Plasma cutters - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

9teen69 · 09-08-2003, 11:55 PM

I want to buy a plasma cutter to cut out sheet metal on the trucks and such. What's a good price?
Will this do the job?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40384

bigvinnie · 09-09-2003, 12:14 AM

Should be fine for sheet metal, but if you think you'll ever wanna cut a frame or anything thicker than body panels, you'd be better off stepping up to something like this...

http://www.daytonamig.com/plasma.htm

cdowns · 09-09-2003, 12:16 AM

i think you'd be better off with a good jig-saw , if you're lookin to buy a decent plasma cutter expect to pay well over $1200

9teen69 · 09-09-2003, 12:24 AM

Thanks for the help! 500-700 sounds more like it since I want be using it much.

I've tried the saws-all and jig - doesn't look like it's going to "cut-it" when going to rocker panels. Besides - it's not as fun!

So what's the cheapest I can get a way with on a mig welder? I do understand you get what you pay for

Some of these are dirt cheap.

wxman1 · 09-09-2003, 04:39 AM

As far as MIG welders are concerned...I bought
the Lincoln Pro MIG 135. It works really for
sheetmetal and light steel. Be careful...some
welders are simply wire fed welders (no gas).
I have found, after owning both types, that
welding with gas gives a much cleaner weld.
Of course, like someone on this board told me,
the greatest asset a welder can have for welding
sheetmetal is patience! At any rate the local
home center has the Lincoln 135 for $400 some
dollars. I got a 40lb tank of MIG gas from
BOC Gases for $114. And...the 135 will also
weld aluminum.

Jim
Mt Juliet

Ackattack · 09-09-2003, 10:57 AM

wxman1, is that a 110V or 220V?

*67Fleetsidedream* · 09-09-2003, 12:27 PM

I have the Hobart plasma cutter converted to 230v. Good little machine IMO.
I also have a new Millermatic 175 mig welder. Excellent for body work.
I also have a new Miller Synchrowave 180 Tig welder. Great for fine detail welding.
I need to practice more on the Tig welder...

If you want to cut body panels, you want a die grinder with a cut off wheel.

fastbagged68 · 09-09-2003, 12:51 PM

I have a hypertherm 1250- It can up up to 7/8" steel. I use it on 1/8" steel all the time. It was also $2200. I can buy a cnc program/table and hook mine up to it and I can cnc parts. Worht every penny!

sbrban · 09-09-2003, 05:31 PM

had good luck with thermal dynamics plas. around $1200. Hey 67 fs how do you like that syncro 180? I've been lookin at gettin one.

Red68 · 09-09-2003, 07:52 PM

I recently purchased a Lincoln Pro-cut 25, it uses 110 or 220 and cuts up to 3/8". It was a little over a grand. I was thinking about the Daytona Mig cutter but decided to go with a name brand for future service.

BLAZERMAN · 09-09-2003, 08:24 PM

I have an ESAB pcm-500i and woudnt be without it, no matter what kind you buy the key is to have a clean moisture free supply of air, I run a very good filter right on the back of the unit and another downstream at the compressor.

ddsmith · 09-09-2003, 08:40 PM

I bought a Hypertherm unit which will severe 1/2" plate and clean cuts up to 3/8". I think it cost me about $900. I would recommend comparing units a little. Consumables can be expensive on some models. Hypertherm has been in the business of plasma cutters since the beginning. No, I don't work for the company. Just love being able to cut through stainless, aluminum, and all things that conduct electricity. They are truly amazing machines. Good luck on your future purchase. Here is a link to the site and the plasma cutter I have. http://www.hypertherm.com/manual/pmax_380.htm

wxman1 · 09-09-2003, 08:42 PM

Hey Ackattack:

The Lincoln 135 is 110v.

Jim
Mt Juliet

Eddie H. · 09-09-2003, 08:48 PM

I use one of these Henrob 2000 torches for nearly all of my cutting and welding. It takes some practice to get used to it, but for me, it works just as well as a plasma cutter and a mig welder.

I replaced the floorboards, rocker panels, cab corners, A- pillars, and welded up the gas tank filler hole on my 71 GMC using this set up.

http://www.cut-like-plasma.com/

tyger25 · 09-09-2003, 10:01 PM

This was a good thread. Lots of useful info for someone looking to buy a cutter. Anybody watch Monster House on the Discovery Channel? They give a way an ESAB tool, but I don't remember what it is.

minibike · 09-09-2003, 10:18 PM

I use this...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=36843

It is really amazing. You can break hacksaw blades in thirds and use them instead of the cheesy blades that come with it. This is the best tool that I have bought from Harbor Freight. There is a cheaper one that looks very similar, but I don't know if it is as powerful. I cut my old cab up into little peices with it, cut my bed floor, frame, etc. They are really handy.

Eddie H. · 09-09-2003, 10:56 PM

I've got one of those little air saws too. They're real handy except they burn up the blades pretty fast. Mine was made by Snap-On, so it cost about 4 times as much as the Harbor Freight one. They were probably made in the same factory in China though.

Jwill41 · 09-09-2003, 11:41 PM

I also have the Lincoln Pro MIG 135. It was $424 at Lowes and it is 110v. Works great without the gas and I cant wait to try it with gas.

lost wages · 09-10-2003, 03:36 AM

i have a hypertherm 600 plasma cutter, works great, as for a welder i have a hobart 135 for sheet metal and larger miller welders for other things.

09-08-2003, 11:55 PM	#1
9teen69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,048	Plasma cutters I want to buy a plasma cutter to cut out sheet metal on the trucks and such. What's a good price? Will this do the job? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40384 __________________ 72 Cheyenne SWB C10 (daily driver) (Super fake cause I just love the glovebox emblem) 70 Camaro RS (frame-off in pieces) 70 Camaro RS (daily driver backup) 69 Custom LWB C10 (son now drives)

09-09-2003, 12:14 AM	#2
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	Should be fine for sheet metal, but if you think you'll ever wanna cut a frame or anything thicker than body panels, you'd be better off stepping up to something like this... http://www.daytonamig.com/plasma.htm __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project Last edited by bigvinnie; 09-09-2003 at 12:19 AM.

09-09-2003, 12:16 AM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	i think you'd be better off with a good jig-saw , if you're lookin to buy a decent plasma cutter expect to pay well over $1200 __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-09-2003, 12:24 AM	#4
9teen69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,048	Thanks for the help! 500-700 sounds more like it since I want be using it much. I've tried the saws-all and jig - doesn't look like it's going to "cut-it" when going to rocker panels. Besides - it's not as fun! So what's the cheapest I can get a way with on a mig welder? I do understand you get what you pay for Some of these are dirt cheap. __________________ 72 Cheyenne SWB C10 (daily driver) (Super fake cause I just love the glovebox emblem) 70 Camaro RS (frame-off in pieces) 70 Camaro RS (daily driver backup) 69 Custom LWB C10 (son now drives)

09-09-2003, 10:57 AM	#6
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	wxman1, is that a 110V or 220V? __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

09-09-2003, 04:39 AM	#5
wxman1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: mt juliet, tennessee, usa Posts: 237	As far as MIG welders are concerned...I bought the Lincoln Pro MIG 135. It works really for sheetmetal and light steel. Be careful...some welders are simply wire fed welders (no gas). I have found, after owning both types, that welding with gas gives a much cleaner weld. Of course, like someone on this board told me, the greatest asset a welder can have for welding sheetmetal is patience! At any rate the local home center has the Lincoln 135 for $400 some dollars. I got a 40lb tank of MIG gas from BOC Gases for $114. And...the 135 will also weld aluminum. Jim Mt Juliet

09-09-2003, 12:27 PM	#7
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	I have the Hobart plasma cutter converted to 230v. Good little machine IMO. I also have a new Millermatic 175 mig welder. Excellent for body work. I also have a new Miller Synchrowave 180 Tig welder. Great for fine detail welding. I need to practice more on the Tig welder... If you want to cut body panels, you want a die grinder with a cut off wheel.

09-09-2003, 12:51 PM	#8
fastbagged68 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Tri Valley California Posts: 792	I have a hypertherm 1250- It can up up to 7/8" steel. I use it on 1/8" steel all the time. It was also $2200. I can buy a cnc program/table and hook mine up to it and I can cnc parts. Worht every penny!

09-09-2003, 05:31 PM	#9
sbrban Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 236	had good luck with thermal dynamics plas. around $1200. Hey 67 fs how do you like that syncro 180? I've been lookin at gettin one. __________________ you never have too many suburbans....

09-09-2003, 07:52 PM	#10
Red68 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Rhome, TX Posts: 209	I recently purchased a Lincoln Pro-cut 25, it uses 110 or 220 and cuts up to 3/8". It was a little over a grand. I was thinking about the Daytona Mig cutter but decided to go with a name brand for future service. __________________ 1968 C10 LWB 327 bored 40 over, RHS heads, KB pistons, Eagle rods, Edlebrock carb & intake 1968 C10 flatbed 307 w/ 4 spd manual (dads old ride) 1936 1/2 tn pickup, 400sb 350 turbo (partially restored) 1949 1/2 tn, needs complete restore (future project) 1969 Chevy impala 4 dr no post (wifes future car) 2010 GMC Serria 4x4 crew, leveling kit

09-09-2003, 08:24 PM	#11
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,826	I have an ESAB pcm-500i and woudnt be without it, no matter what kind you buy the key is to have a clean moisture free supply of air, I run a very good filter right on the back of the unit and another downstream at the compressor. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

09-09-2003, 08:40 PM	#12
ddsmith Glowing since 1978 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lusby,MD,USA Posts: 532	I bought a Hypertherm unit which will severe 1/2" plate and clean cuts up to 3/8". I think it cost me about $900. I would recommend comparing units a little. Consumables can be expensive on some models. Hypertherm has been in the business of plasma cutters since the beginning. No, I don't work for the company. Just love being able to cut through stainless, aluminum, and all things that conduct electricity. They are truly amazing machines. Good luck on your future purchase. Here is a link to the site and the plasma cutter I have. http://www.hypertherm.com/manual/pmax_380.htm __________________ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 69 Chevy C20 Custom Camper

09-09-2003, 08:42 PM	#13
wxman1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: mt juliet, tennessee, usa Posts: 237	Hey Ackattack: The Lincoln 135 is 110v. Jim Mt Juliet

09-09-2003, 08:48 PM	#14
Eddie H. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Paradise TX USA Posts: 1,200	I use one of these Henrob 2000 torches for nearly all of my cutting and welding. It takes some practice to get used to it, but for me, it works just as well as a plasma cutter and a mig welder. I replaced the floorboards, rocker panels, cab corners, A- pillars, and welded up the gas tank filler hole on my 71 GMC using this set up. http://www.cut-like-plasma.com/ __________________ "Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution"

09-09-2003, 10:01 PM	#15
tyger25 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Little Rock, Ar Posts: 124	This was a good thread. Lots of useful info for someone looking to buy a cutter. Anybody watch Monster House on the Discovery Channel? They give a way an ESAB tool, but I don't remember what it is. __________________ U.S.A.F. 68' C-10 Stepside 305 w/ 4 speed



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09-09-2003, 10:18 PM	#16
minibike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 500	I use this... http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=36843 It is really amazing. You can break hacksaw blades in thirds and use them instead of the cheesy blades that come with it. This is the best tool that I have bought from Harbor Freight. There is a cheaper one that looks very similar, but I don't know if it is as powerful. I cut my old cab up into little peices with it, cut my bed floor, frame, etc. They are really handy. __________________ 69 SWB LT1/4L60E www.classicplace.com

09-09-2003, 10:56 PM	#17
Eddie H. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Paradise TX USA Posts: 1,200	I've got one of those little air saws too. They're real handy except they burn up the blades pretty fast. Mine was made by Snap-On, so it cost about 4 times as much as the Harbor Freight one. They were probably made in the same factory in China though. __________________ "Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution"

09-09-2003, 11:41 PM	#18
Jwill41 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Farmers Branch, Tx Posts: 1,009	I also have the Lincoln Pro MIG 135. It was $424 at Lowes and it is 110v. Works great without the gas and I cant wait to try it with gas. __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/jwill41 67 1/2 ton GMC short step side 68 1/2 ton Chevy long fleet side 72 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban 99 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban founder (and only member) of the primer/clearcoat club

09-10-2003, 03:36 AM	#19
lost wages Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: jefferson city, mo Posts: 1,364	i have a hypertherm 600 plasma cutter, works great, as for a welder i have a hobart 135 for sheet metal and larger miller welders for other things. Attached Images

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