Plasma Cutter Blues

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Hello Eh,I have been doing some window shopping for a plasma cutter.Looks like for what i need the thermal dynamics cutmaster 39 would be the cats meow.Now having said that i have been seeing an awful lot of Chinese/italian/whatever plasma cutters with claims of the same power ,etc for less than half of what the 39 is.Should i just shrug this off as you get what you pay for or are these "other" machines any good?????Ps Probably wont matter what you say about the other machines but at least ill have askedFelonLast edited by Felonyass Monk; 09-16-2009 at 04:16 PM.Caution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:After exploring this exact issue over a year ago I bought a Hypertherm ProMax 30 and have no regrets.  Haven't looked back.  Like most anything else, if you want reliable quality performance then buy from the best companies.  Don't pinch nickles to save a buck because you will lose out in the end.But once you have settled on the make and model that best suits your needs, time invested in price shopping for that exact make and model will pay you back right up front when you seal the deal and pull out your wallet.- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:I’m also in the market for a plasma cutter and was looking at the Everlast.  Made an offer on Ebay and they  didn’t  have the courtesy to interact with me as a possible customer and  decline my offer.  Just let it expire while I waited for a response.  Since pre-sales support may be an indicator of post-sales support, I will buy a TA from my LWS.
Reply:I look at a plasma just like I do any other welding equipment.   Would I run a cheap chinese mig or feeder or engine drive on my welding truck?  Heck no!   I want the best equipment I can afford that will be reliable and last for years and if I have a problem with it my local shop can take care of me with parts or service right away so I can get back to making money.  Why should I look at a plasma cutter any differently than the rest of my tools?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by GuardrailI’m also in the market for a plasma cutter and was looking at the Everlast.  Made an offer on Ebay and they  didn’t  have the courtesy to interact with me as a possible customer and  decline my offer.  Just let it expire while I waited for a response.  Since pre-sales support may be an indicator of post-sales support, I will buy a TA from my LWS.
Reply:I'm a firm believer in buying quality... and you usually pay a premium for that.  IMO, if you're looking to save some money, you'd be better of buying a used, quality, name-brand machine rather than a new Chinese machine.  No offense intended to anyone, that's just my preference.  And I don't have anything against Chinese folks... I'm married to one. Work HARDER, not smarter! ------------------------ Miller Bobcat 250Millermatic 251Lincoln Precision TIG 185Hypertherm PM 600Hobart 135 HandlerOxweld 400 FlameMaster
Reply:While I believe...especially in todays economic situation....That we should try to support the local economy through buying goods that are produced here, there certainly is a market for products, often imported, that are designed and built with less frills, less safety features, and likely less after sale support.....but have an extremely low price. In my younger days I had the ambition and the urge to want to cut and weld metal, however I simply could not afford the best equipment and barely could afford the cost of imported tools. Eventually I spent money at Harbor Freight and other sources which allowed me to do most of what I wanted to do in regards to metal fabricating.......and as I got older and my ability to afford bigger and better equipment improved, then the low cost stuff was upgraded and replaced.There is a difference in performance, reliability, parts and service availability...especially when considered over time. Most 15 or 20 year old major US built products still have parts and sevice available for them....I cannot say the same for imported low cost equipment that was bought even 7 or 8 years ago. But....the low cost equipment got me started!All that being said...there are some great deals right now on Craigslist for plasma cutting equipment.....you can buy slightly used major brand plasma cutters for similar prices as new imported machines...Also....before you lock on that Custmaster39.....take a good look at the Hypertherm Powermax30. Pricing is similar, the Hypertherm will cut side by side with the 39 (I think the Hypertherm has a power edge on thick material), the consumable life in the Powermax30 is far superior.....and the entire Hypertherm system is made in Hanover NH USA.......the 39's torch (last time I looked) was made in Mexico.Jim
Reply:I agree that low budget welders and cutters do have their place. Folks just starting in welding, folks on a budget, or folks that do not plan to use them for heavy use such as hobby or occasional use. But for the guy that plans daily use, pushing their equipment to its limits or the guy that has to rely on that equipment for a living they need a  reliable unit. A unit that has frequent breakdowns,  or constantly has downtime due to short consumable life ends up in thhat unit costing more over the lifecycle of that equipment. Saving your money and waiting for the right equipment is in your best interest. Good used equipment is out there on places like Craigslist or even EBay. If thinking of buying new do your research online and finds  a seller with not only the best price but has excellent support.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:I was looking for a plasma cutter but I could not afford the higher end models. I am by far an expert at metal fabing, or welding. I am just learning and after slamming my hand with the drill trying to drill a hole in 1/8in plate I ordered a Semadre plasma from ebay. The plasma is a 50amp unit and for what I do its awesome. Ive had it since May and have no issues. It stated that it would cut up to 5/8 plate but it wont, it does great on 3/8. For the money which was $405.00 to the door it not a bad deal. I don't know how long it will last but I'll use it till it dies. And hopefully by then I can afford the higher end models. The consumables are easy to find online and very inexpensive. If you don't have the funds to afford the high end models why not try out the Semadre. If in a year it breaks well your out $405.00. I'm sure we all have pissed on $405.00 before. laterOrlie
Reply:Current Airgas sale flyer:Hypertherm Powermax 30 -------------$1139Miller Spectrum 375 Extreme ---------$1348Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 39 ----$1089Last edited by MX727; 09-17-2009 at 04:09 PM.
Reply:Then......you need to compare how much it costs after buying consumables for it for a year....I suspect the Hypertherm would now be the least expensive!Jim
Reply:Powermax 30 for under a grand here:http://store01.prostores.com/servlet...ore/StoreFront(No affiliation, I was just surfing the 'net and came across it)The soldering toys pay for the welding toys.Hakko 928 dual iron, 4xHakko 936Madell 850D Hot Air SMT ReworkMiller 252, HTP Invertig 201 AC/DC, and a Hypertherm 45.
Reply:Originally Posted by Leadhead1911I'm a firm believer in buying quality... and you usually pay a premium for that.  IMO, if you're looking to save some money, you'd be better of buying a used, quality, name-brand machine rather than a new Chinese machine.
Reply:Quality only hurts once.Cheap hurts every time you use it.It took a long time for me to find that out, but, I have learned my lesson.
Reply:You should check out Longevity welders, plasma cutters.   YES they are Chinese equipment but Longevity has a 30 day money back guarantee and a 5 year warantee on parts.   The service that I have received has beem excellent!!    You can even make them an offer on equipment.   I do NOT work for them, just have had great experences with them.     I bought a 160P which is a welder, TIG, Plasma cutter, I was having troubble with the plasma cutter.   They replaced the machine, as it turned out the problem was the operator, me!   I had never used a plasma cutter before and needed to learn what I was doing.   Longevity recently came out with a new unit with more power and features, I traded my 160P for the new 200PI.   I loved the 160P and was sorry to see it go, but the 200PI is a better machine.keith The older the boys, the more expensive the TOYS!!Previous owned;Linde 300 Amp welderMiller Gas drv welder, Tumbstone,Dayton Miller ac to dc converter,High frequency unitLongevity LS60PCurrrently owned;Longevity WeldAll 200PI
Reply:KHK,If the 160 was so freaking outstanding, why did you trade it in on a new machne?Why do you still list a 160 in your signature?If you're NOT affiliated with NOLONGIVITY, why do you blow their horn at every turn?Why do you feel it necessary to highlight your NOLONGIVITY welder in your signature?If you're NOT a plant for them, you sure come across as one.If anyone wants to check out your profile, they'll find little of any substance.  Other than trying to be the ambassador for Welding Web and waving your NOLONGIVITY billboard (signature) in front of all the new guys, you provide little of substance.  You profess to be a "retired electrical engineer" yet spell like a HS dropout.  You claim to have welded for 40+ years, yet post pictures of a "welding machine cart" that is a true abomination.  Something that any two day welder could design/fabricate better.  Frankly, I'd be embarrassed to be associated with that thing.  (I really liked the disappearing wheels on that cart though)I've owned/used Miller welding equipment for the last 40+ years and although it's always been reliable, did what it was supposed to do, and the company support is great, I don't find it necessary to constantly "Blow their horn".  Their equipment does that for them.If you're not a "PLANT" for NOLONGIVITY, then you've done a good job of fooling me.Frankly, I wish you'd take your constant "PRODUCT ENDORSEMENTS" to another board.  I'm getting sick and tired of having your signature waved in my face.  I don't like either of the two importers who hack their wares here, not because they sell a Chinese product, but because of the way I've seen them do business in the past.If anyone wishes to question the harshness of this post, I'd ask that they go back and check KHK's profile/previous postings.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 OrlieI was looking for a plasma cutter but I could not afford the higher end models. I am by far an expert at metal fabing, or welding. I am just learning and after slamming my hand with the drill trying to drill a hole in 1/8in plate I ordered a Semadre plasma from ebay. The plasma is a 50amp unit and for what I do its awesome. Ive had it since May and have no issues. It stated that it would cut up to 5/8 plate but it wont, it does great on 3/8. For the money which was $405.00 to the door it not a bad deal. I don't know how long it will last but I'll use it till it dies. And hopefully by then I can afford the higher end models. The consumables are easy to find online and very inexpensive. If you don't have the funds to afford the high end models why not try out the Semadre. If in a year it breaks well your out $405.00. I'm sure we all have pissed on $405.00 before. laterOrlie
Reply:Originally Posted by KHKYou should check out Longevity welders, plasma cutters.   YES they are Chinese equipment but Longevity has a 30 day money back guarantee and a 5 year warantee on parts.   The service that I have received has beem excellent!!    You can even make them an offer on equipment.   I do NOT work for them, just have had great experences with them.     I bought a 160P which is a welder, TIG, Plasma cutter, I was having troubble with the plasma cutter.   They replaced the machine, as it turned out the problem was the operator, me!   I had never used a plasma cutter before and needed to learn what I was doing.   Longevity recently came out with a new unit with more power and features, I traded my 160P for the new 200PI.   I loved the 160P and was sorry to see it go, but the 200PI is a better machine.
Reply:Charlie,LMAO.Good assessment.I guess I wouldn't have so much problem with Neverlast and Nolongivity if they advertised their equipment for what it really is; "Disposable welding and plasma cutting equipment".Anybody want to give odds on either of these two companies being around to "stand behind their 5 year warranty".Just for "sheets and giggles", the other day I read the "warranty" for one of the Chinese machines.  I wonder if any of these experts read the fine print.  The part which says that after 30 days, the shipping (to and from) is the responsibility of the buyer.Personally, I'd rather just drop off my welder at the LWS and get it back in a few days.  After owning Miller Syncrowaves for over 25 years, I can honestly say I've never paid one red cent to have one "shipped back to the factory".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:The part i dont understand is this line in his signature....The older the boys, the more expensive the TOYS!!It would seem in his case that......The older the boys, the more cheaper the TOYS!!
Reply:Most of us agree that Chinese stuff is carp and we don't want it.  However, do we really need to derate Kieth because he likes it?   It's a free country, let him like what he likes.  I don't want that stuff and wouldn't be happy with it, but it doesn't bother me if he uses it and is happy with it.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Seriously if you want to use it a couple of times a year, buy chinese. Anything else buy quality.
Reply:Thanks for the input,i went with the thermal dynamic because my lws gave me an unbeatable price.FelonCaution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:Congrats!  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op