What Plasma Cutter Do You Like Best.......and Why?

[longbedder]

I also have a Thermal Dynamics - it's awesome. I got it used.

In addition to all the other concerns, make sure it's one that you can readily find consumables for.

 

[ChickenRammit]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I am not trying to buy the cheapest unit on the market. I want to buy the right machine the first time.

I definitely want to pick up a strong machine, and i think 7/8" is more than i would ever need to cut.

My biggest concern is, how well do the more powerful cutters perform when it comes to light gauge materials?

I don't want to buy a machine with a 7/8" cutting capacity, but can't cut 18 gauge steel accurately. I'm looking for a plasma cutter with diversity, and its always nice to hear the experiences of others here in the community.

 

[rdn2blazer]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I am not trying to buy the cheapest unit on the market. I want to buy the right machine the first time.

I definitely want to pick up a strong machine, and i think 7/8" is more than i would ever need to cut.

My biggest concern is, how well do the more powerful cutters perform when it comes to light gauge materials?

I don't want to buy a machine with a 7/8" cutting capacity, but can't cut 18 gauge steel accurately. I'm looking for a plasma cutter with diversity, and its always nice to hear the experiences of others here in the community.

Any machine with that cut cap. WILL cut smaller like butta. And FAST too.

 

[folkenheath]

Any machine with that cut cap. WILL cut smaller like butta. And FAST too.

I agree, more power just makes a quicker cut, even for thin stuff. I've cut sheetmetal with my 625 xtreme easily, in fact, you will probably have a tendency to cut too slow.

 

[ChickenRammit]

Thank you guys for the advice.

I am still leaning towards the Spectrum 625 by Miller.

Has anyone here experienced better performance from other non-chinese plasma cutters with similar specs as the 625?

 

[CGT80]

I have the miller 375 extreme. I bought it for 4 or 5 hundred bucks. I got very lucky. The guy who had it seemed like a bit of a tweaker, but claimed it worked and just needed a switch. I bought it from craigs list. Luckily it was still under warranty. It needed a new front end for the gun for almost $200 and then still didn't work. They changed out the mother board. It worked until it overheated. I took it back and they replaced the fan. Now it is nearly new and works great. The 675 would be well worth the money for more capacity, but mine gets the job done.

Drawing shapes freehand with the plasma isn't as easy as it looks on TV. If only I had a plasma CNC table.

By the way, I bleed Miller blue: 330 abp 460 amp tig machine, 135 mig welder, and the 375 plasma. I would love to have a Dynasty 200 tig, but I doubt that will happen.

 

[doonjumper]

I have a TD Cutmaster 52 and I think its perfect for what we do to our blazers/trucks. Make sure you get a good water filter and attach it to the machine air hose so you can take it places. I bought one with a brass housing for about $70. Its like 5"-6" long and 1 1/2" in Dia. Maybe also a leather hose protector because the hose seems less durable than welding, and torch hoses. You might consider buying the extra long hose so you can work on projects further away from your garage. All these things do add more money but you gotta protect your investment.