Your thoughts on plasma torches

[trailrider]

I've been shopping plasma torches recently, Hobart is advertising some models with the air compressor built in the unit. That would be nice for taking the unit out in the field.
Has anybody had any experience with these? Good or bad I appreciate your thoughts.

[kdenhead]

I have a Hobart 250ci plasma cutter. Like = light, portable, 120V, built in compressor. Don't Like = cuts slow on 3/16 and greater and not a clean cut on thicker metal.

For light weight work it's ideal.

[Draco]

If you aren't going to be cutting aluminum and other non steel metals then you might be better off getting a small torch set up. You can heat to bend with it besides cutting. You can also braze, silver solder and torch weld with it.

If you decide to get one then go with Hypertherm. They have always been the industry leader and are the best according to most who use them a lot.

[TacticalCowboy]

Hypertherm. That is all.

[CentexRancher]

I run a hypertherm, have had zero issues.

[trailrider]

Thanks for the replies , I appreciate y'alls time

[dclifton]

If you aren't going to be cutting aluminum and other non steel metals then you might be better off getting a small torch set up. You can heat to bend with it besides cutting. You can also braze, silver solder and torch weld with it.

If you decide to get one then go with Hypertherm. They have always been the industry leader and are the best according to most who use them a lot.

^^nailed it

[Tony Pic]

Dry air is the key to having plasma cutters work good. When we used bottled air cutting 316 stainless, snap on plasma cutter worked flawlessly. When we used our compressor...always had issues with ignition and performance no matter how many line dryers we put in.

[trailrider]

Dry air is the key to having plasma cutters work good. When we used bottled air cutting 316 stainless, snap on plasma cutter worked flawlessly. When we used our compressor...always had issues with ignition and performance no matter how many line dryers we put in.

Good Information, thank you sir.

[legolas]

Need a big compressor to keep up

[Fling em]

I've got the Hobart 520i and I really like it. It doesn't have the built in compressor so you do need a decent compressor. It also has the multi voltage power connections so it can be ran off of 120 or 220 power supply.

I am by no means a pro but it has worked great saddling pipe and cutting plate for me. It will cut as smooth and straight as my hand will move it

Check out cyberweld.com
They usually have pretty good prices.