Looking to purchase a plasma cutter.

[Bob Sawyer]

I'm looking to purchase a plasma cutter and I'm looking for advice/suggestions.
It will be used for automotive type sheet metal and the occasional 1/8" 1/4" thick plate. I can go with 120 volts or 220 volts. It will not be used in a production type shop - mainly to support my hobby of working on vehicles.
I would like to hear from those that use a plasma cutter and the type machine you are using? Recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ironbuilt]

If you don't mind spending the money, there isn't much better for hobby and professional use.


https://www.weldersupply.com/P/200/HyperthermPowermax30Plas

 

[Big Bad Dad]

Not me. But I watch a lot of this guys builds on Youtube. He is a very good fabricator. This is his video on a cheap plasma cutter..

 

[Cranky]

Thermal Dynamics CutMaster 51 is what I have and love it. Just do your research for what you need.....

 

[hoover]

Hypertherm all the way.

 

[Photon440]

A few other comments on the topic:
https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/need-a-plasma-cutter-for-quick-job.224924/

 

[Curiousyellow71]

We have run thermal dynamics, hypertherm and Miller. We did ok with the low amp Miller units, but when we went bigger they were crap..they have changed their design but I am not a fan. Imo the hypertherm was excellent but not as good as thermal dynamics. But, both entry level units from thermal dynamics or hypertherm will be fine.

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

I have a hypertherm and a thermodynamics. The thermodynamics will cut 5/8 plate like butter. The other one is good for lighter metal

 

[Ironbuilt]

I have a hypertherm and a thermodynamics. The thermodynamics will cut 5/8 plate like butter. The other one is good for lighter metal

5/8 plate is serious metal. I assume that you're not using that for a hobby machine.

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

Yup I bought it because I was tired of my Hyperthrem not being up to the task. I do build some things out of 1/2 plate. So I took a piece of that into the store and told the guy I want t cut this easily and that machine will cut!

 

[Ironbuilt]

Yup I bought it because I was tired of my Hyperthrem not being up to the task. I do build some things out of 1/2 plate. So I took a piece of that into the store and told the guy I want t cut this easily and that machine will cut!

What did you pay for that thermodynamics?

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

I’m thinking 2800. It’s been a few years. It is 3K on amazon now. I bought mine at a local welding shop.

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc....MIlsi3zduq8wIVGvfjBx01yA84EAQYBSABEgKyLfD_BwE

 

[Bb70charger500]

I got a little lotus and I have used it once

 

[F4R/T]

I’m a fan of Victor plasma cutters, I used one at my old job and it was snazzy.

 

[Curiousyellow71]

Out in the country low fluctuating voltage is hard on plasma cutters over 50 amp unless is is digital and reads line voltage to adjust accordingly. We have a thermal dynamics 60i. It will cut 3/4" inch and sever 1 1/2". We also use it on a cnc plasma table. It's a little slow to turn on cut to cut with the cnc but it has a steady powerful flame and consumables last a long time. I think it was $2250 two years ago. The 60i is very powerful for its size and has a good duty cycle . Look at the duty cycle when your shopping to see how long you can cut. Esab owns thermal dynamic and victor. I would guess thermal dynamics may make the victor plasmas?. I believe hypertherm is still a private company.

 

[6872n73]

Lincoln Miller hypertherm thermodynamics, get one of the name brands because after the initial purchase, consumeables are going to be your long-term expense. I bought my hypertherm used about 15 years ago and it was probably 10 years old then. The unit itself has been discontinued and is no longer serviced but I can still get consumables.

 

[Beekeeper]

Like most replies above go with hypertherm 30 and don’t look back. Runs on 120 or 240
using the supplied twist lock pigtails.

 

[Bob Sawyer]

Thanks everyone for your input. I found a Hypertherm 600 at an estate sale this morning. It is a brand new, never used unit with over $200.00 in consumables. Came with all the manuals, etc. I know the 600 was discontinued in 2008, but from everything I read, parts/consumables are still available. I paid $900.00 for it. Looking forward to getting it hooked up and trying it out.

 

[Curiousyellow71]

View attachment 1173932 Thanks everyone for your input. I found a Hypertherm 600 at an estate sale this morning. It is a brand new, never used unit with over $200.00 in consumables. Came with all the manuals, etc. I know the 600 was discontinued in 2008, but from everything I read, parts/consumables are still available. I paid $900.00 for it. Looking forward to getting it hooked up and trying it out.

We had a Hypertherm 600 it is a great plasma cutter. The models after the 600 had some struggles but that unit is perfect for what you need.