In the market for a new Plasma Cutter

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A few years ago we traded (straight acrossed) our old plasma cutter that had been giving us fits for a Lincoln SA-250-D, I'd say we got the good end of the deal. But we've done without a plasma cutter for a few years and I'd like to get back into one. I'd like to find one that is able to cut 3/4 inch, allthough in all honesty it would be quite rare that it would have to do that. What brands have you guys had success with?
Reply:I think I can say that lots of people really really  like the Hypertherm units... IF it really is rare that you need to cut that thick a material... you may can save some money by getting a slightly smaller capacity machine and preheating with OA on those occasions... But all this is just from what I have read on this site... so it is subject to correction... and people do not shy away from correcting misinformation around here....LOLWeldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:I've had a Longevity 60i for about six months now and love it. I use it mostly on my Torchmate 2x4 but on occasion I use it to cut a piece of sheet down to size or cut off a mistake. I feel it was a great value for the money. It will cut 3/4" steel and has been flawless.
Reply:There are 3 brrands that stand out above all othere when it comes to plasma cutters.Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics and Esab. You cant go wrong with any of those units in regards to cutting performance and consumable life.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeThere are 3 brrands that stand out above all othere when it comes to plasma cutters.Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics and Esab. You cant go wrong with any of those units in regards to cutting performance and consumable life.
Reply:Thermal Dynamics is my vote.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:mine too! i have a  td cutmaster 52, that has met all my needs, cuts 1" very clean
Reply:Hey RodBurner307,Like some of the other fellows here, I have the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster52(60A) that serves me very well without any issues & reasonably priced($1400 w/free s/h). I do a lot of production runs & have cut, on occasion, 1/2" all day long. It will do 3/4" although at a slower travel speed. I also have an Esab PCM500i(35A) on my mobile rig for the many sheetmetal car resto's I do each year that has been a real workhorse. I limit my material thickness to 1/4" for that unit. Get a good unit, & if price is an issue, simply save enough rather than doing battle with the importers of the problem-infested cheapos.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Thanks for all of the replies, I think I'm going to talk to my local Airgas salesman on Monday about getting into a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52. If I get myself into some bigger stuff I can always use a torch. Are you all running a air dryer on your cutters?
Reply:You need really dry air with plasma cutters..... or your consumables cost and aggravation goes way up....Weldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:I recommend  Hypertherm highly , use a 45 and it does well. I have severed 1" and lot of gouging on cutting edges and misc. equipment repairs and it performs great. A good filter is a must.
Reply:Give the Powermax 45 a test run as well.....it is a good comparative system alongside the 52. Airgas handles both brands. Here are some pics of parts cut with my Powermax45 on a PlasmaCam cnc machine. The 45 is over 3 years old.....great consumable life. I now use it with both a hand torch, and on a Torchmate machine as I upgraded the PlasmaCam to a Powermax85.I work for Hypertherm.....but have this equipment in my home shop.Ist pic is 1/4" plate wih 3/16" through 1" holes, 2nd is 1/2" steel logsplitter parts, 3rd is 3/8" parts. All as cut, no cleanup...cut at 45 amps with Powermax45Jim Colt Originally Posted by RodBurner307Thanks for all of the replies, I think I'm going to talk to my local Airgas salesman on Monday about getting into a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52. If I get myself into some bigger stuff I can always use a torch. Are you all running a air dryer on your cutters?
Reply:God I wish I had a plasma.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:I have an Everlast, but given the chance to do it again, I would buy a Hypertherm.  Their quality is top notch and customer service can't be beat.
Reply:You should click on the Hypertherm section here and scroll down to my post called Hypertherm Customer service. It would be insanity to buy a plasma cutter from someone else!!! Good luck with your choice!Heat gun from Harbor Freight!Weller Soldering Gun! YEAH!Millermatic 210Hypertherm Powermax600Hypertherm Powermax45Smith Torch Propane & AcetyleneLots of Snap On Tools!I really like all my Snap On Tools!Lots and Lots of Cool Guy Stuff!
Reply:Thanks for the good compliments regarding Hypertherm's customer service. There is an alternative to buying the low cost imports....watch the used markets....Craigslist is a great place...for used Hypertherm (or other major brand plasma systems). I have seen some great deals on lightly used Powermax45's, Powermax600's, 1000's, and more.Hypertherm will treat you the same regardless of whether you have a new unit or a well used one....and parts are available for all except extreme vintage units!Jim Colt   Hypertherm