Looking and Deciding on Plasma Cutter

[JustLooking]

Hello everyone. Great web board!

I am interested in a 110 volt Plasma Cutter System for doing Auto Body type work as a hobby. Am also interested in saving some money ie: budget. These units are advertised for supplying and having their own air compressors.

Any comments on these Firepower FP18 Plasma Cutter systems from the Pros?

The Firepower Brand is listed as part of the Thermadyne Corp.

FirePower FP18 Plasma Cutter Link

This particular FP18 Plasma Cutter normally sales for $650-$800 at most places. Sale at Harbor Freight has it listed for $549.99. Is this a good deal for what I am looking for and at?

Harbor Freight FP18 Plasma Cutter

Interestingly enough this FP18 Plasma Cutter looks and seems similar to the ThermaDyne Drag-Gun Plasma Cutter except for the price:

Link to Thermadyne Drag Gun Example

Again any comments on these systems for doing automotive type work in a hobby type atmosphere?

[Scott V]

Don't forget this one.It cuts autobody up to 1/8,and really does a great job on 16 gauge anything.I always thought these little ones were total junk,but it cuts very clean with a tiny kerf.It's electrode is double-sided so it helps keep the consumable cost down some.It also has a great little small torch for getting into tight areas.I like it a lot,and has earned a spot next to my 90 amp machine.

[Paul B]

Re: Looking and Deciding on Plasma Cutter

Originally posted by JustLooking
Interestingly enough this FP18 Plasma Cutter looks and seems similar to the ThermaDyne Drag-Gun Plasma Cutter except for the price:

Link to Thermadyne Drag Gun Example

Did you notice at the bottom of the page you reference is "Return to Thermadyne Holding Corp. What's News " ?

Box looks the same. Wonder how much else is identical. Could be the whole thing... but then again you don't get the fancy graphics on the side!

[JustLooking]

Scott V, is there any problems with the Built-In Air Compressors models in these Small Plasma Cutters for moisture/water? Is there a replacable air compressor supply filter or is there even enough Moisture/Water generated from the on board air compressor to worry about? That is the only thing a local dealer have stated to look out for but didn't give more details. Not sure if he was just trying to sell a bigger unit or not. From what I understand with a seperate air compressor it has to be filtered to remove water and other contaminations to be used with Plasma Cutters?

That advertised built-in compressor seems to be a bonus on the various 110 volt small plasma cutter units for being self contained and portable for my consideration with autobody type work in mind.

I think Miller, Hobart, and ESAB sell small Plasma Cutters with built in compressors? I have looked at the ESAB HANDY PLASMARC 125 but the cheapest price I've found is $700.

ESAB Handy Plasmarc 125 Sale

It would be nice to look one of these Small 110 volt Plasma Cutters over before dropping the money. Nobody in my local carries these small plasma cutters for some reason. Although several of the locals have stated they can get parts or order one at considerably higher pricing. That is the reason for looking at the FP18 from Harbor Freight ie: price and it will be used for a hobby.

Paul B, noticed that link for the Thermadyne "Drag-Gun" plasma cutter and FP18 plasma cutter as both being connected to Thermadyne. Like you said is it just graphics? That is in particular why I was/am asking these questions to see if anyone has looked inside to compare.?

Thanks In Advance

[Paul B]

Originally posted by JustLooking
I think Miller, Hobart, and ESAB sell small Plasma Cutters with built in compressors? I have looked at the ESAB HANDY PLASMARC 125 but the cheapest price I've found is $700.

heres a distributor with their own name (looks like a thermadyne case?):

https://www.usaweld.com

Hypertherm manufactures plasma machines as well:

https://www.hypertherm.com

I have a hypertherm 380.... I was just slicing some 1/4" plate yesterday.

[JustLooking]

Paul B,

heres a distributor with their own name (looks like a thermadyne case?):

This is interesting. Yes it does look alike. The listed specs are very similar for the HTP Brand MicroAir 125 matching the Firepower FP18 Specs & Thermadyne Drag-Gun Specs. What do you think?

http://www.usaweld.com/product_page/...croair125.html

http://www.firepoweronline.com/sales.html for FP-18

Thanks

[Scott V]

The little Handy plasma has been a pretty good little unit.I popped the cover off,and it's laid out nice,and has a simple little pump.That seems to do fine.My friend has sold a lot of the Thermals,and Esab 125.He said he has seen only one pump problem,and Esab set one right out.The biggest problem with the small ones is using too much or too small of a power cord.No real water problems that I have heard of or seen.The Esab handy plasma is really going to my friend Barbara,and I want to keep her happy so I picked the best one for her(artist).I also have a Thermal pakmaster 38 XL with a torch like the drag-gun has,and I don't really care for the Torch at all.The Esab is much better.(smaller,and just plain better)

$700.00 is a good price,and they are not making much on you.

Here is a pick of Barbara slicing though some 0.75 plate like butter.(90 amps)She still like her little one even after this!

[Paul B]

Originally posted by JustLooking
The listed specs are very similar for the HTP Brand MicroAir 125 matching the Firepower FP18 Specs & Thermadyne Drag-Gun Specs. What do you think?

This is even more interesting from the usaweld website:

"Money Back Guarantee
Use any HTP machine for 90 days. If you don’t like it, we’ll take it back. Simple. No questions asked. After all, the right tool makes work a pleasure, and if it’s not the right tool, then we don’t want you to have it!"

I have a friend that has one of their larger mig welders, he seems to like it just fine. In fact, I just remembered I bought my autodarkening helmet from them a few years ago.

[JustLooking]

I own a Firepower FP160 mig welder and that is another reason for considering the FP18 Plasma Cutter.

The HTP products seem to be very nice but they are also expensive. The HTP 120 mig 110 volt unit seems to be their value choice for a budget at about $409. Had checked into the pricing for the 110 volt HTP 140 mig and it was over $800. Would imagine the other upper end HTP Migs would be even higher.

Have to wonder about the HTP MicroAir 125 Plasma Cutter for pricing based on their Mig prices. The HTP Microair 125 does spec out a lot like the FP18 plasma cutter. Does it not? Really wouldn't want to pay more for the same thing if that is the case.

The ESAB Handy Plasma 125 seems like a good deal but don't see any specs for the cut rates listed as inches per minute to compare?

Thanks

[Hobart Expert Rock]

JUSTLOOKING...........the Sprectum Thunder and the Airforce 250a have built in air compressors...........Basically used for thin material typically sheet metal.....They are 12 amp machines only...... no filters.............Rock...
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