I know this isn't exactly forestry related but I know lots of guys here have a lot of experience with welding etc... I was wondering if anyone had experience with a Cut-50 Plasma cutter, here's a link to the specs http://www.bobthewelder.com.au/product.php?productid=900&cat=163&page=1 I wouldn't be asking, but it appears to be a chinese made unit. There is a guy in town that has one for sale "new in box", I also wasn't sure about replacing the consumables too.
My welder is a lincoln and I've been happy with it, but if I'm going to buy a lincoln or miller plasma cutter it's going to be a long time before I buy one for very limited use.
Thanks
I was told to not spend money on anything but a Thermodine unit . That is all that they make ,plasma cutters . I think that they rebrand for other mfgrs. also . I have an old Seeley plasma that I bought new . I have not been pleased with it . I have to scratch start the arc , that makes for short life of the tips . If you can get to a trade show or a retail welding supplier that has a good stock of plasma they might let you try out a couple . I would not buy one without a tryout any more . Find the best one you can afford and put away five or ten bucks a week till you can afford it . don't throw away good money on one that you will be unhappy with in a month or two.
another vote for the Thermodyne...
A third vote for Thermodyne.
We've had a couple over the years and love them
I really like my hypertherm 800. No problem with it. I purchased it used from rediarc welder rentals for less then half of a new one. I had it for 10 years now.
I bought the Chinese one on sale for the little I'll be using it. It works very well for a $400 investment. Much better than a torch or hack saw. All of the consumables and tips are available from multiple sources on the web. I wouldn't buy it if you are planning lots of high duty cycle or prolong use. For that I'd spend the money and get a Thermodyne.
I have a Hypertherm 1000 on my CNC plasma table with the machine head. I can't tell you how many hours I have on it, but I can say it's alot. I have never had any problems with it, it makes a clean cut in material from 28ga through 3\4" plate, leaves very little dross if any, and I get excellent life from the consumables. If you can spend the money up front to get a good machine, it will pay you back many times.
I have a lincoln 3phase, not sure what model. As soon as I get it hooked up I'll let you know how I like it.
Don't know anything about it but for what it's worth, see that Sears has the Hobart 625 Plasma Cutter (00920660) on sale for 1400, marked down from $1900.
Quote from: beenthere on November 18, 2009, 10:10:32 AM
Don't know anything about it but
I guy should never really admit that on the forum...in print too!! :D :D :D :D
:D :D :D
It is down to $900 now. Only cuts to 5/8" thickness. So prolly not useful in a shop.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920660000P?keyword=00920660&sLevel=0#desc
I wasn't big on the idea of a chinese one so I threw out a low number, but he didn't take it, I'll just keep an eye out for a good used one. It won't be getting anywhere near heavy use but I've never regretted buying a higher quality tool.
Thanks for all the replies.
For those Thermadyne fans, I've found a used Thermal-Arc 3XR 240V. Does anyone have any experience with this model?
Thanks
I've had a Miller Spectrum 2050 for several years - no complaints or problems.
Have heard a lot of good things about Thermodyne and Hypotherm though.