Page 1 of 1
School me on Plasma Cutters
Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 2:52 pm
by Jwlman
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?
Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 3:20 pm
by Arya Ebrahimi
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.
Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 4:37 pm
by willhf1011
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.
Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 11:16 am
by Jwlman
Thanks for the replies, going to check it out this afternoon
Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 3:33 pm
by Jwlman
Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 3:58 pm
by Arya Ebrahimi
Oh boy oh boy, now you can cut your projects up even faster and set yourself back even further!
Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 4:06 pm
by Jwlman
Arya Ebrahimi wrote:Oh boy oh boy, now you can cut your projects up even faster and set yourself back even further!
I do feel like my jeep just keeps getting more and more disassembled
Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:54 pm
by jac6695
Model? Specs? Good deal?
Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 5:09 pm
by Jwlman
jac6695 wrote:Model? Specs? Good deal?
Thermal dynamics cutmaster 51. I would say fair price on it at 840 but I don't know how I got along without one now
Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:25 pm
by jac6695
Sweet! Nice pickup. Sounds like a good deal to me. Looks like it is good shape.
