Plasma Cutter

[Spare Parts-45]

Has anyone bought,used the ones that are on ebay that are a combo plasma cutter,tig welder and arch welder?Advertized to cut 3/4 " steel. would only be used a few times a year.Most are in Mi and Ca.and are around $329 to $359.Thanks for your reply

 

[504]

A good plasma that will cut 3/4 will run you $2200.00. You will find the specs are 3/4 max, they will not cut a decent line, a cutting torch is better that those cheep China junk machines.I just checked and it takes 80 amps to cut 3/4 and do a good job. I hear it all of the time "I wish I would have bought a bigger machine"

 

[Anonymous-0]

Not sure what an arch welder is but $350 seems like a lot of money for a door stop to me. Don't waste your money. In 6 months you wont be able to find any parts for it and a plasma torch goes through consumables pretty fast. Dave

 

[Tim Casbolt]

I bought one of those a couple years ago. Not with the welder part, just a plasma cutter. 40 amps. Think it's called Simadre or close.

It's not much of a machine. Had to take it apart and finish assembling the wiring when I got it.

It can cut through 1/2" steel, but not in one pass. You have to scarf through it in a couple passes. Cuts sheet metal very nice. Also tried it out on some 1/4" aluminum diamond deck. Works fine. Haven't used it for much else yet.

I didn't pay much money for it. Maybe a couple hundred or so. Then put another hundred into a good dryer from the local welding supply. It runs on 110 or 220. I'm running it on 220. Just have to change the plug. It would have been nice to go to a 60 amp, but I wanted the flexibility of being able to run it on house current.

Consumables are the same as an ESAB, so you can get anything you want anywhere. I picked up a little kit with some tips, ends, cups, etc. on ebay. Should last me several years. I haven't used anything up yet, but have very few hours on it so far.

 

[Scott Hightower]

3/4" with a plasma is allot to ask for unless it is a high dollar machine, I like a plasma for sheet metal up to 1/4" plate. For thicker material you can't beat an oxy-acetylene torch.

Another good combo machine is a Hobart Air Force 500 will cut 5/8" for a reasonable cost.

Scott
Fab Manager
http://www.welders360.com/