Northern Plasma Cutter

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I was looking at the Northern site and ran across this plasma cutter.  Does anyone have any info or experience with this plamsa cutter.  Like who actually makes it. and how well does it work.  http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...2923_200342923Thanks for any info.Bigmike
Reply:I got an answer back from northern on the Plasma cutter Here is what I found in case anyone else was curious Item 164610 (Northern Industrial 375 Plasma Cutter)  is made for Northern Tool + Equipment by Shanghai Hugong Electric.
Reply:Warrenty is good (do you have to send it over there) and the specs. are good and the price looks OK.  Give it a try.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:I would just get the Parker metal plasma, you can get them for $400 if you're a member of Pirate4x4, and they'll upgrade it for a couple more bucks and it will cut up to 5/8. I have one and although it doesn't compare to the Esab we use at the race shop, it's pretty impressive for the price.
Reply:Maxyedor,I may try one of the Parker metal ones.  I took a look at the site and it looks like it does a pretty good job, and should be good enough for what I need. Thanks Mike
Reply:I would do a google search on that Parker before buying it.   I found quite a few message threads of guys who were unhappy with it. Lots of dead units, hard to find consumables, and lots of break downs.   The low price may not be worth the agravation.FredlyFXhttp://fredlyfx.com
Reply:From what I've read while looking around, the 1st important aspect is the actual quality of the electronics in the unit. The boards and electronic QUALITY is where the inflated cost of better, higher end units come from. The 2nd important thing to look into is consumables. Yes, you can buy a 300 dollar plasma cutter that may do your job, but if its a "fly by night" operation, good luck finding replacement tips and the like.
Reply:I picked up a parker stick/tig/plasma combo 8 months ago and have had no issues. I took my consumables into the LWS and they had the parts there so It wasn't a problem.My experience with the unit has been nothing but great. My shop is not heated and it works just fine. I've put about 10lb of stick/ 25lb of tig and cut about 3.5 hrs worth with the plasma.My dealings with Phil Jr have been great.Now I have heard that some units sowed up DOA. Some of these were able to be fixed over the phone (plug came undone). Others Phil has taken back for repair/trade in.I'm not saying you should get one. I'm just relaying my experience.If you do decide to get a non big name unit. Do your homework. I had bought some consumables in advance to see if I could get them locally. I had read up on the company and how they deal with a customer. I got the warranty and return policy in writing prior to purchase.My Photos on Flickr
Reply:After  going back and forth with myself I decided to get the one from northern.  I will check it out and report back.   it should be here in 5 to 7 days. I am sure  Closer to 7 with Christmas next week. From what I can tell,  The Torch that is used with the unit is a Trafimet.
Reply:"After going back and forth with myself "  that'll make you go blind,or so i hear.
Reply:Well now that you mention it, at my last eye exam, the Dr did ask if I do anything that would affect my vision. hmmm
Reply:Sooo, Mike how does the northern 375 work? I was looking at them myself and am very interested in what you think.
Reply:Sunpowered,   I have sent 2 of them back.   The first one was having issues with the pilot arc so I sent it back.   the Second one would not even cut anything.  It just smoked  from the machine.  Never did make 1  arc with it.  It looked like it was one that someone else had already had in the past there was tape residue all over it  and most of the screws were loose.   after the second one they were going to over night a 3rd one but I decided to get a refund, I am going to save up and get a  Thermal Dynamics  cutmaster 52.
Reply:thanks for the info I too will continue to save for a name brand cutter, only I think I will look too a Miller as there is a service center close by me. Thanks Mike
Reply:You are welcome.   the LWS near me sells Thermal Dynamics  hypertherm and miller.  I also looked at the Miller machines,  From what I can tell,  For the money it looks like the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52  is about the best deal for me.