plasma cutter Q

[Donald]

Are both Lotos and Simadre both good names in a plasma cutter arena? Is one better than the other?

Would get a 50Amp cutter and hopefully run it off a 30A 220V circuit.

 

[tom slick]

They aren't "good names" they're both Chinese imports probably similar to the stuff Harbor Freight sells. I'm not saying they're bad but they aren't the big players like Miller, Lincoln, Thermal Dynamics etc.
Plasma cutters have consumables that are specific to the torch. If the torches for those two brands are not common it could be difficult to find them.

 

[Dualie]

i would have to agree with tom slick, stick with the big three. also hypertherm is another good brand. consumables are often the make or brake on these things. They lure you in with a low purchase price then they rape you on the consumables

 

[Donald]

How long do the various consumables last when cutting?

 

[Dualie]

on the cheeper units not very long. I have seen them give up the ghost with less than 10 min arc on time.

 

[Donald]

Some of the plasma cutters are a 3 in 1 unit as they are a cutter + TIG + stick welder.

I already have a HF MIG, + Lincoln 225 stick + gas. All of this I need to learn how to use. But if a 3 in 1 plasma cutter would be a good idea, I would be open to that suggestion.

Most I got from my Dad, and never had time for him to teach me how to use it.

 

[Dualie]

the combo units are complete [censored], i would avoild those at all costs. sure they do three things but none of them well.

 

[Donald]

What is the design of a new (lets say) Lincoln stick welder. Is it still one heavy transformer, or is it much lighter than it use to be using transistors.

 

[bustednutz]

I will say this. After having used the one where I work to disect a horribly rusted exhaust......there isn't a better way to do some serious and quick cutting.
Plasma cutters are simply awesome tools.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: bustednutz
I will say this. After having used the one where I work to disect a horribly rusted exhaust......there isn't a better way to do some serious and quick cutting.
Plasma cutters are simply awesome tools.


Can you say the make and AMPs of the one you used?

 

[Dualie]

The Lincoln tombstone welders are still wound transformers, Miller makes a maxstar series of welders that are inverter based 110V stick welders.