Northern Industrial 40 amp plasma cutter

[weldtex]

Wondering if anyone has any experience with the Northern Industrial HANDY CUT 375 40 amp plasma cutter. The manual describes this as an IGBT unit. Seems a bit underpowered for a 40 amp IGBT unit . Description rates it as 3/8" max capacity and many of the northern site reviews seem to reflect that. Should'nt a 40 amp IGBT unit rate 1/2" and max closer to 5/8"?

[Rbeckett]

It's all about flux density and ion transfer capability. A 40 amp unit that is properly constructed and robust should be capable of what you expect, lower priced/quality units will naturally be capable of less. This is a perfect example of the difference in available versus usable amperage. Also are you going to be able to get consumables for that unit easilly and inexpensively? If it was me, I would keep looking, but I am biased due to having a big hypertherm already.
Bob

[mechanic416]

The 375 is a IGBT unit and will cut 1/2" with the right consumables. This cutter is a good one for the money for a small shop that don't need to cut 1/2' metal all the time or a home shop.

[weldtex]

I can pick one of these up for $335.00 lightly used and already have a ton of genuine trafimet s45 consumables on hand (pipe tips and electrodes). Just need something a little smaller and lighter for occasional use on 2" pipe (building fence) till I can afford a Miller 625 xtreme. The hypertherm I am dreaming about will probably spend most of its time in the shop with the CNC I am dreaming about. Thanks for the replies.