Inexpensive 220V Plasma Cutter

[aircooledtechguy]

About 7-8 months ago, I purchased a cheap plasma cutter off the internet. Originally I had been looking for a Hypertherm brand as I fully subscribe to the philosophy of “Buy the best and cry once”. However, in this case I just could not justify a $1200+ buy-in for a tool that would do mostly sitting around. So after looking around on the internet and reading reviews, I settled on the CUT-50 off eBay I think I paid around $320 delivered and that included a 40 piece set of consumable tips, cups and electrodes.

I’ve used it several times around the shop since I purchased it and have been pleased with it’s performance considering the cost of the unit. Until today, I had only cut steel with it and never had any real issues up to ¼” (which is only twice now). Well today, I am making an exhaust cradle out of aluminum and I needed to cut ¼” aluminum and 1/8” aluminum for the first time.

Holy crap did this thing cut through the non-ferrous aluminum like a hot knife through butta’!! I obviously went slower on the ¼” but that was easier than steel for this little trooper. I’m impressed!!

In all, a good investment!! I recommend one for the hobbyist or occasional fabricator. What a time saver!!

[fusername]

really... hmmm. What are the air needs like? I desperately want a plasma but currently lack justification. but at that price all I need to do is sell my spare seat grinder and I can afford it.

[aircooledtechguy]

What are the air needs like?

It requires shop air to be plugged into the back of it. Around 90psi if I recall. Virtually any 20+ gallon compressor should be sufficient since it takes about as much air as a die grinder.

[fusername]

cool. I know my 2hp (7 SCFM) 30 gal can only run a die grinder for a minute at a time or so, but I was thinking more along the lines that someone had told me the air has to be good and dry, like 2 water seperators or something like that, for a good reliable cut. I have never used one so i have no idea. pics or it didn't happen, you know the rules!

[aircooledtechguy]

This is the one I got:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CAL-Electric-Pl ... 19e6283ecb

[Dale M.]

The is also some "deals" to be found in refurbished stuff...

http://www.hobartweldshop.com/servlet/t ... ler/Detail

Or this.... Its priced better then a NEW 140...

http://www.hobartweldshop.com/servlet/t ... ers/Detail

Dale

[Kafer_Mike]

Yeah. You can't go wrong with those refurbished Hobart's for the quality and price. I bought a refurbished Handler 140 from them and the thing came in packed and looking better than new.

[Bonemaro]

$600? Good deal.