Lets talk Plasma cutters

Dan, I'm pretty sure that I have the exact model you linked to. I'm happy with it, but there are some drawbacks.

1) It's not really all that quiet. It does emit a loud hiss, and when the air compressor kicks on at the same time....well, it's not quiet.

2) Even with a dedicated 30 amp outlet, it will still trip the breaker when I'm cutting thicker stuff. If you have more amps available, then you'll probably do OK. Keep in mind that it has the funny cord that has one of the prongs sideways.

3) 1/2" is probably doable with it, but it will take a few passes, and most likely not be super pretty. I've done a bit of 1/4" stuff that comes out OK, but still kinda rough. I think it's mostly due to my lack of experience. The speed you move it, the angle, etc, all makes a difference.

4) Some metals like aluminum don't really cut all that clean. 1/4" aluminum was pretty darn rough where 1/4" steel came out great. I highly suspect that regardless of metal, the thinner it is the cleaner it will cut.

That being said, I'm really glad I have it. It makes a lot of stuff easier, and opens up a lot of possibilities. And sheet metal? Let's just say that I REALLY wish I had this toy when I was doing the body work on Old Bill. It slices through 16 gauge like buttah. :twisted:

OH, BTW, see if your FLWSS has one, you may be able to get a demo. I bought mine from my local place even though it cost more, but they've really made up for that extra cost in customer service.

 

Hi guys, Im new to post but have been lingering around for quite some time now. I am a begining welder fabricator(about 6 years under belt) I to have the Hypertherm 380, its a great machine, but I do wish I would have gone up one notch or so, but overall it does me a great job. All I can say is buy the most expensive machine you can afford because it hurts to have to buy twice.

 

IIRC, my welding supply guy said the same thing about it being one more thing to break. It did seem redundant considering I already had air power.....

 

I've got the thermal dynamics 38 and really like it. Zips through just about anything. If you are patient enough and have a good air supply it will sever cut 5/8" plate. You can cut 3/8" nice and smooth if you are using the machine correctly.

The ones with the built in compressors are mainly light duty for doing sheetmetal work.

I went with the Thermal Dynamics over the Hypertherm because of the consumable cost.

Under $900 - not for a good one. And add to your over all price, a good dryer setup ($75 - $150) and spare filters or desicant. I'm using a motorguard M-26 after a small glass bowl dryer. Nothing kills the consumables and your cuts like oily or wet air.

 

dad's only cuts 1/4" need 2 passes to cut 5/16".

 

Miller Spectrum 625. Will cut 7/8 easily and can do over 1-inch if I go really slow. Hook it to a Craftsman 110V 2-stage compressor and run the air at around 120-135psi. Consumables are spendy, though.

If I did it again I'd probably step up to the Spectrum 2050 so I could hook it to a trace cutter if I ever opened my own shop, but the 625 is probably the ultimate "hobbyist" machine out there.

 

I have the miller 380 I think. Its a 110/220 volt system and requires external air.

I only have 110 in my garrage at the moment, and its backed by a craftsman 6 horse singe stage compressor with just under 40gallons air.

The compressor is certainly the weakest link. Get a minimum of 2 stage with big pistons.

Ok you asked about the plasma cutter. I normally use plasma for fine work in 11 guage and lots of 1/4 some 3/8.
Again remember I am only running 110 at 20A max.

As long as I have a good ground it will cut 1/4 like butter. My trick is either to grind the area before I connect the ground clamp, or actually make a poor ground near the are then fire the gun in an area about the size of a dime. With a weak ground it will burn off the junk and not the metal leaving a good clean spot to ground to.

After that I usually run about 35% of max on the plasma power dial with 150 psi out of the compressor and 85 psi to the tip of the gun. The first key of the trigger always trips the breaker. reset it once and you are good to go for about 5-8 minutes depending on air temp and material. If the metal is clean and well grounded I can cut 10guage diamond like paper. My compressor limits me more than electric supply.(both suck)

As for max, again I have never run 220 in my machine, but at 50-60% on the plasma power dial and a full charge in the compressor with 100psi to the gun I have cut curves and shapes through a piece of 3/4 x4 inch stock. Cuts were rough and I had to go slow, but still way better than anyhing I could do with a grinder or torch. Much faster than a band saw as well, but not as clean.

I would love to see what the machine can do with a bigger supply and a good compressor. If your wondering if I turn the dial above 60% at 110 volt I trip the breakers in the garrage instantly. Oh and every individual big tool in my garrage is on a separate 20amp breaker. The plasma and welder each have a full 20A to themselves.

From what I hear 220 volt with more current does not give the machine all that much more cutting power but does allow it to work half as hard with even faster cleaner cuts. I don't use it for a living, and only burn 20-30 minutes on a project then it sits for weeks. So untill I get a bigger garrage 110v is all I get.