Hobart 250CI Plasma Cutter

anybody own one? what do you think of it?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200336604_200336604

 

I don't own THAT particular plasma cutter, but being that it's at least a brand name, it's probably OK for a hobbiest/jeep guy.

Just make sure that the consumables are readily available, mostly tips and electrodes. You'll want to have 3 of each in stock, at all times. It's never predictable how long they'll last.

Sometimes they'll give you a lot of cutting, before they need to be replaced, sometimes, they'll mess up on the first cut, depending on the situation they're put into, and the skill of the operator.

That being said, plasma cutters are a great tool, but they're not always cheap to run. When I have to replace a tip and electrode, it costs me about $17.00.

Sometimes, to prolong the life of the tips and electrodes, I'll remove them, if they're buggered up, and face off the tip, on a vertical belt sander. Then, I'll dress up the electrode, as well, by lightly pushing the tip of it into the belt sander, until a spark appears, then I'll just put a slight chamfer all the way around it, like a new one has.

This'll usually get a few more miles out of it, depending on how bad it was to begin with.

Cutting painted and rusted metals, can be done, but the nastier the metal, the quicker the consumables crap out.

Being a self employed metal fabricator, I usually cut new, clean metal with it. HTH.

Rich

 

I have the Miller 375 which is basically the same as the Hobart 400. It has power to sever 1/2" on 110 volt, at least for a couple of inches. I find mineis used on the higher power levels for burning rivets or cutting heavier stock enough that the 250 would be too small. The built in air compressor is cool and would make it ideal for portable use. ie building fences, rails, etc. where you needed to take the plasma and would need a portable compressor as well. But for my money, I'd save and get the higher output 400 model or the Miller 375 extreme. I know it's $500 more, but more is better with a plasma IMO. But the 250 is most definitely better than not having one!

 

Hey Randy,
I've been looking for a Plasma unit as well, but am partial towards Miller products... Here's the one I've been considering from www.cyberweld.com http://store.cyberweld.com/spec375cut.html For a few hundred more (FREE SHIPPING) and with the versatility of 115/ 220, it seems to be a pretty good deal. If you go with the Hobart, please let me know your feedback.

 

The link that Chris sent is just like mine. And here is the newer "Extreme" version which I would have sprung for if it had existed!
http://store.cyberweld.com/miplcusp375x1.html

 

Thanks Guys. being Garage-impared, I am extremely limited on space and do not have 220 available. I don't do much fabrication that requires cutting of anything thicker than 1/4 inch and the convenience of not having to power up a seperate compressor every time I need to use it is a plus. that's why I was looking at the Hobart. Haven't made up my mind yet but hope to have one soon.