Need some tool help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

braggwood · 12-27-2006, 05:32 PM

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

myoldchev · 12-27-2006, 05:38 PM

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

72armyswbtruck · 12-27-2006, 06:13 PM

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

**jerry moss** · 12-27-2006, 07:15 PM

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.

**LockDoc** · 12-27-2006, 07:54 PM

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

arkracing · 12-27-2006, 08:49 PM

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/

jbon64 · 12-27-2006, 09:59 PM

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.

**Palf70Step** · 12-27-2006, 10:20 PM

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.

12-27-2006, 05:32 PM	#1
braggwood Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Grandview WV Posts: 41	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

12-27-2006, 05:38 PM	#2
myoldchev Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: WA Posts: 78	Re: Need some tool help The guys I work with swear by E-SAB, but I think they are probably a bit more expensive. __________________ DAN 69 CUSTOM 10 LWB:

12-27-2006, 06:13 PM	#3
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,033	Re: Need some tool help Beware Of The Evilbay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

12-27-2006, 07:15 PM	#4
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,946	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. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

12-27-2006, 07:54 PM	#5
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	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 __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-27-2006, 08:49 PM	#6
arkracing Weekend Warrior Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: CT Posts: 1,787	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/ __________________ -'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered Last edited by arkracing; 12-27-2006 at 08:51 PM.

12-27-2006, 09:59 PM	#7
jbon64 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: sidney , illinois Posts: 312	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. __________________ hey.....smell my finger 64 nova wagon , 63 nova convertible

12-27-2006, 10:20 PM	#8
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,249	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. Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!



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