Irene is a keeper! :)
Back to Plasma Cutters. Take a look at the Hypertherm
380. That is the smallest unit, don't expect it to cut
steel more than 1/4" thick. For a nice clean cut,
even thinner than that. The minute you think about
aluminum... uh, you're looking at 1/8" thick stuff.
They run about $1000 out the door.
If you "bump up" a size, the Hypertherm 600 is around
$1400 and will cut 1/4" steel cleanly.
Side note... 14 amps @ 220V for the 380, 46 Amps @
220V to the 600 machine.
Biggest factor on a plasma cutter is REPLACEMENT parts
(i.e. consumables). You can save a few bucks buying
off ebay, or out of state, but I'd look at the local
dealers were you get your welding supply. I was told
the Miller 375 is a repackaged Hypertherm 380. Could
be, but not sure.
There are lots of "cheaper" units, and some horrible
China knock offs. Avoid them like the plague, as you
want to cut metal... not work on the machine to cut
metal.
Oh... I have a Hypertherm 900, btw. Nice to slice 1"
thick stainless steel (made a mess!), then clean it up
on the lathe. Pat Horne has a couple of stainless
steel parts on his roadster (I don't think he would
ever attempt that again!)
Tom Walter
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