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[Shop-talk] Plasma Cutter- the review

Subject: [Shop-talk] Plasma Cutter- the review
From: eric at megageek.com (eric at megageek.com)
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:34:14 -0500
OK, Here is the review on the plasma cutter I was talking about last week.

Just a recap, with money being tight, I bought a plasma cutter to make the 
items I needed instead of buying them (see below for list)

I spent a day and half reading everything I could find on the web (and 
watched a ton of great videos on plasma cutters.)

I ended up buying this unit...

<http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OHTQO4/ref=ox_ya_os_product >

No tax, free shipping, $499 to my door.  It was the best priced unit for 
it's capacity BY FAR!!  Comes with everything but the plug and the air 
hose nipple (both of which have to match your stuff anyway.)

I ordered it on Thursday, it arrived on Wednesday.   I unpacked it, added 
the plug and air hose nipple and in about 20 minutes, I cut my first piece 
of metal with it.

It was 1/8" steel and it was no problem.  I even made some bends and all 
to see how it handled it.  No problem.

So, I took out a 3/4" piece of steel and turned up the machine and it was 
my second cut EVER with a plasma cutter and it went through like butter (I 
did have to go a bunch slower.)

So, today, I started on my projects, and they machine performs flawlessly. 
 In fact, I got my projects finished in less time I thought it would take.

I have no interest in this company (nor can I find out where this machine 
is made.)

Here are the pros and cons...

Cons...
Poor manual.  Very little real information there.  I had never used a 
plasma cutter before, but it's easy enough to figure out.
switch on the gun is a little hard to use with thick gloves (but the 
aren't needed for plasma cutting as the metal doesn't get hot.  Also, 
there is a foot switch option.)
UGLY paint scheme

Pros...
dirt cheap
fully automatic (just an air regulator and amp setting to worry about.)
digital amp readout
water separator and regulator included
small
light
great capacity
Did I mention cheap.


My projects I needed were a mount for my snowplow on my truck.  It was 
over $500 from the manufacture.  It was a few simple brackets and some 
wiring.

I need an opposing thumb for my back hoe.  Costs over $550 for my sized 
backhoe, withOUT sales tax and shipping.

Blade edge for my smaller snow plow.  About $150 bucks from the 
manufacture without shipping.

So, those three items would have cost me over $1200.   The plasma cutter 
was $500 and all the steel needed (with plenty of leftovers) was $125.  So 
for $625 I got them all for almost half priced, PLUS I have a plasma 
cutter now!

If you are looking for one, check this model out!


Moose
"Be as beneficent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational 
being are trenched on, die on the first inch of your territory." Ralph 
Waldo Emerson 

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