What Plasma Cutter To Buy?

[CPierce18]

Ok, so it’s time to buy a plasma cutter… only problem is, I have no idea what kind to buy. That’s where you guys come in. This will be for my newly made/almost finished CNC plasma cutter. Mostly it will be used for making brackets out of ¼” or 3/8” max, but also for decorative items. I’ve done some of my own research, but I think I’m still in the dark. I’m not looking for something real expensive that will breeze thru 1’ material, but not a cheapo either. What is everyone’s opinion on this? I just don’t want to make the mistake and go purchase one, and then find out it should have been this, or it should have been that, or if it is going to screw with my electronics. Everyone’s opinions will be greatly appreciated

Thanks, Chris

[jimcolt]

Chris,

If you wantto cut 3/8" maximum thickness....and you need to pierce that material....then you should be looking at a 40 Amp air plasma system. There are quite a few low cost systems available....and there are systems that are manufactured by the companies that have been around for many years. Usually what separates the major names from the low cost imports are specifications such as ..duty cycle (how long can you operate the system at a given current and voltage...at a rated ambient temperature), maximum thickness (absolute maximum thickness that can be severed...with an edge start), optimum thickness (maximum pierce capability)...amng other things. Also...the torch starting mechanism may be an issue that could affect your electronics...a high frequency or high voltage start is not good for hooby class machines with standard PC controllers....rather a "blowback start"....which utilizes a moving electrode or nozzle inside the torch to ionize the gas would be a better choice.

Also to consider....most of the major brand plasma manfacturers have done extensive engineering and development that allows them to provide a longer warranty...because the systems are engineered to last under abusive metal fab shop conditions...and most major brands will have lower operating costs due to power supply/consumable/torch designs that promote the longest consumable life. Just because nozzles and electrodes on some systems are cheaper to purchase....does not mean they are cheaper to use! Major brand manufacturers will also be around to provide replacement parts if the unit has issues 10 years down the road...

Best regards, Jim Colt

[Normsthename]

and most major brands will have lower operating costs due to power supply/consumable/torch designs that promote the longest consumable life

I agree!
I have a Hypertherm 1000 on my CNC Plasma and it has been running for two weeks now.
I have only been doing test cuts and small parts etc but it is still running fine on its original consumables.
My other plasma cutter is an Ebay Chinese made 40A that I use to cut sheets down to size for my CNC machine.
I only get about half a dozen starts on 16swg mild steel and the electrode is worn out!
It is OK for the purpose that I bought it for (cutting down sheets), but it would be useless on a CNC machine.

Andy

[CPierce18]

Thanks for the replies. Any brand or model number your in favor of?

[Normsthename]

Any brand or model number your in favor of?

I am new to Plasma cutting, and I had the same problem as you.
Looking around at the posts on this forum and others one thing became very noticeable.
Either Thermal Dynamics or Hypertherm are the preferred models.
Hypertherm are more expensive, and I decided on a Hypertherm because I did'nt get very good answers to technical questions when i asked Thermal dynamics.

Thanks

Andy

[millman52]

Hypertherm & Thermal Dynamics are the most widely used on these smaller tables. I'm sure Miller & ESAB also produce a good plasma machine as well.

Keep in mind a machine that is rated to pierce & cut 1/2" or even 5/8" will have near if not 100% duty cycle on 3/8" & thinner & will most likely do a better job on the 3/8". Plus you'll have the ability to take the heavier work if the situation arises.

just stay away from the " high frequency or high voltage start is not good for hooby class machines with standard PC controllers" thing & you should be ok.

Neil

In my opinion this is one place you don't want to just get by. Sometime down the road you'll wish you had more power.

[xjdubber]

Miller doesnt have much for plasma cutting, I would deffinetly go for a hypertherm plasma system. probably would go for a 1250 or if you can afford it a 1650, that way you have the option to cut thicker stuff. I used to be service tech with Multicam, they use Hypertherm with all their cnc plasma's and i dont have anything bad to say about them.

[PlasmaGuy]

Chris,

My $.02 worth is for the Hypertherm guys! I have a 1650 that has been worked very hard and keeps on going.

When I have had issues/questions they were as close as the phone.

Their area rep has even been by my shop to visit.

Good luck,

Tom

[BIGCNC]

For mechanized systems I go with Kaliburn , for hand helds Thermal Dynamics
I have used both in my shop for years no problems. The nice thing about these machines if you blow out the pilot board or one of the other boards you replace that one. If this happens on Miller Or Hypertherm you will wind up
replaceing the whole unit. It is sometimes cheaper.

[jimcolt]

Big CNC....I'm not sure what you are alluding to....but on mechanized Hypertherm systems you can service any part on the unit...no one changes out the whole unit! On the Powermax hand held systems..the same. Virtually all of the newest technology inverter units...Thermal Dynamics included....have one major power board internally. The topography of all of the major units today is very similar.

Jim