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Re: Plasma Cutter?

I want a plasma cutter, just no5 right now going surgery coming up maybe wile I’m recording

Re: Plasma Cutter?

You bet! What’s wrong with that?

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by dkhnt

This has likely been asked many times but what plasma cutter is the best for a hobbyist? I want quality equipment that I can depend on and will last me as long as I need to cut metal. I’d also like your opinion on a Quincy air compressor, specifically the 2 hp, 24 gallon model, either vertical or horizontal tank.

If you already have the compressor, fine. Otherwise, You really aught to look for a 5HP 2 stage unit if you want to use any relatively high CFM or continuous use tools. If you don't have the space for a big compressor (like a 60 or 80 gallon), that's fine. Bolt a big pump and motor on a small tank. The issue that you're going to run into with a smaller reciever tank is moisture. Big tanks let the air cool down more. You can get around THAT problem by adding a second tank. What I would do (and have done, and still do) is to put about 50 feet of air hose between the primary and secondary tanks to give time for the air to cool down. My secondary tank is a horizontal 60 gallon, so that helps, too.

On a humid day, with just my primary tank, 200 feet of hose, and 2 in line filters (one at tank and one at tool), I actually end up with water spraying out of the exhaust on the angle grinder. If I add the 60 gallon tank in the mix, I don't get any water out the exhaust.

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Re: Plasma Cutter?

useAttachment 1742722xxx Attachment 1742723 this prime weld for plasma .... home use

one reason of purchase several years ago, torch is good !!!

my 2 cents

Re: Plasma Cutter?

"The Dewalt Sawzall came in today.

Dave"

Battery or corded? I have both and there are times they come in really handy.

Re: Plasma Cutter?

The Dewalt Sawzall came in today.

Dave

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

Seriously? A hobbyist should start out with a $4K plasma cutter?

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Cost is all relative…

Better tools are typically more productive and eat their own cost when used properly.

Some hobbyists have plenty more money than the professionals do. Off road and hot Rod enthusiasts are wild.

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by jonnycat

The CUT60 is $300 more than the CUT50DP from them, what sold you on the 60A version?

A couple of things really. For starters it seems like no matter what I buy I wind up pushing the limits and I figured the additional amperage and duty cycle would be useful. Second, the CUT60 is CNC compatible and I think I'd like to go that route before long. I haven't bought the CUT60 yet, but that's what I'm planning to buy...it's within budget and should be more than what I can see needing any time soon.

Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by whtbaron

yea... admins removed it...

The give away is….

1 a first time poster

2 either poorly worded with totally irrelevant info

OR

3 in the occasional case.. extremely WELL worded by an Intelligent individual familiar with the specific topic.

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by Lis2323

I didn’t click on it. Prob spam


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yea... admins removed it...

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

Seriously? A hobbyist should start out with a $4K plasma cutter?

Came up as $6k Cdn..... looks like the suggestions have ranged from less than $100 to $6k.... should have the market covered...

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

I've decided to buy a Primeweld CUT60 which is way more capable and half the cost of the Powermax 30XP.

The CUT60 is $300 more than the CUT50DP from them, what sold you on the 60A version?

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Ok my wife is getting me a new Dewalt Sawzall. My old one broke using it 😪 only 20 years and Ryobi .

Dave

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

Seriously? A hobbyist should start out with a $4K plasma cutter?

Re: Plasma Cutter?

I going try wife after my next pet scan on $110.00 plasma cutter and see where it flies.

Dave

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

Seriously? A hobbyist should start out with a $4K plasma cutter?

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by smithdoor

I do agree if you have a extra $4,000 and the wife ok spending $4,000 for a plasma cutter.

Dave

Sounds good [emoji106]

Re: Plasma Cutter?

I do agree if you have a extra $4,000 and the wife ok spending $4,000 for a plasma cutter.

Dave

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

Seriously? A hobbyist should start out with a $4K plasma cutter?

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

Seriously? A hobbyist should start out with a $4K plasma cutter?

I didn’t click on it. Prob spam


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Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by dwaynejk

Agreed, Hypertherm is the ultimate when it comes to plasma cutting - even for the hobbyist. Yes, they're more on the high end in terms of pricing but the long-term benefits outweigh the cost. Something like the new Powermax 65 SYNC is a good starting point.

Seriously? A hobbyist should start out with a $4K plasma cutter?

Re: Plasma Cutter?

The cost is getting lower and cheaper than a torch.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q37C2D1...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Dave

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by whtbaron

But would you run that with a 2 HP compressor? It would be marginal at best, and going back to Oscar's comments, the harder you run them, the worse the moisture issues will be. No doubt the Hypertherm will outlast and out-perform my bargain basement plasma, but what's the budget? If he can get a name brand plasma and a 60 gallon 2 stage compressor (and has the power source for both) I"m all for spending someone else's money. If funds are limited I still say upgrade to a decent compressor first.

For hand cutting you really don’t need mcuh.

I used to run my 45xp with CNC on a 2hp 29gallon 120v harbor freight unit. It was annoying to listen to it run constantly but
It worked.

For hand cutting you wouldn’t be using Anywhere near as much air.

If you’re looking at Quincy compressors though you’re already spending some money.

The harbor freight units have a built in water separator but you’d still want to at least run a particulate filter/motor guard in line. Personally I have an air dryer for the compressor and then before my plasma a 5 stage desiccant unit.

Re: Plasma Cutter?

But would you run that with a 2 HP compressor? It would be marginal at best, and going back to Oscar's comments, the harder you run them, the worse the moisture issues will be. No doubt the Hypertherm will outlast and out-perform my bargain basement plasma, but what's the budget? If he can get a name brand plasma and a 60 gallon 2 stage compressor (and has the power source for both) I"m all for spending someone else's money. If funds are limited I still say upgrade to a decent compressor first.

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Hypertherm is the end all for plasma cutters. I’m sure someone will debate it, but the fact is they’re simply dominating the market. However you will pay a premium price especially now with their new sync system which I believe starts at a 65 amp unit so it won’t effect you.

I have a 45xp, i would recommend not going smaller than that. I use my machine for both hand and cnc cutting. The 45xp will cut 3/4” clean if it’s by CNC.

Hand cutting is easier, the more amps you have especially when inexperienced as you aren’t good at controlling travel speed. When you have more amps, travel speed is more forgiving as moving too fast won’t be as likely to leave you with partially cut spots.

Re: Plasma Cutter?

Originally Posted by Sberry

That comp is pitifully small though. If you ever want to sand or grind its not going far.

Originally Posted by whtbaron

If you are going to go big with one or the other, I'd have to agree with Sberry... spend the extra dollars on the compressor and skimp on the plasma. You'll use the compressor a lot, and if you're a hobbyist, I doubt the plasma is getting used every day you're in the shop...

It would depend on the individual. Both you two guys do more automotive work (sand/paint) than me or the “average” hobbyist but I would have to agree.

Way easier to upgrade your plasma cutter later than the compressor.

Re: Plasma Cutter?

If you are going to go big with one or the other, I'd have to agree with Sberry... spend the extra dollars on the compressor and skimp on the plasma. You'll use the compressor a lot, and if you're a hobbyist, I doubt the plasma is getting used every day you're in the shop...

Re: Plasma Cutter?

That comp is pitifully small though. If you ever want to sand or grind its not going far.