Miller Spectrum Thunder plasma cutter???

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A guy at work wants to get one for portable use. I think it is too small. Specs are 12 amps at a 35 % duty cycle. Rated to cut 3/16 (1/4) max. Any input on this?
Reply:I'd highly recommend the SPectrum 375 and using a separate air compressor.  Better efficiency on 240V, plus can still be used on 120V for portability.  A 2HP, 4-gal. 100% duty compressor can just keep up.3/8" rated cut, 5/8" sever, with 27 A max output.  I've severed 3/4" a few times, too.But plan ahead.  My Spectrum 375 is only on its second set of consumables and I'm putting it on the market to upgrade to a 2050.
Reply:I have a Thermal Dynamics Drag-Gun, basically the same specs as what you're asking about. It works great for auto bodywork and other light gauge uses. Believe the 3/16 rating, even 1/4 makes me have to move very slow, use the machine hard, and not end up with a real good cut.Bottom line- I use my machine for bodywork and love it. I bought the TD because a freind of mine uses one daily in the sheetmetal/duct trade and swears by it. More than this thin gauge stuff and this is NOT the machine for you.MillerMatic 175Thermal Dynamics Drag-Gun PlasmaAirco Bumblebee AC/DC SMAWVictor Super-Range II oxy/act
Reply:I bought a Hypertherm Powermax 380. It requires a compressed air source which I always have available. I figured the smaller units would not do it all for me. It will cut 3/8" and severe 1/2". I know everyone likes the big three in welders but in plasma cutting Hypertherm has been there from the beginning and well respected in the industry.
Reply:Mike i have the spectrum thunder and just use it for hobby like cutting out silouhettes and stuff and it works great for that, but it does like to eat consumables. Most of my silouhettes are 3/16 thick and it cuts that real good but it works hard on 1/4" and thats with new electrode and tip. It does come in handy on Saturday afternoon when all the welding shops are closed and ya run outta oxygen or acetylne and it always happens just when ya really need to finish something
Reply:Thanks for the feedback guys. I appreciate it.
Reply:is the samething as the Hypertherm 380 they even look the say except one is Blue. I don't know if Miller gets them from Hypertherm or vise versa but I love mine. If I ever need to cut anything thicker than 1/2" I would use my torch.