Anyone using a plasma cutter?

[Skinny Shooter]

Was wondering if any of our members use/own a plasma cutter?
I'm looking to get this model: http://www.millerwelds.com/products/plasma/spectrum_375/

[jplonghunter]

Skinny Shooter

I have used plasma for last fifteen (15) years to cut aluminum,stainless,and mild steel. Much cleaner and efficient than torch with less grinding.

I have ESAB designed to cut up to 3/4 thick material and am very satisfied with unit. However, we have several Miller mig and tig welding units and they are very dependable,so I would assume the plasma will perform as indicated.

Best of luck with your choice.

jplonghunter

[gumpokc]

Skinny I don't have one, but my dad does.
He just got his in about a month ago and I havent had time to go play with it yet.

I don't remember the brandname , but it's a multiunit, tig/plasma/mig?

I think he paid $500, maybe less.

He's already used it for a varity of things, including cutting glass and believe it or not wood.

I have used one before, and i agree with JP it's much handier than a oxy rig, only thing i can think of offhand an oxy can do that it can't, is brazing. Or am I wrong and you can braze with it???

[Skinny Shooter]

Thanks guys.
I got steered towards Hypertherm since I last posted as they are supposed to make a top quality machine. Am looking at this unit now: http://www.hypertherm.com/languages/english/powermax30.php

gumpokc, I didn't know there were combo units available. Am buying this plasma cutter for smoother cuts in a variety of metals.


I have an oxy/acetylene outfit and a MIG welder. I'll gas weld for certain jobs and use flux-core wire in the MIG for others.
For MIG welding, the flux-core wire works well.
The addition of a PC unit will enable me to expand my product line-up.
Am looking to make weathervanes and lawn/garden figures.

I've heard there is a different kind of health risk with a plasma operation. Did either of you hear that?

Am looking at a Sears air compressor to supply air and have to find a good filter to remove water and oil from the air supply.

thanks,
Allen

[gumpokc]

they are called mutli-function welders, here is an example i found

http://www.fuzing.com/vli/001996c34290/Inverter-DC-Muti_Functions-Welder-CAT_518-D-

this isnt the same unit he has, i've slept since i was there and can't remember the manf, but his will handle up to 3/4" on the cutter.

he's also building a oil fired forge for doing melts so he can do some casting.

he knows alot more about welding than I do, i took it in vo-tech in 81-83 in highschool, and do a little on the side, but he's worked as a welder of all types for close to 30 years.

Loves doign stuff with his hands, and my inheiritance (spelling?) is _ALL_ over the backyard :P I tease him about the place looking like "sanford and son's" but it's a fairly accurate description :)

[BlkHawk73]

have them ata work but I'be got no idea what make/model they are. much cleaner results than using a torch.

[Schutzen]

I have the Miller Plasma Torch you were looking at. I have not had it that long, only two months, but it has done just as well as the ESAB units we had at work. Just remember it is made for 1/4 to 3/8 inch material. Mine works very well in 1/4 Stainless Plate. For me the real advantage of the Miller over other machines is I have 2 Miller dealers in the loacal area.

On the air compressor, personally I stay away from Sears on anything. I have an Ingersol Rand two stage that I have had for 20 years. This spring I had the 1st repair bill. I had to replace the drive pulley (the keyway set screw worked loose and the key rolled in the keyway enlarging it). The other 19 years have been a 1 quart oil change every year and drain the tank at the begining of every work day. My neighbor is on his 3rd Sears Craftsman compressor in the same 20 years.