PLEASE PLEASE Need some help with my Plasma Cutter!

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Ok my Problem, I bought the worst plasma cutting in existence a while back and it's gone out so now I have surfed nearly every forum and every web site trying to find a solution, I have been severely chastised for purchasing this cutter in the first place by everyone now.  It's a Giant Cut 40D Plasma cutter.... I know, I know.  I didn't know any better when I got it, I got it because I do just smaller stuff, 4X4 Jeep auto, roll cages, bumpers, etc.  It's lighter stuff and I'm not running it for extended periods of time.  I figured it would work just fine for what I was doing.  I have tried to contact several repair shops about it and got nothing.  The company, oh man everywhere I look it's nothing but severely horrible bad reviews and you know what I believe every word of it.  I have tried to contact the company for what seems like forever.  They wont honor their warranty or repair agreement/promise.  It takes weeks for them to answer the phone and when they finally do I get ahold of them I get the run around or someone will contact you shortly which they never do.  They have even hung up on me, I tell them I have an issue with my plasma cutter and click.  The worst customer service and worst service period in the entire industry.  Does anyone know where I can send it to get it repaired that's reasonable or anything else that I can do?  I'd hate to spend something like 500 on it and it just go out in a week or two.  Also I don't want to throw it out and just buy a new one, I already have money invested in this machine. Thanks for any help or advice that anyone can provide. Prosit!
Reply:Is it doing anything at all? Power up? or is it completely dead?
Reply:Try George at www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comWeld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:What's that thing worth ? Maybe bite the bullet and buy a real one ?   You maybe money ahead and no worries . The answer,  Hypertherm
Reply:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hypertherm-P...item1c4cf1936aI suspect it will go for over/closer to $1000.  You'll be money ahead even at that price.http://www.ebay.com/itm/HYPERTHERM-P...78148902&rt=ncThere is no use trying to repair a bad design.  Every second you spend on the phone trying to repair that  hunk is another second of your life you will not get back.  If you added up the hours of frustration, you'd probably be far beyond that $500 budget.Buy the used Hypertherm, and if you don't like it, save the box and re-sell it on EPay.  You'll get all your money back.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by WestTexasWingShooterOk my Problem, I bought the worst plasma cutting in existence a while back and it's gone out so now I have surfed nearly every forum and every web site trying to find a solution, I have been severely chastised for purchasing this cutter in the first place by everyone now.  It's a Giant Cut 40D Plasma cutter.... I know, I know.  I didn't know any better when I got it, I got it because I do just smaller stuff, 4X4 Jeep auto, roll cages, bumpers, etc.  It's lighter stuff and I'm not running it for extended periods of time.  I figured it would work just fine for what I was doing.  I have tried to contact several repair shops about it and got nothing.  The company, oh man everywhere I look it's nothing but severely horrible bad reviews and you know what I believe every word of it.  I have tried to contact the company for what seems like forever.  They wont honor their warranty or repair agreement/promise.  It takes weeks for them to answer the phone and when they finally do I get ahold of them I get the run around or someone will contact you shortly which they never do.  They have even hung up on me, I tell them I have an issue with my plasma cutter and click.  The worst customer service and worst service period in the entire industry.  Does anyone know where I can send it to get it repaired that's reasonable or anything else that I can do?  I'd hate to spend something like 500 on it and it just go out in a week or two.  Also I don't want to throw it out and just buy a new one, I already have money invested in this machine. Thanks for any help or advice that anyone can provide. Prosit!
Reply:Just call it a lesson learned and march on to better toys and times.  30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:looks like these folks might be able to help you.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/PLASMA-CUTTE...item19bfadc718
Reply:Lesson 1. Everywhere you look, nothing but bad reviews and bad experiences.... Don't put any more money in it.Lesson 2. Every time you try to contact the importer, they blow you off and refuse to honor their warranty.... Don't put any more money in it.Lesson 3. Every reputable repair facility you have contacted doesn't wanna touch it... Don't put any more money in it.Lesson 4. Some people just never seem to learn their lessons........In AA, they tell you that the definition of insanity is repeating the same mistakes, but expecting different results. At this point, I really do not know how much more clear the answer can be. Sure, we have ALL made bad decisions with stuff like this at one point or another in our lives. The key to overcoming such problems is knowing when to admit you made a mistake, and make a better decision to avoid making it again.It's your money..... Thankfully.IMHO of courseExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Come and play with the big boys, it's only money !    Hypertherm
Reply:Also the Chinese won't provide any schematics, because 10 other Chinese factories will steal their shatty designs and copy their product.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Truthfully, if money was a binding concern, and someone insisted on buying new, even the Harbor Freight plasma cutter would be a better investment at this point. Buy the warranty and you're completely covered with a replacement. My impression of the bigger one is that it's a good unit for the money. If you buy the warranty, it's a straight up exchange. No questions, no games or BS. When it's on sale, it's around seven and change. My experience with store returns has always been favorable. No hassles, no BS. Just bring your receipt and get another one.I've been told by several ppl that HF's warranty exchange is pretty solid. No games or stupid stuff like some of the other importers. Just take it back to your nearest HF with the original receipt and get another one. I guess they used to repair them, but they just replace them now. I would buy one of those in a heartbeat before dropping another dollar into the broken one the OP has. Of course, I would rather advocate buying a used quality brand, but if it had to be new and money was tight, that's about as good as you're going to get for that class of machine in that price range.IMHO of courseExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Since you didn't know any better when purchasing this cutter chop it up as a lesson learned. Throw that piece of sheet as far as possible then go and buy something nice.
Reply:These guys need to be shut down.  I had no idea at the time these things were such junk!  They prey on honest hard working people who are getting into welding and fabrication and are new and unaware of the ins and outs of this industry.  And I got told again and again after the fact, man these guys and the company themselves are serious pieces of sheet!!!  Would love to have a one on one come to Jesus meeting with them.  I saw there was some sort of exchange program at one time with Longevity or Everlast, not sure who it was, it's been a long time since I saw it.  Does anyone know if something like that is still going on with any reputable REAL business?
Reply:Look at the Thermal arc cutmaster 42. Can be had at under $1k on sale...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Huh....it must have been the cheapest one on the market or he wouldn't have bought it, in which case it can be used as a boat anchor and serve a useful purpose.He shoulda oughta have asked for a hands on demo like I did with the Multiplaz 3500 before buying it.Ian.
Reply:Maybe you can grab this at a decent price: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hypertherm-P...E:B:SS:CA:3160
Reply:Originally Posted by WestTexasWingShooter Longevity or Everlast,?
Reply:Next time do your homework first, that is what google is for... Originally Posted by WestTexasWingShooterThese guys need to be shut down.  I had no idea at the time these things were such junk!  They prey on honest hard working people who are getting into welding and fabrication and are new and unaware of the ins and outs of this industry.  And I got told again and again after the fact, man these guys and the company themselves are serious pieces of sheet!!!  Would love to have a one on one come to Jesus meeting with them.  I saw there was some sort of exchange program at one time with Longevity or Everlast, not sure who it was, it's been a long time since I saw it.  Does anyone know if something like that is still going on with any reputable REAL business?
Reply:Man,I am sorry to hear about that. I am surprised that repair shops don't even want to get into it.My local hydraulic shop won't even work on china stuff. I guess that is one way of enforcing their displeasure with the cheap junk stuffs. Maybe that is why nobody wants to fix it. So maybe look for a shop that repairs chinese machines?Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11Man,I am sorry to hear about that. I am surprised that repair shops don't even want to get into it.My local hydraulic shop won't even work on china stuff. I guess that is one way of enforcing their displeasure with the cheap junk stuffs. Maybe that is why nobody wants to fix it. So maybe look for a shop that repairs chinese machines?
Reply:If there is no way to even get a simple diagram or repair parts. How can I repair it.So why would I want to charge you a check out fee when I have no chance of fixing it.
Reply:Most places dont want to touch it because by the time they get the parts if they can be found and put any amount of time into it you end up with an angry customer that says thats almost as much as it was new. At this point I would open it up and look for something simple ie a broken wire or something simple that you can fix.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:WestTexasWingShooterThe best result maybe to paint your shop door a complementary color to accent your 'door-stop.Opus
Reply:Have a buddies buddy that's selling his Hypertherm Powermax 380.  Don't have a price on it yet or know the total condition.  I assume the condition is probably descent, he takes care of his stuff.  But I still have to get by there and have a look and talk a little turkey with him on price.  What do y'all think about the Hypertherm 380?  What would be a reasonable price assuming it works without any problems or if I find any problems with it.  He apparently is selling it because he upgraded to a Newer Powermax 125.  How would the 380 do for me?  Again all I work on is lighter stuff, automotive, hobby, what I would consider light fabrication like making roll cages, roll bars, front and rear bumpers, double battery trays... The highest metal thickness I'd be looking at would be about 3/8 I'm thinking.  But the vast majority would probably be much lighter. Don't know much about these 380's.  Apparently they're the older models?  Any help would be greatly appreciated. Prosit!The Powermax380 was replaced in Hypertherm's product line by the Powermax30 (about 9 years ago), then the Powermax30 was replaced by the Powermax30XP (earlier this year.)The 380 power supply was built by Miller and private labeled for Hypertherm. It is a chopper (not an inverter) power supply, so expect it to be less efficient at converting AC from your panel into cutting power at the torch. The torch is a Hypertherm torch, but is unshielded and about a 12 year old design, again not as good or efficient as the latest torch designs.The output power is 27 amps at a relatively low load voltage rating of 91 volts.....so in killowatts, the true measure of cutting power this unit produces 2.4 kW, considerably less than the Powermax30 xp (inverter) output of 3.7 kW with essentially the same input AC power draw. Add this lower capacity to the older torch design and you get lower cut speeds and thinner cut ratings, as well as shorter consumable life.I rate the Powermax380 as a sheet metal cutter, it does a great job on thin gauge up through about 3/16". You can easily sever 1/4", and if you are patient, and running on 220 volts (the unit has a switch to select input voltages of either 120 or 220 volts, a bit more output kW on 220) you can sever 3/8" at a very low speed with a drossy cut.So...for doing most things automotive related, the Powermax380 is adequately sized. Cutting with the 380, then cutting the same things with the newer Powermax30 or 30 xp....there is a world of difference.A good used 380 in operating condition should sell for between $350 and $650. Often you can find Powermax30's (a better choice) used for $600 to $800. Probably won't find many used 30XP's for sale.Jim Colt  Hypertherm  Originally Posted by WestTexasWingShooterHave a buddies buddy that's selling his Hypertherm Powermax 380.  Don't have a price on it yet or know the total condition.  I assume the condition is probably descent, he takes care of his stuff.  But I still have to get by there and have a look and talk a little turkey with him on price.  What do y'all think about the Hypertherm 380?  What would be a reasonable price assuming it works without any problems or if I find any problems with it.  He apparently is selling it because he upgraded to a Newer Powermax 125.  How would the 380 do for me?  Again all I work on is lighter stuff, automotive, hobby, what I would consider light fabrication like making roll cages, roll bars, front and rear bumpers, double battery trays... The highest metal thickness I'd be looking at would be about 3/8 I'm thinking.  But the vast majority would probably be much lighter. Don't know much about these 380's.  Apparently they're the older models?  Any help would be greatly appreciated. Prosit!
Reply:Wingshooter, Jim is THE man when it comes to anything Hypertherm and most stuff on plasma cutting..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by puddytatHuh....it must have been the cheapest one on the market or he wouldn't have bought it, in which case it can be used as a boat anchor and serve a useful purpose.He shoulda oughta have asked for a hands on demo like I did with the Multiplaz 3500 before buying it.Ian.
Reply:This video is a great lesson on how not to do it, but check out this part where he tears down the machine and finds them using Galvanized current carriers to avoid a few cents worth of copper:https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...7VUfDZw4#t=154
Reply:Double check your ground. Even run a second one. I have had a marginal ground mess me up even on top of the line machines. A kinked or corroded wire will throw everything off.
Reply:I've rewired the ground several times, even including from inside the machine making sure that it is not the problem.  It's not. Thank you for the advice jimcolt.  I will take into consideration everything that you had pointed out.  I have yet to be able to go by and talk to him about what he wants to sell it for.  If the price is right, I'm thinking I might consider it.  Considering what I have planned to use it for I think it would be just fine.  If I was getting into heavier stuff, even if I was considering it then I'd defiantly go with a newer one or even a high power one.  But for what I'm going to be running it on it would probably work out, but again that's only if the price was right on the machine.... got to get by there and talk to him.   Prosit!
Reply:Originally Posted by ZizzleThis video is a great lesson on how not to do it, but check out this part where he tears down the machine and finds them using Galvanized current carriers to avoid a few cents worth of copper:https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...7VUfDZw4#t=154
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawAlibaba is now a publicly traded company on the US stick market too.  Had one of the largest IPO's in history too.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonAre they into boats to go along with the boat anchors??????????
Reply:You can check  Miller Spectrum 375X-TREME machine which is portable hence easy to carry around.It's very easy to find and customer service is rely wonderful. It is perfect for smaller jobs that don’t require too much cutting. It's accuracy cannot be matched with other machines.It delivers quality cuts with little time .It's consumables are readily available.Hence you don't waste a lot of time looking for them. Last edited by mike welder; 02-09-2015 at 07:08 AM.Reason: missing words.
Reply:The Blue one.....or perhaps a gray one? Portable hence easy to carry around.It's very easy to find and customer service is the best. It is perfect for field work with severance to 5/8". It's accuracy cannot be matched with other machines as it uses Finecut consumable technology as well as shield technology for the longest consumable life. It delivers quality cuts with little time .It's consumables are readily available. Hence you don't waste a lot of time looking for them. 120 or 240 volt, made in USA (yes, the torch as well!)Last edited by jimcolt; 02-09-2015 at 09:27 AM.