CAROLINA CHAT
#9191
#9194
To the other fab guys on here, anyone have some preference for plasma cutters? I'm thinking of getting on this year but given that even the one at harbor freight is 650 I'm not sure I want to go with the cheapest option. I found one unit at tractor supply that has an internal air compressor which is great since I wouldn't have to buy that too but it only cuts 1/4 at the thickest, it's a Hobart 250ci. The other one is an Everlast 3 in 1 tig/arc/plasma cutter combo. They both cost about the same (750-850) cept for getting a compressor, but the tig function would benefit me greatly. Any thoughts (cough cough Chris and Dan)?
Side note, 1/4 would be fine for 99% of the stuff, but you never know what might pop up.
Side note, 1/4 would be fine for 99% of the stuff, but you never know what might pop up.
#9195
Couple things I've found from experience. Takes A LOT of electricity to run one, so that should come into play in your decision making, what do you have available. The specs for the thickness that it will cut seem pretty optimistic, but if you take it really slow, it will do it. It also takes A LOT of air.
We have the Hobart 700 and I've been real happy with it. Super low maintence. And with oxy acetylene bottles getting to be such a pain, we try to use it more and more. Plus the money we save on grinding wheels, lol. I've also been trying to use more cut off wheels in place of the torch.
All that being said, I think a combo of either air compressor or welder would be awesome. Just be sure that if its a welder combo, that it comes with everything you need, i.e. leads, ends, etc.
We have the Hobart 700 and I've been real happy with it. Super low maintence. And with oxy acetylene bottles getting to be such a pain, we try to use it more and more. Plus the money we save on grinding wheels, lol. I've also been trying to use more cut off wheels in place of the torch.
All that being said, I think a combo of either air compressor or welder would be awesome. Just be sure that if its a welder combo, that it comes with everything you need, i.e. leads, ends, etc.
#9197
No torch for me. I don't see myself working with stuff thicker than 1/4 on a regular basis, but I also don't want to be constantly using the cutter at the 100% limit. I got a good bit of practice on 3/4 plate at my last job lol.
From what I can tell the 3 in 1 comes with a lot of shields and tips out of the box. I need to get an air compressor but space is a premium and the other cutters say they require around 3 cfm@90psi. That's a lot of compressor for my tiny garage. Also the Hobart seems to be a trusted brand, Everlast seems more like my lincoln electric welder, cheap and unsophisticated but gets the job done. If I was rolling in dough I'd go for a miller.
From what I can tell the 3 in 1 comes with a lot of shields and tips out of the box. I need to get an air compressor but space is a premium and the other cutters say they require around 3 cfm@90psi. That's a lot of compressor for my tiny garage. Also the Hobart seems to be a trusted brand, Everlast seems more like my lincoln electric welder, cheap and unsophisticated but gets the job done. If I was rolling in dough I'd go for a miller.
#9200
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Thomasville, NC Where we beat headers into submission!!
Posts: 7,233
I've been off work since Wednesday. Of course it rained yesterday and it's supposed to rain all day today. Haven't turned on my computer at home yet and it's a pain surfing the forum on my phone.
Kevin, I'm glad you guys had a safe trip. I can imagine how that vehicle swap would be surprising. Lol.
Dan, loving the new Jeep your granddaughter is rocking!
Kevin, I'm glad you guys had a safe trip. I can imagine how that vehicle swap would be surprising. Lol.
Dan, loving the new Jeep your granddaughter is rocking!