Plasma machine

[Bean]

Hi fellas. I'm just an old dirt farmer from Fla. who really enjoys this forum. I'm interested in a plasma cutter and would like some advice as to which machine I need. I'll only be cutting up to 1/4 inch, but mostly 16-18 ga. sheetmetal. Thanks for any help.

[ZACHV]

Re: Plasma machine

Originally posted by Bean
Hi fellas. I'm just an old dirt farmer from Fla. who really enjoys this forum. I'm interested in a plasma cutter and would like some advice as to which machine I need. I'll only be cutting up to 1/4 inch, but mostly 16-18 ga. sheetmetal. Thanks for any help.

From everything that I have read and heard I will be going with a Hypertherm 380. Do a search here and you will find a great deal of info on the topic.

[Scott V]

Plasma?

How much do you want to spend?What kind of electric power do you have?The 120/240 the Thermal dynamics cutmater is the most powerfull,of the small ones.It has 30amps output on 120 volts.It also has the smallest kerf.Get as much power as you can afford.I find that with 40 amps output can get some work done,thats on .250 mild steel.

[ZACHV]

So all things being considered, would you recommend a Hypertherm 380 or the Thermal Dynamics 38, and why? I am still wondering also since I have not purchased yet.

[Scott V]

I think you can't go wrong with the Thermal or hyper cutters.
I just had good luck with my pakmaster 38xl.It was down to those two brands when I was looking at small ones.The new cutmaster 38 is way nicer than the pakmaster 38 xl.The most power in that size,and a nice wrap around roll bar to protect it.Its on sell a whole lot more also.Also the smaller kerf of cut.

[ZACHV]

Do you know where I can get the 38XL for under $1K? That is what I have found the cheapest to be for the 380.
Also, what does the smaller kerf come from? I read the brochure and did not see why this machine would have a smaller kerf than others.

[Scott V]

ZACHV,I see them all over my town at under $1000.00.As far as the kerf,I not a EE so I the wrong guy to ask.Ernie at the Google site owns one too.So maybe post there?IT has something to do with their torch.I haven't used the new torch yet,but my friend at the welding store has.I will ask him,because I heading there now.