Considering picking up a used plasma if I can. Eyeing a Thermal Dynamics Cut Master 51 Plasma cutter that is on craigslist right now listed at 900.
Looking to do the usual 4x4 fab stuff with it. What should I look out for on used ones? Better deals out there?
School me on Plasma Cutters
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Arya Ebrahimi
- Posts: 1896
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:58 pm
Check out the tools forum on PBB, plenty of good info there.
The cutmaster 51 is a good machine. Should have plenty of capacity for what you want to do.
I recently picked up a Hypertherm Powermax 1000 off of Craigslist for $1000($2500 retail).
I wouldn't buy a chinese plasma, stick with name brand(Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics, Miller, Hobart, ESAB). We bought one of the chinese units a few years ago, and it crapped out within a month. Customer service was reasonable, but when you have to pay $40 shipping each way to get it warrantied and you have to do that 3-4 times, we could have paid for a nicer unit.
The cutmaster 51 is a good machine. Should have plenty of capacity for what you want to do.
I recently picked up a Hypertherm Powermax 1000 off of Craigslist for $1000($2500 retail).
I wouldn't buy a chinese plasma, stick with name brand(Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics, Miller, Hobart, ESAB). We bought one of the chinese units a few years ago, and it crapped out within a month. Customer service was reasonable, but when you have to pay $40 shipping each way to get it warrantied and you have to do that 3-4 times, we could have paid for a nicer unit.
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willhf1011
- Posts: 1626
- Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2009 12:14 pm
- Location: Baltimore, MD/Blacksburg
We've got a cutmaster 52 and I love it. I'd like a little more balls at the top end when cutting 3/4-1" but thats not the machines fault, thats pushing near the top of its range.
Check for leaks in the air system, we have had 2 of the glass filter bowls on the inside crack and it can run ok with a small leak, but will not manage if it gets substantial. Check the torch head and parts for excessive burns or melted parts. most the parts are replaceable/consumables but new torches are expensive (consumables arent exactly cheap though) If you can look inside the case check to see how dirty it is. I've been told they really dont like dirt but have no stories of failure or anything, ours is pretty dirty inside, but I try to clean it regularly.
They are awesome.
Check for leaks in the air system, we have had 2 of the glass filter bowls on the inside crack and it can run ok with a small leak, but will not manage if it gets substantial. Check the torch head and parts for excessive burns or melted parts. most the parts are replaceable/consumables but new torches are expensive (consumables arent exactly cheap though) If you can look inside the case check to see how dirty it is. I've been told they really dont like dirt but have no stories of failure or anything, ours is pretty dirty inside, but I try to clean it regularly.
They are awesome.
93 YJ Under Construction
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Arya Ebrahimi
- Posts: 1896
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:58 pm
I do feel like my jeep just keeps getting more and more disassembled
