How little could I get away with spending for a occasional use Cutter?

[jweaver]

Many of my projects are limited by my inability to cut metal.. I have always loved the idea of a Gas Axe, or even a Plasma cutter but figured that the setup costs would be huge (gas).

But last night I stumbled upon this section and soon realised that Plasma cutters arn't as complicated as I thought.. Since I already have a 200L compressor, I am already setup on that side.

So I am just wondering how little I could spend to get a viable cutter.. It will only be used a handful of times per year, so I can't justfiy spending loads.

And the "CUT 50" is a logical choice, but have read many posts from people with problems.. The obvious choice is the "R-Tech 30C" but I am not sure I can justify spending £400 on this.

That said, my first MIG was a budget "SIP" and it was terrible and recently I upgraded that to something much better and it was night and day.. So I am not adverse to spending a little more on tools these days, especially if they are the sort of tools which would last a lifetime.

So could anyone give me their thoughts on what someone like me should look at?

Thanks in advance..

Jon

 

[cumbriasteve]

Think you have answered your own question really.

The cheapanese one's can be hit and miss, if they miss then that is ok if the seller is easy to contact, provides good customer service and you don't have to post your unit half way around the world for repairs.

To provide such a good back up service is rare with the box shifters and costs a customer friendly company money so their machines are more expensive, funnily enough probably about the same price as R-tech sell theirs .

If I personally was in the market for one and I have limited use, I would probably risk a cheap Chinese one because I have a good mate who is clued up with electronics and could probably repair most faults.

 

[jweaver]

Think you have answered your own question really.

The cheapanese one's can be hit and miss, if they miss then that is ok if the seller is easy to contact, provides good customer service and you don't have to post your unit half way around the world for repairs.

To provide such a good back up service is rare with the box shifters and costs a customer friendly company money so their machines are more expensive, funnily enough probably about the same price as R-tech sell theirs .

If I personally was in the market for one and I have limited use, I would probably risk a cheap Chinese one because I have a good mate who is clued up with electronics and could probably repair most faults.

I understand that the CUT 50 does not have the "pilot arc"... How big a problem this, again considering its just for occasion "hobby" use?

 

[rtbcomp]

Your choice of machine depends on the maximum thickness you want to cut rather than the number of times you'll use it.

 

[jweaver]

Your choice of machine depends on the maximum thickness you want to cut rather than the number of times you'll use it.

I suspect never more than 10mm.. Its a Hobby tool, so its going to be used mainly for 2-5mm

 

[ukracer]

I understand that the CUT 50 does not have the "pilot arc"... How big a problem this, again considering its just for occasion "hobby" use?

Some people have been lucky with the cut 50 but for peace of mind don't discount r tech as they offer a brilliant interest Free credit option.

 

[jweaver]

Some people have been lucky with the cut 50 but for peace of mind don't discount r tech as they offer a brilliant interest Free credit option.

I can afford the R-tech one.. But I just can't justify it.. I think the common sense approach is to buy the CUT 50... See how much I use it.. And if it becomes an essential part of my workshop, upgrade later...

AT £150 its not the end of the world if it doesn't work out.. But then again, if its hard to use then its going to put me off, and this is exactly the same situation I had with my first MIG...

So I am still not saying no to the R-Tech.

 

[rtbcomp]

One big feature of the pilot arc is that you can cut mesh or across holes, if the main arc goes out the pilot will start it up again.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Have you get a seller in mind for the cheapo one?

I am getting pestered about what I want for Xmas and although I won't use it much it sounds better than socks and aftershave.

Probably buying off ebay and the Chinese sellers but want one that states delivery from the UK, this means under Ebay rules they can not force you to return to China if it arrives not working or damaged.

It is disconcerting though to look at their other items for sale and find ladies dresses, ear rings and cheap 99p tat, any technical backup will be non existant.

I will carry on researching sellers and feedback etc.

 

[cumbriasteve]

The Chinese, actually the same seller (using different names) who lists and sells from China is also listing and selling the same machine from Germany, is that to avoid any import duty?

 

[arthur]

I got a Hypertherm 30XP, did not want to spend that much but resale value and support where factors for me (plus it's a VERY good cutter), turns out I use it MUCH more than I first thought so after the shock of the cost it has worked out well, each time I use it I think "damm, how did I ever get on without this thing!"

 

[eSCHEn]

I am getting pestered about what I want for Xmas and although I won't use it much it sounds better than socks and aftershave.

Cough, TIG set, cough.

 

[ukracer]

Have you get a seller in mind for the cheapo one?

I am getting pestered about what I want for Xmas and although I won't use it much it sounds better than socks and aftershave.

Probably buying off ebay and the Chinese sellers but want one that states delivery from the UK, this means under Ebay rules they can not force you to return to China if it arrives not working or damaged.

It is disconcerting though to look at their other items for sale and find ladies dresses, ear rings and cheap 99p tat, any technical backup will be non existant.

I will carry on researching sellers and feedback etc.

My lad just purchased a fender roller and was refunded within the hour BUT they are still listing the item....go figure lol

 

[cumbriasteve]

Cough, TIG set, cough.

Cough, she is not that soft, cough

 

[cumbriasteve]

My lad just purchased a fender roller and was refunded within the hour BUT they are still listing the item....go figure lol

Easier to refund than lose their position on the listings when out of stock.

 

[DanielW]

The Chinese, actually the same seller (using different names) who lists and sells from China is also listing and selling the same machine from Germany, is that to avoid any import duty?

Maybe thats why I didn't get stung for the CNC parts I've just bought? this stuff went through germany and then to the uk from china.

 

[rikrobson]

I have the one form Frosts

It has Pilot arc and the consumables are available from plasmapart. I've been very happy with it. It comes in at £375 and they have a good customer service dept.

 

[ukracer]

Easier to refund than lose their position on the listings when out of stock.

Yes I know why it's done mate but it should not be allowed......

 

[DanielW]

Yes I know why it's done mate but it should not be allowed......

Why shouldn't it be allowed? if they are out of stock and they take the listing down then they're going to get billed for relisting the same item if and when they get more stock in.

 

[cumbriasteve]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Welder-TI...358919?hash=item1c45b1b707:g:rGoAAOSwEK9UCHOy

then when you show her how useful the cheap one is thats when you angle for a decent one as it will do everything THAT much better

We have been married for eerrrr 35??? years, she don't fall for my tricks anymore