Need Inexpensive Plasma Machine for 1/4"

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Are the China $350 plasma cutters dependable at all, or are they known to give problems ?I have a little at home business in which I cut all 1/4" plate. Lincolns and Millers are out of the question, but so are the cutting wheels I been using.Would anyone recommend any 40-50 amp $350 machine that will burn 1/4" a couple hrs a month, or mention any machine to stay away from ?Thanks for any comments,Rich
Reply:My personal recommendation is for you to wander into the Manufacturers forum here and read some of the posts.If your going to be running any kind of a business where you depend on that piece of equipment for you sole income I would recommend spending the extra money for the brand name such as Lincoln or Miller. Downtime on a broken welder or cutter can really cost you. I personally use Hypertherm as my choice of plasma cutters! Its the Rolls Royce of plasma cutters.But do your research both here and on the Internet. Craigslist can be a great source for finding reasonably priced used brand name plasma cutters. Other places such as EBay, and online welding suppliers can be another good  source.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:id rather go with a small oxy-ace setthen a china made plasma cutter
Reply:It's the old risk reward thing. If it doesn't work out well then not much is lost.I don't have any experience with these new machines from China, and like spector advised, you should post in the manufacturers forum for more information.Matt
Reply:Originally Posted by ed macid rather go with a small oxy-ace setthen a china made plasma cutter
Reply:i go with hobart they got good ones
Reply:Good luck on the "inexpensive" part. You still get what you pay for, even in todays global market.I bought an ESAB Powercut 875. The reason was, because it is better to have more than needed than not enough. You know - fudge factor - in case something else comes along. I thought it would kill me dollar wise when I did, but in the long run I have NO regrets and I'm glad I did now. Most Plasma cutting operations I've seen done on the job are more operator issues than the machine - no matter the manufacturer and there a few good ones out there as mentioned before.millrat
Reply:Do a search here on your topic and you'll see that there are many people that have had horrific experiences with Chinese-made crap.  You'll also find some folks that say their machine is (still) working okay for the time-being.  In my opinion, the latter folks got lucky and probably haven't used their machine enough yet because sooner or later, something will go.  As someone said earlier, if this is for a business- spend the extra money and you won't regret it.  You can spend a lot ONCE for a Miller or a lot less MANY TIMES for Chinese-made machines.   Consider the statement:   "I'm too poor to buy cheap tools"Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Buy the chink one from a local/reputable place and use it right up until the return policy time limit is about up, you should have made enough money with it by then (if it lasts that long) to return it and to buy a good one. Part of the new Harbor Freight tool rental program.
Reply:then u need a compressor to use it.oxyacetylene simple and a great set up is way cheper than a decent size plasmalincoln weld pak 100 hdlincoln ranger 225gxt ac/dcoxy/acetylenepuroxcw202 victor fc100harris model 85harrismodel 16oxweld w24roxweld w17
Reply:Originally Posted by ranger225then u need a compressor to use it.oxyacetylene simple and a great set up is way cheper than a decent size plasma
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcBut oxyacetylene won't cut all metals like plasma will (stainless, aluminum, titanium, etc...)
Reply:thats right, and how many backyard shops work w the likes of titanium if u ever even come across it.bsides, a plasma that cuts1/4in steel will maybee cut 1/8in ss,at a 20%duty cycle. kids toy, dont waste ur moneylincoln weld pak 100 hdlincoln ranger 225gxt ac/dcoxy/acetylenepuroxcw202 victor fc100harris model 85harrismodel 16oxweld w24roxweld w17
Reply:Originally Posted by ranger225thats right, and how many backyard shops work w the likes of titanium if u ever even come across it.bsides, a plasma that cuts1/4in steel will maybee cut 1/8in ss,at a 20%duty cycle. kids toy, dont waste ur money