Plasma buying guide

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I will admit that I know nothing about plasma cutters except for how they work, and that I want one really bad.  Can you guys point me in the direction of a plasma cutter buying guide?  How many amps do I need, what is involved with the consumables, how much air do I need, what about all the terminology involved?  I don't even know how to shop around because I don't know what I am looking at.My use for one will be for maintenance welding, and fabrication.  Might cut up to 1/2".  I don't really see myself needing to cut thicker than that.Feel ffree to add your own suggestions.  Not about brands specifically, but more like "you will need at least xxx amps".  Stuff like that.When I narrow it down to about 3 models, I will post it and let you help me decide.
Reply:60 A.   You'll be able to gnaw a little over an inch with that on about anybodies machine.   It would stand up to regular 3/4 inch cuts and probably would be a great piercer up to 5/8 inch with little problems.   Piercing is what a plasma should be rated on because if you have to cut a hole or relief in something, you don't have the luxury of starting on the end of the plate and working in.  You have to plunge straight down.  The machine has to be able to do that without issue for the thickness you need.Now,  you see I have only a 30,   but .5 inch the most I use it for.  It will see regular 3/8 material.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:I have a 50A Chinese unit Called Giant Teck and I have beat the heck out of it it, it will do 3/4 ok and 1/2 just fine. Building a 16x7 foot trailer with a 1/8 inch steal bed did all the cutting with it and hasn't missed a beat. You can buy then on Ebay and the guy that sells them is on here. Check them outBRANDONLast edited by brandon113; 06-24-2009 at 01:01 AM.Lincoln Tombstone 225 A/C Steel StickerOld Victor O2/Acetylene setupMiller Syncrowave 250 Tig/PC-300 PulserMiller Millermatic 212 Mig HTP Invertatig 201 Giant Teck D50 Plasma cutterLots of HF grinders
Reply:Originally Posted by brandon113I have a 50A Chinese unit and I have beat the heck out of it it it will do 3/4 ok and 1/2 just fine. Building a 16x7 foot trailer with a 1/8 inch steal bed did all the cutting with it and hasn't missed a beat.
Reply:The Hypertherm website has great info on all of their hand plasma systems.....of course it is all Hyertherm but you can kind of use it for a power/thickness guide. All of the Hypertherm systems will cut thicker than they are rated for......it is best to test drive plasma systems before you buy! Hypertherm are not the least expensive to buy.....but are the least expensive to use as the consumable life is second to none.Link to Hypertherms manual systems:http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Product...Manual_Plasma/Jim Colt
Reply:Originally Posted by JC'sWeldingFeel ffree to add your own suggestions.  Not about brands specifically, but more like "you will need at least xxx amps".  Stuff like that.When I narrow it down to about 3 models, I will post it and let you help me decide.
Reply:Well of course I plan on researching myself.  But I really don't know much about them at all.
Reply:Originally Posted by JC'sWeldingI will admit that I know nothing about plasma cutters except for how they work, and that I want one really bad.  Can you guys point me in the direction of a plasma cutter buying guide?  How many amps do I need, what is involved with the consumables, how much air do I need, what about all the terminology involved?  I don't even know how to shop around because I don't know what I am looking at.My use for one will be for maintenance welding, and fabrication.  Might cut up to 1/2".  I don't really see myself needing to cut thicker than that.Feel ffree to add your own suggestions.  Not about brands specifically, but more like "you will need at least xxx amps".  Stuff like that.When I narrow it down to about 3 models, I will post it and let you help me decide.
Reply:http://www.thefabricator.com/Buyers-...rc-Cutting.cfm  Do not know how current this listing is, but the headers on the table are good parameters for comparing manufacturer's current models.Last edited by Teddco; 06-25-2009 at 07:47 PM.TeddCoHTP Microcut 400 & Invertig 160DC  Smith Dual Guard MD-510 OA Rig  Lincoln SP135+  Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160
Reply:Originally Posted by Teddcohttp://www.thefabricator.com/Buyers-...rc-Cutting.cfm  Do not know how current this listing is, but the headers on the table are good parameters for comparing manufacturer's current models.
Reply:Some energy input (e.g, a HF discharge) is required to start the plasma arc. Go to http://www.plasma-cutter.com/technical.htm   This link discusses pilot arc and HF arc starting.  I've used cutters with either starting method (HTP and ESAB) and didn't notice any difference.  I've heard that some models have difficulty maintaining the arc when cutting expanded metal mesh or grating with gaps.  Make sure whatever you buy will keep the arc going over the gaps.TeddCoHTP Microcut 400 & Invertig 160DC  Smith Dual Guard MD-510 OA Rig  Lincoln SP135+  Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160
Reply:thermal dynamics, hypertherm, miller,hobart or lincoln. they all make good units. 50-60 amps will do 1/2 easy.  I have a thermal dynamics 100(80 amps) works great on 3/4 and under.james