Plasma Cutter Recommendation-Help??!!

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Hi,So I will play the "woman" card and admit I know zero about welding let alone a good plasma cutter.My husband is quite the welder, not a beginner but still looking to learn many skills. He recently attended a welding class to learn new techniques, brush up on old ones and fell in love with the idea of owning a plasma cutter for his projects.Would any of you be able to recommend a good plasma cutter for someone of his intermediate skills? Ideally something that wouldn't break the bank for Christmas.Thank you! Thank you!
Reply:I just picked up the longevity forcecut 42i. Dual voltage, 40amps and $1029. So far I'm happy.If you have more coin to spend hypertherm power max 45.I'm sure with the holidays coming around the corner you can find something good on sale.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Ditto!!!!!!!
Reply:Unfortunately they all are bank busters :}You'll need a good size air compressor also- so if ya don't have one of those, yer gonna break 2 Piggy Banks getting set up with a Plasma Cutter.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Not Longevity. Go with a proven company. Hypertherm, ThermalDynamics, Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, etc.Here is a page with some choices at cyberweld.comhttp://store.cyberweld.com/plasmacutters.htmlSo far I've used a ThermalDynamic and own a big Miller cutter. Both good stuff.Good luck Last edited by MinnesotaDave; 10-24-2013 at 12:25 PM.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:me and most people I know I shop environments have very good luck with hypertherm. Get you a powermax 45.  they are very user friendly, and for a hobby use, it will last you until you probably don't want it anymore then you can sell it and get most of your money back.
Reply:You can't go wrong with a Hypertherm Powermax 45 (unless you need a bigger Hypertherm )   http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Product...tting/Systems/A good on-line price is about $1,590. delivered (weldersupply.com).  As Broccoli says, a good sized air compressor is needed and a moisture filter is necessary."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Avoid longevity,  and other fly by night Chinese junk.   Hypertherm is tops,  ESAB is really good too, thermal arc third.  Sent w/ Tapatalk using Swype, pls excuse typosTiger 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:Hypertherm is the best, not only with quality, but of service. Hypertherm is built here in the USA by Americans. I know you don't want to break the bank, but if you want to give your husband something special that will last the test of time, get him Hypertherm. Even if it is a Hypertherm Powermax30. Resale value is tops, and parts are available in most LWS across the country. Mail order part availability is scary. Don't be surprised if he likes it so much he starts a collection of Hypertherms. The powermax 30 is 115volt and is extremely portable. The Powermax 45 is 220volt and can cut 1/2", whereas the 30 will shine up to 1/4" max. Check out this thread on a visit a member here did just recently.  http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...e-%28Videos%29Weld 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:You don't want a cheap plasma cutter with low duty cycle.I used to run a little 110 volt Hobart. I had to run it at full power all the time to attempt to cut 1/8''.Duty cycle is when you run it for a few minutes and it shuts off for several minutes. The little old cheap Hobart would run at full power for 2 minutes trying its hardest to cut 1/8'' steel then it would shut off for 8 minutes for cool down. Duty cycle pissed me off more than anything.Then back in 2005 I bought a real plasma cutter. My miller 625, at the time it was the most powerful single phase (plugs into a clothes dryer outlet) plasma cutter that weighed under 70 pounds. I had it shipped to me in japan that's why it had to be under 70 pounds.Its has a 100% duty cycle on its lowest setting. The lowest setting cuts 1/8'' steel like it isn't even there and has a 50% duty cycle (5 minutes on, 5 minutes off) at full power when its in a 95'F environment which cleanly cuts 3/4 steel. I have never had the duty cycle stop me and I know I have continuously cut for 5 minutes at full power more than once, cooler environmental temperatures will extend duty cycle on a good plasma.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Another vote for Hypertherm. Tech school has 3 and they hold up well to the abuse the kids put them thru. All of the tech schools in the area I'm familiar with all use Hypertherms for this reason. I've been really happy with mine over the years,.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:I bought the Hypertherm 45 last year and I'm very happy with it (actually amazed sometimes at what it does.)
Reply:The choice of a plasma depends on the material thickness as well as the intended use of the plasma, hobby, business or heavy production.  The two smallest Hypertherm units are the Powermax30 and the Powermax45.The 30 will run on a 120 volt standard household circuit and does a great job (reasonable cut speeds and quality) up through 1/4", a little slower but still nice on 3/8", and can easily sever 1/2" steel. Good for hobbyist or occasional user above 1/4", good for production work below 1/4". It can also run of a 230 volt circuit with higher duty cycle capability if needed.The Powermax45 is a 230 volt unit, and is production rated through 1/2" with the ability to sever 1" easily. A bit more of a production unit than the Powermax30, but requires 240 volts (if your husband has a welder of over 140 amps output he probably has 230 volt power in the shop)While you can buy lower priced plasma cutters, these are the ones that will still be running in the shop in 20 or 30 years. They are engineered, designed and built in New Hampshire, USA by employee owners of Hypertherm, and are distributed through welding supply stores (over 2400 locations) in North America. Check out the website at www.hypertherm.com  .  And we need pictures of him opening the package on Christmas day!Jim Colt   Hypertherm Originally Posted by aimeeb82Hi,So I will play the "woman" card and admit I know zero about welding let alone a good plasma cutter.My husband is quite the welder, not a beginner but still looking to learn many skills. He recently attended a welding class to learn new techniques, brush up on old ones and fell in love with the idea of owning a plasma cutter for his projects.Would any of you be able to recommend a good plasma cutter for someone of his intermediate skills? Ideally something that wouldn't break the bank for Christmas.Thank you! Thank you!
Reply:I have a Miller 375 xtreme and love it for what I do, It's dual voltage and will handle up to 3/8" steel. You can find them for around $12-1300, for hobby work its an excellent machine and very portable.
Reply:I also have a Miller 375 XTreme and am happy with it. I went with the Miller because I got 15% off, but I was also looking at a Hypertherm. I might be mistaken, but I thought I read somewhere that Hypertherm was making the plasma cutters for Miller. Not sure. I think either way you'd be good. Spend a little more and buy a good quality machine like the ones mentioned above. And stay away from Longevity, their customer service seems to be "lacking" to say the least. Best of luck to you. Let us know how it goes.Brian
Reply:Hypertherm used to manufacture torches for Miller plasma systems, but never have produced power supplies for Miller. Years ago, Miller produced a 3 of Hypertherms plasma cutters  and private labeled them for Hypertherm....they were the Powermax190, the Powermax350 and Powermax380, none of which are produced any more. Hypertherm designs and manufacturers all of its torches and plasma systems at its facilities in Hanover and Lebanon , NH, USA.Jim Colt Originally Posted by musickbcI also have a Miller 375 XTreme and am happy with it. I went with the Miller because I got 15% off, but I was also looking at a Hypertherm. I might be mistaken, but I thought I read somewhere that Hypertherm was making the plasma cutters for Miller. Not sure. I think either way you'd be good. Spend a little more and buy a good quality machine like the ones mentioned above. And stay away from Longevity, their customer service seems to be "lacking" to say the least. Best of luck to you. Let us know how it goes.Brian
Reply:Thanks for clarifying Jim. Much appreciated.Brian
Reply:Wow, thanks everyone!!!I am so glad I posted in here because I was ready to buy this one online: http://www.amazon.com/LTP5000D-Plasm...=A56Q5NW2A71YSGive a girl a break I have NO idea what a "good" plasma cutter even involves. Heck I had to google "plasma cutter" to find out what it did. It sounds like Hypotherm is the way to go. A LITTLE more than I was hoping to spend (cheapest I found was $1800.00) so it looks like I will have to wait another week to purchase. If anyone can recommend a great site to purchase from please let me know. I'll take pictures Christmas morning but have a feeling he might give me the "oh jeeze" face when he realizes how much I spent. Hahaha. Ooops!!Last edited by aimeeb82; 10-25-2013 at 12:59 PM.
Reply:I just found a local distributor who said $1784.00I guess that's not SO bad if it's as great as you guys say it is. Looks like no more shoe shopping for this woman!!
Reply:i have a Hypertherm PM30,it is a great little machine for my needs(1/4 steel or less). But like Broccoli 1 said you need a compressor. I had to replace my old compressor to fit my needs to buy a plasma cutter. I watched Craigslist for a reasonable size compressor in good shape and then bought my hypertherm 30 (they were on sale for 1220. plus tax. For everything i spent about 1950.00. good luck steve
Reply:Originally Posted by aimeeb82I just found a local distributor who said $1784.00I guess that's not SO bad if it's as great as you guys say it is. Looks like no more shoe shopping for this woman!!
Reply:Thanks BrandX!
Reply:Originally Posted by Basicwelder54i have a Hypertherm PM30,it is a great little machine for my needs(1/4 steel or less). But like Broccoli 1 said you need a compressor. I had to replace my old compressor to fit my needs to buy a plasma cutter. I watched Craigslist for a reasonable size compressor in good shape and then bought my hypertherm 30 (they were on sale for 1220. plus tax. For everything i spent about 1950.00. good luck steve
Reply:When you decide to purchase I can only recommend the top 3 manufacturers...  Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics, Esab. in no certain order..I recently bought a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52, which is 60 amps and also dual voltage.. I really like it, I paid $1350 for mine, its a lot of machine for the money... They also have a Cutmaster 42 that sells for under $1000 and comes with gloves, hard case, glasses.. Dont buy the lotos, colossal tech, simadre, and such from of ebay, they are considered import throw away units..  I cant recommend Everlast or Longevity either, their warranty service and customer support is lacking and If you do need warranty work you have to foot the shipping bill to and from which can be expensive, they also do not have local service centers or local representatives..Last edited by brucer; 10-25-2013 at 01:56 PM.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Well that's one less thing to worry about, try www.bakersgas.com they have several manufacturers at a decent price. Good luck SteveAimee.....You are a great wife!  Do you have a sister?   Just kidding, but this is a great gift!Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltAimee.....You are a great wife!  Do you have a sister?   Just kidding, but this is a great gift!Jim
Reply:Aimee. Price of the unit is one thing, consumable quality and availability are another. I reckon a plasmacutter is like a computer printer. The printer may be low, but the cartridges can kill you. Same with my PlasmaCutters. Genuine Hypertherm electrodes and nozzles last a looooooooonnnnnnngggg time. I get my consumables here, take a look.  http://www.hypermaxonline.com/Last edited by shovelon; 10-25-2013 at 03:29 PM.Weld 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:I would not turn my nose up at a Hypertherm Powermax30 if "MY" wife bought me one for Xmas.Weld 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:
Reply:I've only used Miller plasma cutters so far in my welding career their really good highly recommend one but if price is your biggest factor I would recommend looking at YouTube and scrolling through videos of cheaper plasma's and seeing peoples reviews before buying a cheap plasma.Lincoln pro core 125 14''chop saw7 inch grinder,2-4.5 inch grinders,electric die grinder.Half inch drillAnd alot of hand tools
Reply:Is your husband starting a welding business, or just a hobby?  For the price of a powermax 45, you can get a powermax30 (http://www.weldersupply.com/productdetails.asp?pID=200) and a cold cut circular saw (http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6370...ukee+metal+saw).
Reply:There are only a handful of companies that make quality plasma cutting units.  The rest wish they did.I rank them from experience:HyperthermThermalDynamicsLincoln (older models)EsabMillerEvery other one falls way below this list in my book.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Harbor frate plasma for about $650 plus warranty and spend the rest on a compressor. You can get a die grinder for about $9 for a stocking stuffer no pun intended Maimee.
Reply:None of which will be inherited by your children.....the plasma, compressor and die grinder will be in the landfill. Get a good quality plasma and it will still be running , and still will be serviceable for many years.Jim Originally Posted by InsanerideHarbor frate plasma for about $650 plus warranty and spend the rest on a compressor. You can get a die grinder for about $9 for a stocking stuffer no pun intended Maimee.
Reply:Another vote for the hypertherm. Not only do they make quality machines,( not cheap china junk that goes ''pop'' when you pull it out of the box and plug it in) their service is top notch. I say go for the powermax 30. Its not too much of a budget buster. It packs a HUGE punch for its size. Mine has handled everything I have thrown at it. 1/4'', 3/8'', 1/2'', No problem.Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Mr Colt, its unclear of what Maimee is trying to do. In my opinion, its the nut behind the torch and what she or he does with it. A talented Maimee could probly do more with a HArborFreight torch than I can with my Powermax 380. I have several air compressors including two QUINCY's (gasoline) two GAST blahblah. It would be a sad thing for Maimee and her ambition to  spend money on a cutting torch and not have air to support it. If she is succesful with plasma cutting, it would be an easy upgrade to HYPERTHERM provided she has the air to go with it. I believe in spending the most money I can afford on tools. Thats why I bought a used, pristine condition (luckily) HYPERTHERM. The man I bought from had an even better deal. A Horizontal QUINCY with Westinghouse 1, 2, 3 phase compressor. No mistake, it also ran two phase but I only wanted the 380Powemax.With that said; HYPERTHERM and your support are in a leauge above and beyond all the rest. Thats why I could only afford to buy used.BTW, Im using a Harbor Fart water filter with an ancient KEYSTONE air compressor. I still have the original electric motor but am using a DAYTON to run the blue KEYSTONE compressor. And, Ive pushed the 380 beyond your specs most of my time.Last edited by Insaneride; 10-25-2013 at 10:29 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltNone of which will be inherited by your children.....the plasma, compressor and die grinder will be in the landfill. Get a good quality plasma and it will still be running , and still will be serviceable for many years.Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by smawgmawAnd if I may add, you will be able to easily get consumables/parts for and have serviced if and when the need arises as compared to the harbor fright or other chi-com wannabes.  I say hold on to the $650, keep saving and add to the already saved $650, and at one point you will have enough to buy a quality plasma cutter that you will have to buy only once.  Buying quality means you will probably only have to buy once.  Buy junk and rest assurred, you will be buying another unit in the future.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonAimee. Price of the unit is one thing, consumable quality and availability are another. I reckon a plasmacutter is like a computer printer. The printer may be low, but the cartridges can kill you. Same with my PlasmaCutters. Genuine Hypertherm electrodes and nozzles last a looooooooonnnnnnngggg time. I get my consumables here, take a look.  http://www.hypermaxonline.com/
Reply:Don't be afraid to price check at one of the local welding supply houses.  If you/he would need service or advice they are much more willing to support something they sold over a machine bought on line.  Don't be afraid to ask them to price match or even beat an on line price.  Also get them to throw in extras like consumables, gloves and such.  Does your husband have a welding buddy that could assist you in shopping local.I don't own a plasma my self but have a sales man that I trust and know he will give me the best deal when the time comes.Dan D.
Reply:Originally Posted by smawgmawAnd if I may add, you will be able to easily get consumables/parts for and have serviced if and when the need arises as compared to the harbor fright or other chi-com wannabes.  I say hold on to the $650, keep saving and add to the already saved $650, and at one point you will have enough to buy a quality plasma cutter that you will have to buy only once.  Buying quality means you will probably only have to buy once.  Buy junk and rest assurred, you will be buying another unit in the future.
Reply:Comment on a couple of things:- I agree that is is often best to buy good quality welding (and plasma cutting) equipment locally. The warranty will then be locally handled, and you can often get close to the internet proce, or at least get the local welding supply to throw in some necessary extras. I will pay a bit more if I can support my local suppliers.- If I was in the market for an extremely low cost plasma.....I would only consider the ones available at the national chains such as Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, Eastwood, etc. Buying online from an importer (Longevity, Everlast, Parker, etc. ) brings a higher level of risk if the unit fails....the major stores generally will back up their products with a money back or replacement type warranty. Do some research on the lack of warranty support you get from the importers.....Still, I would try to find a used, major brand plasma before sending my cash to China!- I keep seeing posts about the need for a large compressor. If you are earning a living with your air tools and plasma cutter, then yes, you should have a large enough compressor so it does not need to run continuously, so that there is reserve air (large tank), and so that it is not annoyingly noisy. On the other hand, if you are an occasional user or a hobbyist or a small shop that does not cut all day.....a small compressor is often adequate. I do have an 80 gallon, 14 cfm@90 psi compressor in my shop......but when I need to cut outside of my shop I usually take my little Porter-Cable nail gun compressor with a 5 gallon tank and 3.8 cfm@90 psi. I get about 20 seconds of continuous cutting then wait for the compressor to recharge....often it is all I need (I can cut 100 inches of 16 gauge steel in less than 20 seconds). The plasma needs 90 psi and a certain air flow (a Powermax45 uses 6 cfm)....so a compressor rated for 6 cfm will run pretty much whenever the plasma torch is cutting. A smaller one will eventually drop below 90 psi....and the plasma will shut off and provide an error code (low air pressure)......and with a compressor larger than 6 cfm  will cycle on an off...maintaining at least 90 psi for the plasma continuously.Personally....the air compressor was the first big tool I bought when I built my garage in my early 20's. (about 35 years ago!). That is the same compressor that is in my shop today, although everything except the tank (motor, pump, pressure switch) has been replaced once or more times. I did not have a plasma ....nor did I ever expect to have a plasma when I bought the compressor, it was for air powered tools (impact wrench, air hammer, spray gun, etc.). Point is, you do not need a huge compressor, but if you plan to get busier and add more tools to your shop....perhaps start a business that involves the use of plasma and air tools....then you should consider buying a larger compressor.Jim Colt  HyperthermLast edited by jimcolt; 10-26-2013 at 08:46 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by InsanerideYour gonna need a big compressor. Rest assured you will be buying another or waiting for it to recover in the future.
Reply:Welder Source has the PM 45 for $1,594.  They are a real welding supply company.  http://www.welderssupplyco.com/http://store.weldersource.com/p-3186...and-torch.aspx"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumWelder Source has the PM 45 for $1,594.  They are a real welding supply company.  http://www.welderssupplyco.com/http://store.weldersource.com/p-3186...and-torch.aspx
Reply:Hypertherm, period.  It comes in first place.  Just look at my signature and you'll see I'm a Miller and Lincoln man and I absolutely LOVE my Miller plasma cutter.  I started off with a 375 X-treme model, only because I didn't know squat about plasma cutters at the time.   I was able to sell it to get a bigger Miller model which I currently own.  I'm 100% satisfied with Miller.  ...but, if I had to do it all over again, I'd pick Hypertherm because they have absolutely perfected the plasma cutters.  You get what you pay for.  Don't buy Horrible Fright tools.  They are pure crap.Buy Hypertherm or Miller.   Buy which ever one you get a better deal on.  Buy either the Hyperterm 45 or Miller 625 EXTREME.Last edited by SuperArc; 10-27-2013 at 08:20 PM.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Okay guys, all the money is saved and I'm ready to make my purchase. So which one should it be?Powermax45 or Powermax30??Which would YOU recommend?Again just a simple gal, novice to all this trying to WOW her husband for the holidays. Thanks!!
Reply:^^^ I have to agree, I haven't heard anyone complain about their unit being too big or more capable than they need.  But I've heard people who bought small regret it later and spend even more money.   I don't think you can go with with the PowerMax 45 if you can afford it.   I know I'm happy with mine and I have ended up cutting heavier steel than I expected when I bought it.
Reply:Last week I treated my self to a Hypertherm 45.  Got it for around $1,700 +tax.  I bought local from a company that is a service center. I wish I had bought one 10 years ago. Your husband will be crazy proud of you..Dan D.