Plasma Cutters, yes this again.

[Todd in Vancouver]

Hi All,

Sorry right up front, but from reading through the other threads on this I just couldn't get the information I was after. And, a lot has changed in the last few years regarding tools and quality. Let me say first and foremost that I'm just a home garage hobby guy and I don't need to worry how many feet per hour my stuff can perform at. The truth is simple, I'm halfway through my mini-tub job and I'm thinking there has to be an easier way. Enter the inexpensive plasma cutter.

I stopped at my local tool place and they have a new to them unit from Unison. A quick Google search showed very little but maybe it's a different company just rebranded. The box itself is from China, of course, and the handle and consumables are from Italy. My tool guy says he has only sold two of them and the one guy called back and says its a great little hobby unit.

What are your thoughts? Realize the extra I spend on a Miller or such would come right out of my car budget and would push back my finish date. Yes, I know I can use cut offs and saws but honestly I'm just getting to old for that crap and for $500 I can cut what I need in under an hour instead of a week.

http://www.kmscarparts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20763

Please post your replies and links if you got 'em to any helpful info.

[edog1]

Spend the money initially and buy a descent brand with largest cutting capacity you can afford ,I personally have a Hypertherm. In my opinion, you can save money buying cheaper tools but when It comes to plasma, welders etc go with the know brands. You will use plasma cutter for other project so look at as a investment overall and not taking money from your car budget. Maybe you can find a used one for sale .

[Kenova]

Check out kijiji. I wish I had. You will find all kinds of Miller and Lincoln equipment that has hardly been used for half the price. I could have had the same welder I bought new plus a spool gun (for aluminum) at half the price I payed for my new welder.
The welder I replaced was Italian made (remember Daytona Mig?). The ease of use and quality of the welds is so much better with my Lincoln.

Ken

[Takid455]

I use an Esab Powercut 1500. Its way big for what I need, but the price was right and cuts anything like butter. Shops that use other brands always seem to have a broken machine. The shops that use Esab dont have issues. At full tilt, it cuts 1.5" and severs 1.75". Its a single and 3 ph unit, just disconnect red wire for single phase operation. A good machine will retain its value thus you can sell when you are done and recoup.