confused but trying

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retired a year ago - bought a welding machine - finished first project - and now want new toys.........have been looking at plasma cutters as my oxy cuts are not pretty.  am totally confused by all the brands, prices, etc., need machine to cut 5/16 mild steel but don't want to sell the farm to buy one.  need some experienced advice......first message on forum so excuse if don't work............God Bless
Reply:Blue - Welcome to Weldingweb. Yes, the Plasma market can bring you to a frenzy. In my opinion it is better to spend a little more and get a decent product. Although the units sold on eBay are decent units, if you don't receive one that is DOA, they are lower priced than HTP, Hobart, Lincoln and Miller. I was actually going to purchase one but reading all the negativity regarding DOA units and bad customer service turned me off. I decided to fork up more cash and went with a very nice used Miller Spectrum 625. It was WELL worth the extra money! If you don't want to spend the money, looked for a used unit as I have done. If you're still not excited with the used price of a Hobart, Lincoln or Miller, give Giant Guy a shout on here. He is the only person selling the foreign made plasma that gives a hoot about his customers.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Welcome Blue.As Microzone stated above, I think looking for a good used brand name or maybe a special on a new one would be a lot better. After a lot of research when I was looking for one I found that Hypotherm and Thermodynamics are the two best plasma cutters out there. Miller also make a good machine but I havn't heard anything great about the lincoln. I ended up buying a new Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38 which cuts up to 3/16 quality cut and up the 5/8 max. This machine has been worth every cent and works beautiful. I picked the Thermo over the Hypotherm and the consumables were half the price. Hope this helps. Check out this previous posthttp://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=6815Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:I got a Thermodynamics Cutmaster38 also. If I could go back in time and make the decision of which plasma cutter to buy again, I think I would go with the Thermodynamics Cutmaster38. Of course the Miller and Hypertherm units are great machines too, but I think TD has 'em beat in a few little areas. Consumable pricing and longevity being one area.Miller EconotigCutmaster 38Yes ma'am, that IS a screwdriver in my pocket!
Reply:thanks guys....will look at the 38....think i will enjoy the forum..........