Plasma cutter

[Powder Keg]

I need to have one bad!!! But these are expensive. I am considering getting a Chinese built one. They are 1/3 the price of name brand versions.  I can't really find anything bad about them on the net. They can be bought for about $300 give or take. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400279965099+ For $450 I can get a 3 in 1 machine. Plasma/tig/arc welder. http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIMADRE-CT5200D-50-AMP-PLASMA-CUTTER-200-AMP-TIG-ARC-MMA-WELDER-110-220V-/150801312181?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item231c7569b5 This would let me tig aluminum and I would gain a plasma cutter\o/ Does anyone have any experience with these? I'll probably be ordering one in the next week or so.

Thanks!!!

~Wes~

[John Stevenson]

The 3 in 1 is a DC machine so no tigging aluminium, you need AC for that.

I'd also take exception with the description that both these machines can cut 1" steel.
The 3 in 1 cutting demo was struggling to cut a bed frame.

I have a 40 amp 240v machine, cheap Chinese model and that will cut 3/8" and sever 1/2" but it looks like it's been mauled with a gas axe. If you keep it to 8mm or 5/16" or less it works very well.

I also have a big industrial Cebora P70 which is a 70 amp 440v machine and this will sever 1" but I reckon you will get more heat off the electric meter gimbal than the torch.

John S.

[Powder Keg]

I figure on them being over rated. But I only plan on mostly stuff under 1/4" Thanks for the heads up on needing AC:o) to TIG aluminum. I'll probably just get a Plasma unit:o)

~Wes~

[Dean W]

I would suspect their duty cycle claim, Wes.  I mean, suspect that, at least!  Frankly, these people overstate
everything when it comes to welding equipment.  In other words, they lie.  I would be very surprised if the actual
duty cycle of that machine was 15%, and then it will either be shutting down, or popping a breaker.  I'd also expect
that it won't put off more than 20-25 amps at the torch end. 
Just go into it eyes open.

[John Stevenson]

I bought the little Cut 40 plasma as a portable machine with it running off single phase for the simpler jobs.
The big Cebora is OK but it can only run from one part of the workshop as it needs a 32 amp 440 v plug and I only have one fitted in the shop.

I make a point of limiting cutting on the Cut 40 to about 1/4" plate which it cuts far better than that demo and with a lot thinner kerf width.

Either that one is setup incorrectly or someone doesn't know how to use it.

John S.

[Powder Keg]

Starting the arc? Some of the machines have a pilot arc. You pull the trigger and the arc starts. How does the arc start on machines without it? How does the cut 40 you have start John? Do you have to touch the metal?

Thanks:o)

~Wes~

[John Stevenson]

On mine the nozzle is recessed and there are 4 annular grooves on the end.
You hold the nozzle onto the work, press the trigger and keep it on the work, the end acts as a depth stop.

If you come off the wok for any reason it will carry on cutting.

[bhowden]

I have one of the Everlast 50 amp plasma cutters and was happy enough I went and bought the TIG machine.  One thing to remember with the 3n1 machines is you need to change the torch every time you want the other function which with plasma / welding seems to be all the time.  The other thought I had was if the magic smoke gets out it kills the whole machine.  Two separate machines means that you only lose one function.  So far no regrets with either.  Service is great.  I was having some issues with the arc going out when I got near the work.  I think it was largely a case of dirty consumables but they were happy to send me a new torch to try out.  They covered all the shipping.  Most of the stuff I cut is less than 1/4 inch and it makes a very nice cut on that.  It did not want to touch a piece of 5/8 inch aluminum.  I am embarrassed to admit this but my biggest problem has been remembering to connect the ground.  The pilot arc makes it feel like it is ready to cut.  It does cut but makes a horrible mess.  When I go looking for the reason it has turned out to be no ground every time.  I am getting tired of slapping myself on the forehead!

Brian

[PTsideshow]

Biggest thing with the flea bay machines is the consumables, nozzles, tips, electrodes can you get them? How much do they cost?  How fast do they ship?
You may want to check out the harbor Fright ones they generally have the consumables available. Don't know the brand you are talking about but there have been lots of complaints about finding them after the machines are bought. No follow up service.

The few people that will admit to owning a HF cutter seem to be happy with them. They are designed for hobbyist not pumping out parts by the yard.

I have a hyperthrem powermax 600 great deal as they were converting to the inverter machines. But dry air and having consumables on hand is a must.

[Powder Keg]

I think I'm going to get this one. Plasma cutter It's a step up from the first choice. I figure I can get three of these for a name brand machine. I don't plan on using it full time I just want something to do artsy fartsy stuff with.

Thanks for all input!!!

~Wes~

[DavidBraley]

Wes,

If it's not too much trouble, please share with us how it works out for you. I too have looked at the smaller "Made in China" machines, and I've always been curious how good they really are. I have several friends that are also interested in buying one.

I almost purchased a machine like the one you got, but at the last minute I lucked out and found a used PCM-875 ESAB machine on Craig's List.

[PTsideshow]

You may be interested in this thread on the Hobart forum http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/showthread.php?44746-Samedre-Semiarc-2012&p=418636#post418636 And so I don't have to re type my answer  Can't tell you enough consumables, consumables.
 

[Powder Keg]

Dang it!!! It's not easy being a cheep skate:o) Now I'm thinking I should go with the Harbor freight model. It would probably be smarter.

But, They don't take discount coupons any more on plasmas. It will be close to $800 with the 2 year warranty. For a hundred more I could get the Thermal dynamics Cutmaster 42. They have one here at the local shop. It has a 4 year warranty, 5 more feet of cable, Easy access to consumables, and a rollbar:o) I'm starting to lean back to the name brand cutter.

More pondering......

Thanks:o)

~Wes~

[PTsideshow]

Well I waited and saved till I could get one and lucked out when they changed over to the inverter box style. I haven't been sorry. A good dry air supply is also a must.  Makes the consumables last longer, moisture erodes them faster in the plasma stream.
here is a good source of information on plasma, it will apply to all plasma's other than the hyperthrem brand specific  

[Powder Keg]

Well, I went over and picked up a new Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 I got there right before they closed.

Got home and opened it up to play around a little. No lead.

Guess I'll have to wait till tomorrow.

~Wes~

[trevoratxtal]

Please note all of the cheaper plasma cutters will not cut the current if the air pressure drops, if it does it is fatal to the torch and often the electronics.
If you buy cheap modify the  air inlet with a pressure switch in line with the cut on/ off switch to safeguard this from happening.
Also you must have a air dryer, or say goodbye to electrodes.
If you do this then you can have a cheep cutter.
Trev