Plasma recommendations

[Badger1bear]

Hi guys, I am looking at getting myself a plasma cutter.
I use a Lincoln Electric with the built in compressor at work and it is a cracking piece of kit to use. The idea of an on board compressor makes it ideal for me going from job to job but it doesn't have to have one.

I am looking for your recommendations of what you think is a good machine

Simon

 

[wyn]

How much are you looking to spend on one?

 

[Badger1bear]

That's a tough one to answer buddy generally when I'm looking for something I set myself a price and then invariably go higher

For instance I was going to spend a couple of hundred quid on a second hand mag drill, I ended up spending £900 on a new one

For now I want to see what people say as to what they think is good

 

[Marc.]

For now I want to see what people say as to what they think is good

Whatever the best you can afford!

 

[FranV8]

The only thing about the built in compressor ones is they tend to be limited to thin sheet/duct work.

For what it's worth, I've got an Eastood Versa cut.

 

[Badger1bear]

The only thing about the built in compressor ones is they tend to be limited to thin sheet/duct work.

For what it's worth, I've got an Eastood Versa cut.

whats that like to use ? any and all feedback can only be a good thing

 

[wombar]

I bought a Plasmapart Cut50 last year and I've been very happy with it. Good service from the guys at PP and it's got a 2 year warranty which is always nice to have.

 

[Premiershipman]

A fair few of us on the forums have hypertherm plasma cutters, expensive but the majority of the time the best usually is the most expensive !

I have the Hypertherm 30 and its great !

Shady

 

[FranV8]

Simon, mines working mostly on 3mm mild steel,mitis like the proverbial hot knife through butter. I've never had it shut down on duty cycle, but I don't really use it that heavily. Pondy on here has one, he's put it through heavier use, I think he had a minor problem overheating the torch.

The unit is compact, and is probably the cheapest with pilot arc. If you're looking for really heavy commercial use though, you might be better looking for a something like a Hypertherm.

 

[Badger1bear]

Thankyou for all the input guys its much appreciated

 

[chevy2]

The only thing about the built in compressor ones is they tend to be limited to thin sheet/duct work.

For what it's worth, I've got an Eastood Versa cut.

Also got the Eastwood,
Features i like on it are the longer than normal 6m torch with pilot arc, and as i keep on the bottom of a trolley its nice having the power switch and the regulator guage and adjusting knob all on the front so you dont have to climb round the back everytime you want to use it.

 

[pedrobedro]

The built in compressor models I've seen all have the option to use an external supply where available for thicker material but a built in one does look like a handy extra.

 

[Seano]

Also got the Eastwood,
Features i like on it are the longer than normal 6m torch with pilot arc, and as i keep on the bottom of a trolley its nice having the power switch and the regulator guage and adjusting knob all on the front so you dont have to climb round the back everytime you want to use it.

How do you rate Eastwood equipment Gary ?

 

[chevy2]

How do you rate Eastwood equipment Gary ?

I only have the Eastwood plasma that seems ok, had it around a year now and although it quotes an 8mm max cut i've done 1/2" with it fairly easy but that really is the maximum,
only on the second tip but then i dont work it hard as its one of a varied selection of tools i use for cutting material,
as far as the duty cylcle goes i normally run out of compressed air first.

 

[FranV8]

Handy to know! Have you got it on a 16A supply?

 

[chevy2]

Handy to know! Have you got it on a 16A supply?

Its on a 16amp plug but i sometimes run it through a short dog lead converting it to a 3pin 13amp plug but found that it'll blow the plug fuse if run for a couple of minutes over about 30amps output.