Need some tool help
 

I have been thinking about buying a plasma cutter for the home garage, have a air comp, buzz box welder, torches but always think plasma would be nice. I dont know anything about them, would like to have one that would run on 110. I have seen several on e-bay @ $400-600 bucks. Anyone know of a good one somewhere around that price? Any pros and cons about them? Seems like one might be kinda handy on the ol 72 Thanks, Greg

Re: Need some tool help
 

The guys I work with swear by E-SAB, but I think they are probably a bit more expensive.

Re: Need some tool help
 

Beware Of The Evilbay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Need some tool help
 

We have one at work and i love it, it's a 220 unit and i don't recall the brand since i've been off since the 7th of december. i know the tips are expensive and in a busy week i'll burn up at least one or two sets. you also need a good air compressor that'll keep up with it if you're doing a lot of cutting. mine needs a steady 80 psi to cut properly.

Re: Need some tool help
 

Greg,

I have been looking at the Thermal Dynamics and Hypertherm units but they are a little higher priced than that. I am going to an auction tomorrow where they are selling a Hobart AF 400 Plasma cutter so I may buy it if the price is right.

You might look into this company. I think they are built overseas but they are supposed to be a cut above the rest.

http://www.parkermetalworking.com/

LockDoc

Re: Need some tool help
 

Thermal Dynamics is the way to go:
Reason: They specialize in Plasma Cutters. Lincoln, Esab, Miller, Hobart Specialize in Welders. Everybody has thier niche.

That being said I wouldn't buy any plasma cutter that is 400-600 it will not make you happy - you will probably be able to cut stuff over 1/8" thick better with a torch.

I know sombody with a small thermal dynamics that is 110 and has a built in aircompressor. I Am NOT Impressed

But I have used the bigger thermal dynamics machines and they rock

Kinda interesting the biggest machine runs on 110 and 220? -
http://www.parkermetalworking.com/

Re: Need some tool help
 

i have a thermal dynamics 38xl . very good piece of equipment . runs on 110 , uses compressed air . the thickest i've cut with it is 1/2 inch plate , it was slow going but made an excellent cut that cleaned up very nicely with a flap wheel. like jerry moss pointed out , the cost of tips can start to add up but is well worth the cost.

Re: Need some tool help
 

I have a small and older Miller. It is a 110V unit and works good for sheet metal. I haven't tried it on anything else. I'm not sure how old it is. I got it in trade for some parts.