Need help choosing a plasma cutter

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Hi all. I am looking at getting my first plasma cutter. I have used a few but I only have an oxy-acetylene setup. I don't cut too much so I'd say I'm a hobbyist. I'm looking to pay $1000(firm) max, out the door, including everything I need to get going, like an air dryer i.e. I keep coming back to the HF 62204 because of the 2 year extended replacement warranty. Any other suggestions or info would be very appreciated. Thanks.
Reply:Save some more money and buy a Hypertherm. I just sold my old Powermax 600 for $800, so maybe look on the used market. The HF stuff is just disappointment waiting to happen.
Reply:Good advice. I went through the same process and am SO glad I saved for the Hypertherm. If you're not cutting anything too heavy the powermax30 was recently improved. I would not go for the one with the built in compressor-just more to go wrong. I bought the PM45. A truly magnificent tool.
Reply:While I appreciate the responses, I'm definitely looking at machines under $1000. I may upgrade a couple years down the line if I get more into metal fab but what I would use it for now just doesn't justify a better machine. I also will very probably stay away from used cutters. I want a warranty/return option and while I have scored a few gems on craigslist but I have also ended up getting burned. Thanks.
Reply:Well I have a lotos ltp5000d pilot arc plasma that is well under the $1000 range like on the that $500 range .http://www.uwelding.com/50-Amp-Pilot...p/ltp5000d.htm Have cut up to 1/2 inch materials with it. Does a good job at cutting if you have a steady hand. It rated at 50 amps on 220 volts. Have had it now for 4 years. Have not had any problems with it in that time. Consumables are not to bad in price to me. Used a HF air dyer on it now that seems to help a lothttp://www.harborfreight.com/Industr...ck-to-top-link The newer ones have a nicer head on them that i would liked on mine. But for what I paid I'm happy with it. If today I need or wanted another one I would get the same one knowing what I know today. Just use the 220 volts for the best results on using it. It will work on 110 but I did not like the limited power.Last edited by tinker001; 05-18-2016 at 06:29 AM.Klutch 220si mig , stick, and dc tigHobart 140 AHP ALPHA 200X 2016Lotos LTP5000DSmith O/P
Reply:A high quality air drier system can easily cost hundreds of dollars, so you need to be realistic with regards to what you really want when it comes to an "air drier" 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:There are a few plasma cutters out there you need to look at all good for the money. Eastwood versa cut 40 or 60, 3 year warranty. Northern tool Klutch375, 3year warranty. Razorweld Razorcut 45, 3 year warranty. Harbor Freight 62204, 2 year warranty is a repair warranty NOT a replacement warranty.All you need is a good water separator/filter people go overboard on dryers.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:I suggest that you take care to first compare consumables prices, life and availability. And ESPECIALLY if the torch and power supply can tolerate drag cutting that many cannot, or do not tolerate it well or for long. Almost all now have pilot arc, but few can cut expanded metal well or designed to gouge well.I trust mechanic416's advice. I have purchased consumables from him in the past, and he is very up to date on the wide range of plasma cutters that most of us here might consider purchasing.
Reply:I'll probably get flamed for this, but I have had good luck with my Everlast SuperCut 50P.  I think I paid $500 delivered in 2012.  Are there things I don't like about it?  Yep.  Do I regret the purchase?  Nope.  For something I maybe use 5 hours a year, I think it has served me well.
Reply:Originally Posted by 97ZJI'll probably get flamed for this, but I have had good luck with my Everlast SuperCut 50P.  I think I paid $500 delivered in 2012.  Are there things I don't like about it?  Yep.  Do I regret the purchase?  Nope.  For something I maybe use 5 hours a year, I think it has served me well.
Reply:Under $1000, get the Cutmaster 42 $920, or step up to the hypertherm 30xp for $1200.
Reply:Which ever you get, the Motor Guard filter works really good for home use, had one on my Northern Tool plasma for 3 years now.Thermal Arc 210 - Tweco 211I - Cutmaster 52
Reply:When I had the HF plasma, I installed a refrigerated air dryer and Motor Guard filter and auto blow down on my compressor......With my Hypertherms the air dryer isn't needed because they have water separators built in, but I truly believe ALL compressors need an auto blow down on the tank.I now only need the dryer for auto paint type stuff.
Reply:The hf warranty is a repair warranty unless then cannot repair within 30 days, then they give you the newest unitSent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk