BJM

iTrader: (1)

I found this plasma cutter but I have no idea if there are good and bad ones, what features I need, etc.

TaylorL572

it depends on your budget I use a Hypertherm 600 and it works great but its alot more than those i am not sure about them I guess it all depends on how oftem you will be using it. Hypertherms smallest model is probably around 950 if you are looking on spending that I do not know.

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

Mine is a 40 amp Miller and struggles with 1/4" plate. I hope that gives you a reference.

I would look beyond purchase price and discover how much replacement tips cost. The Miller model I have requires very expensive ceramic cups along with the tips. The whole set up is around $60. And if you drop the torch once, the ceramic cup is gone.

oange ss

iTrader: (50)

cutting anything thicker than 3/16 you will need a 220v cutter,

BJM

iTrader: (1)

220-240V is not a problem for me. I see that rated cutting capacity is different than the actual depth it will cut. I can't figure out why though. The maximum depth I plan to deal with is 1/2" and rarely at that. Mostly 1/4"-3/8". Can you make multiple passes to cut really thick stuff?

oange ss

iTrader: (50)

yes, but it wont be pretty...i have a Lincoln Electric Pro Cut 25 that has dual voltage input with automatic voltage sensing, it is rated at 3/8 but will sever 1/2"...i have yet to try it on 1/2" tho

JRick212

iTrader: (6)

I recommend the hypertherm 600 if you can swing it

Silverback

Most have 2 different ratings and very few have them both listed and clearly labeled.

Cut generally refers to what you can get a clean cut with and sever is what it will cut but be ugly. I find that what most of them refer to as a clean cut is more like what I would call a sever, and sever well, needs a lot of cleanup and is rarely severed all the way along the cut