Amazon Plasma Cutters....anyone?

Most of us can't afford a Hypertherm for intermittent home shop use, and paying 10-20$ for a set of consummables... no thx. Almost all these machines are made in the same dozen factories in China with stolen IP to begin with and plasma cutters aren't actually all that complicated. At the price theyre selling them for you can totally get your moneys worth as long as you dont lose the Chinesium QC lottery which admittedly is always a factor.

 

You started looking at compressors yet? Their listing says 45L/min which I don’t think is all that much. Who knows though

 

As long as you have a decent amount of air storage capacity you should be good, rarely have I needed to use a cutter for anything more than short bursts and the wait in between pump ups gives the cutter a chance to cool. Now if your trying to run a cnc plasma table... definitely get a high-flow compressor and some air dryers.

 

I got an Amico CUT-40 for $200 on Amazon. Been going strong for 4 years. If the bestarc is pilot arc instead of HF start, that's a better setup.

If you a have 220v outlet, they cut way better on the higher voltage. May be important of you're doing something like cutting a tundra frame in half.

 

I don't have a cutter yet, but I'm pretty happy with my MIG welder from Eastwood. Neighbor got Eastwood MIG, too, a bit beefier model, and he's happy with it, too. Price-wise it is in the same league with PrimeWeld. The units are made in China, however the company resides in US and it provides US-based support. Mechanically and electrically it has all the critical points done right. The price is higher than the cheapest ones on Amazon, but still way below Miller, Lincoln, etc.

 

Pulled the trigger on this compressor.

New compressors are hella expensive so I went on Craigslist. People are selling a shitload of compressors on CL for cheap so I'm going to get at most a 30 gallon that can push at least 5 CFM, which typically has a 3HP motor.

 

My HF compressor is the weak link in my cutting set up. I'd go so far as to say its more important to have a good compressor, than a good cutter.

 

That is the goal.

 

I'm trying to get this one. 5.1 CFM @ 90psi

 

Damn. Where do you have space to store all this stuff..

 

I don't
When not in use this will have to go in the backyard and be covered or something.

 

Home Depot has one with a lil less capacity and flow but claims to be 80% quieter for 100$ more. If you like using air tools (like me), it's worth a thought, oil-less compressors are LOUD AF.

For those of you looking for welding equipment above hobbyist grade, I personally recommend Everlast. It's high-grade Chinesium from an American company with stateside support. They have excellent customer service, excellent warranties and from my experience their equipment is medium to high grade shop duty depending on how much you want to spend. I ran a small welding repair shop for years and I've run the usuals... Miller, Lincoln, Esab and Hobart. All good/excellent in their own right, but they all also think their shit don't stink when it comes to prices. If you've got the budget, buy the domestic tried and true but if you need best bang for your buck I run Everlast for my home shop. I've got several thousand dollars worth of their stuff and have had no complaints. Think I spent just under 2k on a dual voltage AC/DC GTAW(TIG) with all the trimmings (water cooler, adjustable pulse, flex cables/torch, premium pedal etc) and personally I'd put it right up there with a Miller Dynasty for performance. The Dynasty is a beauty and a champion of a machine, I love welding with them, but is it 5k$ better than my Everlast, PFFT!

Also, if any of you are thinking about buying an Everlast, I recommend calling their sales department directly. I've had them knock decent amounts of money off any online price you'll find, including their own website. Granted it was during covid and they may not be as hungry for business as they used to be, but to save up to 3 digits in $ for a phone call... worth the effort.

And no, I'm not sponsored lol.

 

If you ever have ambitions of putting it on a cnc machine get a hypertherm.

if you just want to get it for hand cutting, the lotus ones are actually pretty nice and it’s what I would by.

 

Wanted to recommend a good cheap air compressor I've got just before COVID, but jeez, it's twice more expensive now... Why the salaries didn't grow?...

 

Just bought that Bestarc cutter. Amazon offered a $30 coupon, so $219 total, which is pretty nice for such a machine. Went with the previous gen (analog controls).

 

Mine should’ve arrived at work today. Will find out soon.

 

It's heeeere!
It looks pretty good. Solid build.

 

Third try on a 14 GA 304 stainless sheet (for stainless need to go hotter, just like with welding it). Pretty happy with the unit. It is not Miller or Lincoln Electric, but still decent.

 

I think my first plasma project will be to make 3/16 thick alignment cams for the LCA so that I can get a little more caster to fit the new tires.

 

These plasmas are on sale right now. Might have to scoop one

 

Wow! I thought it was a good deal at $219 I've paid! $189 is no brainer.

 

By the way, I cut a 2.5 ft long 14 GA 304 stainless sheet and it didn't even warp! The only problem I tripped my weak 20 Amp garage breaker like 4 times. Will be installing a 220 V outlet this summer. Need more powah for cutting and welding!