Posted by Kevin in Ohio [50.102.97.143] on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 23:20:34 :
In Reply to: Lets talk Plasma cutters posted by Tim Holloway [69.54.28.229] on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 20:07:30 :
Like Paul said, Get a bigger one if your set on getting one. I bought a Hypertherm 1100 new years ago. It's a 70 amp unit that will sever 1 3/4" but is rated for 3/4"
Pretty expensive and 2 years ago the torch lead died on me. Wire broke in the torch lead. When I took it in the repair guy said he said I had the record for the most years of service out of it because most died within 2 years. He told me Hypertherm knew of the problem and "offered" to sell torches at a discount. $600.00
That said I'd stick with a brand that will have your consumables IN STOCK. With dirty cutting, you're going to go through them from splash back. That is the hardest thing on them. I drill starter holes if I'm cutting something like a pocket hole in box tubing.
My experience from others with harbor frieght is they switch suppliers of machines and you can't get the parts easily. Maybe not in this case but weigh that in your decision.
When using a plasma, you sometimes get a thin layer that is VERY hard, It will kill a file but just run a angle grinder over it and it will take it off. Notice it more on stainless but worth a mention too.
Someone mentioned getting one you don't have to hold above the metal and I totally agree. WAY easier and forgiving than the others. I make up patterns out of wood a 1/2" smaller and you can zip them out quick.
Cutting angles like below can be done with a guide rail as well. That is 1 1/2" steel shown.