Plasma Cutter

[Andy Detwiler]

What kind of plasma do you guys use? I have been thinking about getting one to use in the farm shop and in my shop. Have looked around on the net and there is a lot of them out there,so i thought you all could help me out. Probably need one to cut atleast 1/2 in. to 3/4. Thinking about Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 51 or Miller Spectrum 625. Thanks, Andy:blizzard

[wyldman]

I've just been shopping for a new one recently.

In talking to various knowledgeable people,they say to stay away from Lincoln and Miller,They make great welders,but the plasmas are junk.

ESAB and Thermadyne are the two I have narrowed it down too.Looks like I'm leaning towards the Thermadyne Cutmaster 81.Remember the machine are high over rated,so if you need to cut 3/4",then by a 7/8" rated machine.It will kill the machine pretty quick if your running at full capacity all the time.Cutting speed and quality is also way better with the higher rated machines.

The Cutmaster 51 is only a 1/2" rated machine.So it will cut 1/2" clean,5/8" OK,and just severe 3/4".Severe is similar to a rough oxy\act cut.

The Cutmaster 81 is a 7/8" rated machine,so it will cut 7/8" clean,1" OK and severe 1 1/4'.Much faster cut speeds and a higher duty cycle too.

The 51 will cut 1/2" plate at 10 inches/min.The 81 will do 23 inches/min.Duty cycle on the 81 is pretty much 100% until your cutting 3/4" and larger.

The Thermadynes also use quick disconnect torch leads,and extensions are available.

Be aware,you need clean DRY air (7 cfm at 70 PSI),and LOTS of power.The 51 will pull almost 40 amps at 240V,the 81 draws 55 or so.Make sure you have the power available,as it's expensive to rewire.

[snowjoker]

Try one of the welding message boards them guys could give ya the skinny on your choices..

[speedracer241]

I have a Blue Point I purchased off the Snap On truck. Not sure who makes it for them but it may be a Century??
I have been real happy with it, cuts everything I have needed it to. I think it was rated to do 3/4.

Only thing I don't like is the consumable parts are kinda high. I think the tips were $6-8 each. There is a plastic collar on the torch and 2 is $75.00.

Good luck in your purchase,
Mark K

[itsgottobegreen]

I would go with hypertherm. They have a join venture with miller. They have the best user friendly plasma cutter. I will have a Hypertherm 1000 so as I got the $2000 laying around to buy it.

If you look around here. Every welding shop and every tech school run all Miller welders and hypertherm plasmas.

[Pickering Snow]

A person can do has they want but here is my two cents i have all thermo dynamics i have a 38 and a 58 both machines are nice the 38 can be changed out to a 220 and the 58 is a straight 220 i leave the 38 with the 120v cord so i can use it on the service truck off the gen for field work.

I also want to forwarn that the dragon fire from thermo dynamics is a peice of crap thats the small portable unit with the bulit in compressor, i bought it threw sears and its not dependable thats why i bought the 38 for field work.

[Garagekeeper]

I run a ThermoDynamic Stack pac unit in the shop too..
Good machine, I would buy another unit from them.
But as has been said don't believe the maximum cut range the manufactures list in their specs. (Most should say will burn a up alot of torch parts and make a mess of the work piece before it cuts thru.)
speedracer241 brought up a really good point, the operating costs..
"Consumables" are expensive and you do need to keep plenty on hand especially "tips" if your going to be using the machine on any steel that has rust on it or aluminum or use it to cut bolts off.
:rolleyes: John...

[TOZOVR]

I would go with hypertherm. They have a join venture with miller. They have the best user friendly plasma cutter. I will have a Hypertherm 1000 so as I got the $2000 laying around to buy it.

If you look around here. Every welding shop and every tech school run all Miller welders and hypertherm plasmas.


Both shops have Hypertherms and they rock.

[Robh]

I picked up a cornwell unit cheap, so i went with that one. So far so good, I dont cut real heavy of materal so it works real well for us.....Rob

[Fastjohnny]

Bringing this back up, I'm looking at a thermodyn cutmaster 52, like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260357500180

Anybody with recent recommendations?

Andy, did you buy one?

[fireside]

Thermodynamic or Hyperterm are your two top of the line units. They were the same owners at one time and are made across the river from each other. I have a Hypertherm 600 great unit for around $1500 to $2000. It cuts 5/8 plate all day long. I did cut some 1" plate it cut it no problem but a little slow. I looked at the Hyperterm 1000 but $2500 was way to rich for me. Miller unit are not very good my buddy had one it broke more than it worked. His dealer gave him back his money now he hasa thermodynamic with no problems

[Joey D]

I would stick with Hypertherm.

[JD PLOWER]

Is this decent deal? found on CL.

200amp Tig Welder/50amp Plasma Cutter/Arc Welder,Toshiba mosfet,NEW!!! - $750

5Year Warranty
EV-CT520D
Mosfet Technology with Fuji or Toshiba Mosfets

Operating Dual Voltage:
208/220vac 50/60HZ Input Single Phase 1PH
110/120vac 50/60HZ Input Single Phase 1PH
50amp cut draws 25Amps
40amp cut draws 22.5Amps
230V No Load Voltage, 100-115V Working Voltage

Plasma Cutting Specs:
3" Per minute @ 1" Steel (Severance Cut)
7" Per minute @ 3/4" Thick Steel
17" Per minute @ 1/2" Quality Cut

50 Amps Plasma cutter: Duty Cycle 60% at 50 Amps and 100% at 40 Amps. 3/4 inches clean cut with 7.2 inches per minutes; 1.0inches severance cut with 3.1 inches per minute. Rated Output Current is 40Amps under both AC 110V and 220V. Works in both 50 and 60 Hz with operating air pressure as 65 psi @ 3 cfm.
Welder Specs:
TIG and Arc Welder

200 Amps DC Tig Welder: Duty Cycle 60% at 180 Amps
ARC and 100% at 95 Amps ARC. Gas Flow: 2-5 L/Minute. It can weld all stainless steel. 150 Amps Arc Welder: Duty Cycle 60% at 150 Amps and 100% at 90 Amps.
DC welders do not weld aluminum.
High Frequency and Contact Start:
High Frequency DC Plasma cuts thicker materials than standard DC plasma cutters. High Frequency Plasma cuts faster with less distortion in your metal.


Internal High Speed Cooling Fan to Regulate Temperature. Unit has built in Thermal and Overload Protection,built-in compressor.

Weight: 40Lbs(44LBS Boxed)
Dimensions: 480 mm Length x 210 mm width x 310mm

What is Included?

Main Unit
Cutting Torch
TIG Torch
Stick Holder
Earth Clamp
Air Regulator with Bracket
Air Hose
Foot Pedal
Argon Regulator
Consumables: 3 piece tips, 3 piece electrodes, 3 piece gas diffuser, 3 piece shield cups!! $750 w/5 year warranty!!!! also have seperate Plasma cutters for sale-50/60/80/100 amp

[Joey D]

Jeff, Those are refered to as China cuts on pirate. Many of them out there with good feedback. They sell for cheaper than that to pirate 4x4 members, around $500.

[Pickering Snow]

Bringing this back up, I'm looking at a thermodyn cutmaster 52, like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260357500180

Anybody with recent recommendations?

Andy, did you buy one?

John

These are the units i have 38 and 58 mine are branded Firepower threw Napa but same machines, the 38 uses alot of tips , electrodes on both machines hold up well. Make sure you use dry air i know you paint so probley no worrys there but a air compressor pumping water threw on if these is a no no.

Again i like them both Firepowers were 1400 and 1800 when i bought them .

[JD Dave]

I've just been shopping for a new one recently.

In talking to various knowledgeable people,they say to stay away from Lincoln and Miller,They make great welders,but the plasmas are junk.

ESAB and Thermadyne are the two I have narrowed it down too.Looks like I'm leaning towards the Thermadyne Cutmaster 81.Remember the machine are high over rated,so if you need to cut 3/4",then by a 7/8" rated machine.It will kill the machine pretty quick if your running at full capacity all the time.Cutting speed and quality is also way better with the higher rated machines.

The Cutmaster 51 is only a 1/2" rated machine.So it will cut 1/2" clean,5/8" OK,and just severe 3/4".Severe is similar to a rough oxy\act cut.

The Cutmaster 81 is a 7/8" rated machine,so it will cut 7/8" clean,1" OK and severe 1 1/4'.Much faster cut speeds and a higher duty cycle too.

The 51 will cut 1/2" plate at 10 inches/min.The 81 will do 23 inches/min.Duty cycle on the 81 is pretty much 100% until your cutting 3/4" and larger.

The Thermadynes also use quick disconnect torch leads,and extensions are available.

Be aware,you need clean DRY air (7 cfm at 70 PSI),and LOTS of power.The 51 will pull almost 40 amps at 240V,the 81 draws 55 or so.Make sure you have the power available,as it's expensive to rewire.
Great post! What would an 81 be worth?

[Fastjohnny]

http://store.cyberweld.com/thdyplcucu82.html

JD, It is now sold as an 82, above link's price is 1907 with free shipping.

Fred, thanks for the post, did not know the firepower was made by TD.

[JD Dave]

http://store.cyberweld.com/thdyplcucu82.html

JD, It is now sold as an 82, above link's price is 1907 with free shipping.

Fred, thanks for the post, did not know the firepower was made by TD.

Thanks FJ.

[wyldman]

Great post! What would an 81 be worth?

It has been replaced by the Cutmaster 82,and they are usually around 2500.00 CDN.

Awesome machine BTW.Had mine 3 years now,and it just keeps on ticking.Cuts really well,and is actually pretty easy on consumables,as long as you use it correctly.

The dry air is important,as it doesn't eat up or oxidize the electrode,so it lasts longer.

[ADMSWELDING]

Hypertherm i run a power max 1250 7yrs now not a problem 80amp system cuts 1/2"v like butter 1/8 as fast as you can go.:D

[Chuck Smith]

Hard to beat Indiana Oxygen. $1850 with FREE shipping.

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/servlet/the-2857/THERMAL-DYNAMICS-CUTMASTER-82/Detail


I just got the MILLER MAXSTAR 150S STICK WELDER WITH X-CASE AND LEADS for $820.00 shipped. I have not tried it yet. Was thinking about a Lincoln, but my Brother has a little Lincoln stick welder that will do TIG too, but it has been sent back to Lincoln twice for warranty repair. One time it just stopped working for no apparent reason. The second time it fell on its side right on the bench, and died. Not even a bang, when it tipped. It was not even plugged in. My next buy is going to be the Cutmaster 52. It's $1430 shipped.

I also bought my Victor torch and regulators from IOC too.

~Chuck

[JD Dave]

It has been replaced by the Cutmaster 82,and they are usually around 2500.00 CDN.

Awesome machine BTW.Had mine 3 years now,and it just keeps on ticking.Cuts really well,and is actually pretty easy on consumables,as long as you use it correctly.

The dry air is important,as it doesn't eat up or oxidize the electrode,so it lasts longer.

Thanks, didn't realize this thread was from 06.

[wyldman]

Hard to beat Indiana Oxygen. $1850 with FREE shipping.

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/servlet/the-2857/THERMAL-DYNAMICS-CUTMASTER-82/Detail

My next buy is going to be the Cutmaster 52. It's $1430 shipped.
~Chuck

Save a few more pennies and move up to the Cutmaster 82.The extra capacity is worth the extra money.

[Chuck Smith]

Been using my brother's Hypertherm 380. It is rated at 3/8" and it does OK. Usually put a new electrode and nozzle on it first when doing 3/8". Works great in the winter when it is dry. For the summer I need to get one of those fancy coalescing filters like Chris has :D It sure doesn't like moisture. The separator is inside the unit, not easy to get to and clean out.

The air is going through two filters/separators on the supply to the unit before it gets to the internal one.

We buy consumables for it from Harris Calorific Sales online.

~Chuck

[Chuck Smith]

Well I got the Cutmaster 52, and all I can say is :eek: omg AWESOME.

Like night and day compared to the 380 I have been using. Cutting some 1" box tubing, and a test cut I almost went through both sides of it. Had to back the amps way down. Going to take some getting used to for sure. Kinda like the first time I drove a V8 after having an inline 6 :D

I cannot see myself being disappointed in this purchase!

The 380 we left on the highest setting most of the time.

~Chuck

[Fastjohnny]

You beat me to the purchase Chuck, as soon as accounts are all in and up to date, I'll do it. Glad to hear you're happy with it.

[John DiMartino]

Congratulations Chuck! I have Plasma Envy:wink. I would love to get that machine as well,but cant justify it yet.I cant wait to see what custom built plow accesories and upgrades roll out of the Smith Bros shop this summer when you get all caught up.

[Pickering Snow]

Congrats Chuck you will love the 52 again having both we rarly use the smaller unit... In a nutshell i think we can thank that Plaszmaster in Erie for many of us going to these units.

There was a time when i was wicked with a Cutting torch and a clean tip our shop torch has one head on it now ROSEY :D the only way to remove king pins :D

[snowjoker]

My next toy is going to be a Miller 625 extreme, seems like the same class machine Chuck just got but only weighs 21 pounds..i was quoted just a bit over 14 big ones for it. By mid summer I will have it :D

[Fastjohnny]

Ordered mine today, cant wait:drool

[John DiMartino]

You guys are killing me! One day ill get me one too...

[Chuck Smith]

Yeah but you have access to even cooler tools! :wink

~Chuck

[Fastjohnny]

Chuck, did you order any extras with yours, I just got some tips. It also comes with a free helmet right now.

[Chuck Smith]

No extras. It came with some spares, I figured I'd see how long the consumables last.

~Chuck

[Chuck Smith]

Made a nice little cart for it and my Lincoln SP-175 Plus MIG. Just need to add the wyldman filters and I'll be all set. Oh, and the Argon/CO2 tank is way too big to fit under the bench. Got a 25' hose for it. This cart goes right under the bench to free up floor space.

~Chuck

[Fastjohnny]

Looks nice Chuck, that's funny, I've got the same welder, now the same plasma. My dad played with it today, fabbing up some parts for his Ex Mark.

[Chuck Smith]

My Brother has a 175 Plus, and I have been using his for 2 years. Lincoln replaced it with the 180. This was old stock that Air Gas let go back in Sept for under cost. It sat on their shelf for 2 years before they took the loss. I paid $500. Nice little machine. I really like it. Just had to replace the nozzle ASAP after getting it. The tip was flush, almost protruding a little. My Brother had a real heavy Tweeco nozzzle on his, that he paid some outragous price for, but in 2 years it was still fine, and he went through about a dozen spools of wire. So I found one that when I weighed it, it was 3 grams lighter, but almost the same thing, real heavy, at a reasonable price on eBay. I bought 6, should last me 10 years, LOL. Buying 6 was cheaper than the one he bought.

Staying on topic, I got a great deal on 25' extension cords for the plasma/welder from GTS on eBay. When they came they had lighted ends too, which was not listed.

Spoke to an Awisco rep last week, and an Air Gas rep last week, and drove home that they need to sell online and drop their prices if they want to compete. Awisco had the Cutmaster 52 on sale for $2150, and it just so happens that Air Gas had it on sale too for just over $1500. Like I posted, I got it for $1430 from IOC. At least Air Gas was close in price.

Had a rep from Fastenal in last week too, and she beat the price Awisco had the Norton Gemini 4.5" grinding discs on sale for. I got a quote from her 2 weeks ago @ $3.76 each. Awiso had them on sale for $2.23 each, she beat it @ $2.20 each. I bought 60. Which reminds me, tomorrow is the last day to order from the Awisco sale catalog, and I am getting stringer bead 4.5" brushes for just over $10 each.

In case Awisco is not a familiar name, they have (I think) 9 locations, and are based in NYC, but they bought up all the mom & pop welding supply places here in Northern NJ.

~Chuck

[GiantTechGuy]

We sell imported plasma cutters/welders if anyone is interested go here ..

www.GiantTechPlasmaCutter.com

[Fastjohnny]

Put this to work tonite fabbing mount parts. It does a super job, very pleased. Sorry, no import for me.

[Chuck Smith]

Import DEMO :wink

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDdzTGyoAzg

~Chuck

[wyldman]

We sell imported plasma cutters/welders if anyone is interested go here ..

www.GiantTechPlasmaCutter.com

Can I get one to demo ? :D