Added a Plasma Cutter to the shop!

[SigFTW]

I would have loved to have a matching plasma cutter to my Lincolne Electric Mig welder however, the price was way too high to justify for a home shop.

After spending a lot of time on the net searching for a descent low cost plasma cutter (Chinese) I settled on the LONGEVITY Forcecut 40D, with full pilot arc. Picked it up from Amazon for $460.96.

When it came in I was very happy how well it works and looks for a less than $500 plasma cutter. I had to restrain myself from cutting up all the metal parts in the garage Now I need to see if I can fit my Mig welter and the plasma cutter on one cart.

[Daddy'O]

I've never used a plasma cutter. What are some of the features a better quality one has over others. The one you have looks heavy duty. Is it 220v and did the cart come with it? This is a dream tool for me sometime down the road.

I think I would have to force myself not to cut up all my metal too!

[SigFTW]

Originally Posted by Daddy'O

I've never used a plasma cutter. What are some of the features a better quality one has over others. The one you have looks heavy duty. Is it 220v and did the cart come with it? This is a dream tool for me sometime down the road.

I think I would have to force myself not to cut up all my metal too!

It runs off 110v (20amps) and 240v (40amps). It comes with a 240v to 110v transition plug. If you run it on 110v you can only cut up to a certain thickness. At 240 you can cut 3/4" steel.

The cart was a gift from my daughter. Harbor Freight welding cart.

This one comes with a pilot arc. If you buy one you want it with this option. With pilot arc you can continuously cut without losing the arch on expanded metal, rust and painted surfaces.

There is not much difference between the more expensive brands, just the price and how it’s built. I bought this Chinese brand because it has good reviews and local customer service.

[hugger6933]

I own a body shop and have for a while and have had two snap on plasma cutters both YA240A types. the first I had was a great machine and cut rather well just not very thick stuff, barely would cut a Chevy truck frame. It was stolen then I replaced it with the same machine and it did last me a long time it just wasn't worth crap. It would hardly cut a fender much less the above mentioned truck frame, Quite a few of my teeth are gone and I still could chew through the frame quicker than that plasma cutter could cut it.
Then, I found one on E-Bay made by a little company out west called Avortec. It is a Plasma, Tig, and Stick welder, but I just use it for plasma use only. It will cut up to stuff 3/4 or so maybe a little thicker. It will cut sheet metal as fast as you can drag the torch and in the body shop that is mainly my gig. It came with a helmet that I still use that is adjustable from 9-13 and use it with my mig welder as well and love it. The plasma was about $800 maybe less. If your looking check them out. Jim