What plasma cutter to buy?

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I did a search for related posts and didn't find what I was in search of so here goes. My main question is which company has the best cutting machine? I'm speaking of quality of the machine and the quality of the cut it makes. I have looked at the online adds for the Lincoln pro-cut 25 and the Miller 375 Cutmate. Are there any other machines I should be looking at? Do any of you have cuts with different machines that you could post pictures of?I need a machine that will allow me to cut metal brackets from chromoly that is less than 1/4", but I don't want to be maxing the machine out to do it.Thanks for the help!
Reply:I have a Spectrum 375 that I'm real happy with. Cuts 1/4" aluminum diamond plate like it was sheared. I've cut 1/2" hot rolled with it ok.I'm not familiar with the Lincoln, But a lot of guys seem to like Thermal Arc.Go to a welding dealer and try a couple.
Reply:hypertherm builds nice machines, the pm380 will cut that like butter. Also consumables are cheaper than most others. Take into account how much the parts are and how long they last. Hypertherm claims theres last longer. might want to check into it. with my pm 350 I average out at about 3500 inches of cutting per tip, on my cnc table. But that's only if you have real dry, clean air if not tip life will likely be a 1/4 of that. Hand cutting will not get you anywhere near those values either unless you cut a lot better than me by handKeep your stick on the ice
Reply:I have the Hypertherm 380 and really like it.  I had to get some different tips cause at first it was just too nasty.I seem to remember that the Hypertherm 190 and 380 are made by Miller or Hypertherm makes Miller 2 lower machines - not sure which is which, but know someone makes 'em for the other.
Reply:does anyone have the thermal dynamics 38 theres one here in our local thrifty nickle for $600 what do yall think
Reply:I have the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 50 and really like it, had it for abit over two years now and no problems.Cuts up to 3/4 inch severence and 1/2 inch pretty clean.I checked around when I was looking into buying a plasma cutter and the Thermals seem to be the best constructed machines, I think they are a little bit more money than Miller Lincoln though as I remember.I would not hesitate in recommending one.Good luckThere's a method to the madness, disregard the method and the madness begins!!
Reply:TD machines are great, when they are working, but the factory backup SUCKS.  TD also has a problem with the air pressure sensor switch loading up if you run on lo quality air.When you run into a problem, the noly way you'll get factory support is by calling the secret phone number, that's TD's way of downsizing costs, prevent the owner from reaching the support person.For $600, if I could look inside and test drive the machine, I'd probably buy it.  No test drive, NO SALE.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:I've got a Hypertherm 1000 and so far no problems. I've had it almost 1 year. The thickest steel I've cut with it is 3/8" and it zipped right through that. DavidDavid
Reply:I have a Pro-Cut 55. I've had it for over a year now. My only problem with it is that none of my local dealers stock parts, so I buy extra consumables online. I also find it easier to be more precise by not using the drag tip. I probably go through more nozzles this way, but I get better cuts.
Reply:welcome Mike !what kind of rig you gonna run in the comps this year ? - jack