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Looking for a plasma cutter recommendation

1509 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Paulz
Guys,
I'm looking for a Plasma cutter for my shop. I'm a weekend hobbyist but I do some welding and fab work and I hate having to use a circular saw with a metal blade. I will only use it occasionally and doubt I would ever have to cut anything thicker than 5/16 or 3/8". I don't need a built in compressor as I can use mine and I have easy access to 220V all around my shop so I don't need a 110V capable unit. I did a search for this info but the threads I found were all over ten years old. Any assistance is appreciated.

Mike
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I bought one of the Cut50 units two years ago and like you it's not a daily affair cutting metal but it sure comes in handy sometimes. Yes, this is cheap china junk and I have no idea of how long it will last but for my needs, so far so good. Mine came with one, but make sure you have either dry air out of the end of your compressor hose or put a moisture trap on the end of the unit. Mositure in the unit seems to be the biggest problem with these. And don't forget to turn on the air supply before cutting - I screwed up the second time using mine and promptly ruined the cutting tip. I did a little bit of work on mine too, upgrading the air supply piece and the ground cable. Mine is capable of running off of either 120 or 240 and I set it up for 240. So far it's whacked it's way through .250 steel but I use it mostly for frame work and cutting roll cage tubing, it goes through that stuff like it's butter. Lastly I have a dedicated pair of gloves and a pair of Hobart Plasma glasses. My welding helmet was too dark and the arc isn't anywhere near a welding unit.
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I bought a Central Pneumatic (HF) 35A Plasma cutter about 10 years ago for $400.00 in a scratch and dent sale. It has worked flawlessly all this time. I have cut a lot with it and even cut some .250 steel. Most of the stuff I cut is around 3/16 max and it does a great job even if I am not so steady with it. I like it! :cool:
I'm looking at the Amico Cut 50 plasma cutter. It's on ebay for $279 and even if I use it only a few times a year it would soon be worth it I think at that price. I hear you on the junk from China and I hate to support them but it's nearly impossible to buy anything these days that isn't made in China.

CUT-50, 50 Amp Plasma Cutter 110/230V Dual Voltage Digital Inverter Cutting New 652135647089 | eBay
Guys,
I'm looking for a Plasma cutter for my shop. I'm a weekend hobbyist but I do some welding and fab work and I hate having to use a circular saw with a metal blade. I will only use it occasionally and doubt I would ever have to cut anything thicker than 5/16 or 3/8". I don't need a built in compressor as I can use mine and I have easy access to 220V all around my shop so I don't need a 110V capable unit. I did a search for this info but the threads I found were all over ten years old. Any assistance is appreciated.

Mike
I have a Thermal Dynamics plasma Cutter, VERY happy with it and have had it for several years without any problems, consumable items are easy to get and it runs off 110/220
if needed with one cord i would suggest you check them out! mine is the #30 unit and was around $900 when i purchased it at an Open house day at Phoenix welding,
i went to purchase a Miller unit and realy liked what Thermal dynamics had to offer and ended up purchasing this unit< not taking away from Miller units.
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