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Crawlers, Dozers, Loaders & Backhoes Discussion Forum

Plasma Cutter recommendations?

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Tom B (tbone)

04-06-2007 19:46:05

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Hi,
I am thinking plasma cutter. My budget is about $2000. What make model would you go with? Would like to be able to cut at least 1". If you get one that cuts 1" will it fry 1/4" if you try to cut it? Not very familiar with these. I think it would be handy for working on my heavy equipment. Thanks in advance.
Tom

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Steve Crum

04-10-2007 05:37:02

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Re: Plasma Cutter recommendations? in reply to Tom B (tbone), 04-06-2007 19:46:05

Thermal Dynamics or Hypertherm, either is an excellent machine. My experience is more with the Thermal Dynamics. I had a PakMaster 100XL for about 7 years that I've used in stainless fabricating and never had a problem. When I installed the CNC cutting table however, I had to replace the PakMaster due to it's hi-frequency arc starting. This hi-frequency starting will make scrap out of the CNC computer systems in a heartbeat I'm told. So I bought a new Thermal Dynamics CutMaster 101 with the capacitive discharge start and both the SL-100 machine torch and the SL-100 hand torch, this system has the ATC torch adapter, so I can change from machine to hand operation in less that 30 seconds. As far as the PakMaster, I kept this in good shape and sold it to a local scrap operation for only a few hundred less than I paid for it new. His monkeys haven't killed it yet.
I got less than rave reviews on the Miller systems from the guy that services all my cutting and welding systems. He said Miller makes a very good welder, but their factory service backing on the plasma systems leaves a lot to be desired. I use all Miller weld systems, but I follow the advice of the field people. I have good backing on the Thermal Dynamics systems and have spoken directly with their engineering dept. they seem like real good people that didn't try to BS me. As for your $2,000 budget, you might consider cushioning it with another grand and get a good system up front, These like any good tool tend to breed usefulness. Regardless of size, cut quality is 99% cutting tip care and operator ability. A PakMaster or a CutMaster will cut 30 gage to 1" thick just like a laser, Just copy and laminate the page in the operator's manual with the chart for cutting speeds and put this on the system for quick referance. Cheap machines are cheap results.

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mulesandheelers

04-09-2007 09:42:04

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Re: Plasma Cutter recommendations? in reply to Tom B (tbone), 04-06-2007 19:46:05

HI Tom

I have a Thermal Dynamics Pak Master 100Xl, that will true cut 1" and severe 1 1/4" about 10 years ago maybe a couple less this ran $2,500.00
In doing finer work the larger torch handle can be a little bit clumbersum.
I notice a 4-6 degree bevel on one side of the material [3/8" and thicker] being cut this may or may not be a problem in your work.
When cutting pipe flanges one will quickly learn to cut in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction to place this bevel to the waste side of the work [less prep/grinding].

If you like copy & paste the link below, it will give you a quick over view on price/cut capacity.

http://www.ramweldingsupply.com/products-list.mcic?c=221&m=103

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135 Fan

04-07-2007 20:49:46

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Re: Plasma Cutter recommendations? in reply to Tom B (tbone), 04-06-2007 19:46:05

What are you cutting? If it's just steel you can do as nice a job as a plasme torch with a regular torch. The reason I ask is because some people here that plasma torches do such a nice job without knowing how nice an oxy-acetylene torch can do. On steel 1/8 and thicker I prefer an O/A torch with a very clean tip. Plasma is good for sheet metal and material other than steel. Dave

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mark ace

04-07-2007 20:39:37

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Re: Plasma Cutter recommendations? in reply to Tom B (tbone), 04-06-2007 19:46:05

for $2000 you woant get a machine that will cut 1 inch, i spent $3000 for a miller

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Steve Sewell

04-06-2007 20:34:44

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Re: Plasma Cutter recommendations? in reply to Tom B (tbone), 04-06-2007 19:46:05

Hypertherm - plasma cutters are their business. They cost more than the discount brands. But you get what you pay for. I would hate to be with out mine. They will adjust up and down with the thickness of the metal. Just remember you need an air source to hook up to the plasma cutter. Also the size you are looking at with require 220 volts.

- Steve

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tiresntracks

04-06-2007 21:26:12

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Re: Plasma Cutter recommendations? in reply to Steve Sewell, 04-06-2007 20:34:44

I agree with Steve. I use a Hypertherm 1250 at work every day. We've had it for 5 years and never had a problem with it. Hypertherm only builds plasma cutters, its not a sideline. It will cut anything that conducts electricity. You can cut aluminum, cast iron, hardfacing, etc. that you can't cut with a torch. See if your local welding supply salesman will let you try one out.

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Tom B (tbone)

04-06-2007 21:28:48

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Re: Plasma Cutter recommendations? in reply to tiresntracks, 04-06-2007 21:26:12

Thanks for the recommendations. This may be a dumb question, but, if you get a high powered one, will it still cut thinner steel cleanly or does it burn it up?
Thanks,
Tom

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tiresntracks

04-06-2007 21:43:10

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Re: Plasma Cutter recommendations? in reply to Tom B (tbone), 04-06-2007 21:28:48

Its not a dumb question since you haven't used a plasma cutter much. The amperage is adjustable like a welder. Turn it down for thin metal and up for thick metal. On thin metal if you have the machine adjusted right and your speed is right(fast), it will look just like you cut it with a shear. Also you can cut thin metal fast,so you don't get much heat build-up and hardly any warpage.

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