Adam Marshall
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I'm looking for a good plasma cutter for diy use need it to work on standard 13a supply. Nothing to expensive are the eBay specials any good? Thanks
- Thread starter Adam Marshall
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Gareth0123
You'll need 16 pigs to do the job in one sitting!
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Look through this section read the various threads & posts, come to a decision and then make a punt.
Some people have good experiences with the cheap and cheerful (I didn't), some people have bad experiences with them (I did), some people have no problems, some people have bought a lump of scrap, some people are able to fix what has failed, and some people which now includes me are prepared to spend a little more knowing that we will have a sound no quibble warranty backed up with exceptional service.
A phrase I now live by is "Knowing the cost of item does not necessarily mean you understand the value of that item."
Do your research, fix a budget, do some more research, expand your budget, make your purchase.
Some people have good experiences with the cheap and cheerful (I didn't), some people have bad experiences with them (I did), some people have no problems, some people have bought a lump of scrap, some people are able to fix what has failed, and some people which now includes me are prepared to spend a little more knowing that we will have a sound no quibble warranty backed up with exceptional service.
A phrase I now live by is "Knowing the cost of item does not necessarily mean you understand the value of that item."
Do your research, fix a budget, do some more research, expand your budget, make your purchase.
skotl
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What Gareth said - rather than us repeat pretty much everything in already in this section (and getting into a fight about what's Chinese and what isn't 
) you'd be best to read the first page or so of posts in the plasma section.
On the upside - they are great tools and you'll wonder how you lived without one!
) you'd be best to read the first page or so of posts in the plasma section.On the upside - they are great tools and you'll wonder how you lived without one!
gaz1
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theres a mixture of how good they are and now also how to repair theres as well
so the cut 50 is something i wouldnt have bought but i have one now and also had to but a compressor so dont forget to add that to your cost if you dont have one
25 is ok a 40/50 is better and 90 litre is even better when using the compressor
would i buy one again yes i wouldnt think twice with what i know now
just one thing weigh out if you really need to buy one or can you manage with just a grinder if you have very little to do with metal ive built a few stuff and other things so my costs in buying it was worth it than to continue to use grinder which of coarse you still use within reason
so the cut 50 is something i wouldnt have bought but i have one now and also had to but a compressor so dont forget to add that to your cost if you dont have one
25 is ok a 40/50 is better and 90 litre is even better when using the compressor
would i buy one again yes i wouldnt think twice with what i know now
just one thing weigh out if you really need to buy one or can you manage with just a grinder if you have very little to do with metal ive built a few stuff and other things so my costs in buying it was worth it than to continue to use grinder which of coarse you still use within reason
Gareth0123
You'll need 16 pigs to do the job in one sitting!
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I purchased a "Blue" 30 amp single phase high frequency start plasma cutter just over 2 years ago and have not looked back. Cutting 8mm thick plate is enough for me........ I just cannot physically handle any thicker plate than this on my own, so for 10mm and thicker I contract out to the local water jetters and laser cutter, or if it is just a quick one-off I have an old friend do it with a magic-eye Oxy/Acet cutter.
The only really tip I can add is to have plenty of clean dry air on hand. The standard water traps supplied with plasma sets are really not up to the job. I have a water trap on the compressor outlet, then on a separate stand I have a larger water trap, and next to that a much larger one which is filled with silica gel in 4 small muslin pouches, and then I have the standard fitted water trap on the plasma cutter. Clean and dry air will make all the difference at the cutter tip and will extend the life of the front end consumables. I did a job in another workshop last week and didn't bother to take my compressor and traps with me....... a big mistake.
I drained their compressor down, but their hoses were over 100ft long and condensate just filled the little water trap up on my cutter so at one point I did have water coming out at the torch and that just ******** up the consumables and cracked the ceramic shroud. This job was only about 5 miles from mine, so I took it on the chin and lost an hour of work (read unpaid) time traversing the city to return with my compressor and water traps. I was happy, the customer was happy, the job was neatly completed, and I got some more work from them.
I've had my "Blue" Plasma cutter for 2 years and 1 month now, andhave used it without a single issue let alone a problem with the set, but a few weeks ago I did exercise the option and purchase the additional extended two years no quibble warranty to take me out to the 4 years old point. In a commercial sense I don't do that much plasma cutting, but when I do need it, I need it and need it there and then without the associated and frustrating problems caused by down time and an inability to get on and do.... and in my book a bit of previous prudence is less stressful and considerably less expensive than hindsight.
Yes, I've broken and damage ceramic shrouds putting the torch down hard on the bench, knocking it off the bench and dropping it. I didn't move the torch fast enough once and had the tip weld itself to the piece ruining both the tip and the work piece, and have cut through the extension lead..... don't ask! .............. but all of these are pilot errors caused by the old git holding the torch!
The only really tip I can add is to have plenty of clean dry air on hand. The standard water traps supplied with plasma sets are really not up to the job. I have a water trap on the compressor outlet, then on a separate stand I have a larger water trap, and next to that a much larger one which is filled with silica gel in 4 small muslin pouches, and then I have the standard fitted water trap on the plasma cutter. Clean and dry air will make all the difference at the cutter tip and will extend the life of the front end consumables. I did a job in another workshop last week and didn't bother to take my compressor and traps with me....... a big mistake.
I drained their compressor down, but their hoses were over 100ft long and condensate just filled the little water trap up on my cutter so at one point I did have water coming out at the torch and that just ******** up the consumables and cracked the ceramic shroud. This job was only about 5 miles from mine, so I took it on the chin and lost an hour of work (read unpaid) time traversing the city to return with my compressor and water traps. I was happy, the customer was happy, the job was neatly completed, and I got some more work from them.
I've had my "Blue" Plasma cutter for 2 years and 1 month now, andhave used it without a single issue let alone a problem with the set, but a few weeks ago I did exercise the option and purchase the additional extended two years no quibble warranty to take me out to the 4 years old point. In a commercial sense I don't do that much plasma cutting, but when I do need it, I need it and need it there and then without the associated and frustrating problems caused by down time and an inability to get on and do.... and in my book a bit of previous prudence is less stressful and considerably less expensive than hindsight.
Yes, I've broken and damage ceramic shrouds putting the torch down hard on the bench, knocking it off the bench and dropping it. I didn't move the torch fast enough once and had the tip weld itself to the piece ruining both the tip and the work piece, and have cut through the extension lead..... don't ask! .............. but all of these are pilot errors caused by the old git holding the torch!
Last edited:
westcoweld
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@Tom Orrow L can you help? the Gladius has been a top machine for the few we sold.
Tom Orrow L
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I could indeed, we've been selling a few Gladius 40's but probably not as many as yourselves. GCE Gladius would do the trick better than any of the eBay special, I'm sure you'll agree
RussT
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, whereas from some older posts on here they used to offer 3 years? Don't know whether that can be extended or not?
Tom Orrow L
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Wheres the service centre / backup in the UK on the Eastwood stuff? Genuine question.
