriving myself of the best on the market...but oh ya clean air etc. etc. will prolong the short life of your consumables That's why I buy a 5 pak and haven't needed them...now the importers sell em by the bag or pound or whatnot I suppose well happy cutting couldn't help myself my 2 centsLincoln 225 Tombstone,Miller Big 20,Hobart 180,150' Argon,A/D hobart hood 22 Ton Log splitter,79 F350 dump eats 4.75 TONS and still turns cutters,grinders,And a  Hypertherm POWERMAX 30
Reply:Well got it in today got it hooked up it works great I have cut up to 5/8 with it.It is so much faster and cleaner than a torch.