Plasma Cutter

[MChildress]

I'v been looking at plasma cutters and have been leaning towards a Miller Spectrum 375 cutmate or the Spectrum 625. I would mostly be useing it for 1/8 and 3/16 steel silhouette cutouts for metal art work. I know they make smaller ones for these thicknesses but have been looking at speed and the option for cutting heavier metal when the need arises. Just wondering if anyone has experience with these machines or recomendations.

 

[GHarman]

I like Thermal Dynamics machines. I would prefer these over any others. Can you get your supplier to let you do a side-by-side live try-out? Can you get aftermarket consumables? Do you have adequate moisture removal capability? Electrodes and orifices are expensive. One cubic mm of moisture flashes into steam at 1600 times its original volume when it hits the tip. It will instantly ruin your orifice and electrode, and your very precise cut. GregH

 

[Cummins Thunder]

Sealy Texas, huh? I was just up there for a Mopar meet this past Sunday

There was a black 12 valve 3500 5spd/6spd 4X2 runnin low-mid 14s

I wanted to race but my gov pressure solenoid is about to bite the dust.



As for the plasma cutter... Get the largest you can afford! I have the Spectrum 375. It is great for expanded metal, and thin sheet metal(1/8th or less) and even with only 1/8th inch, cutting speed can be painfully slow. I kick myself in the arse all the time for not getting a larger unit. When I can do it over again I will go for the 1000.

 

[Jeff_K]

Yup, get the biggest Plasma Cutter you can afford. I had a Hypertherm 380 and now have a 1000. Night and day difference. I don't usually cut more than 1/4" but have the ability if I ever need to. Also, the Thermal Dynamics machines that we have at work are a lot easier to cut with. Their torch design is the best out there. If I were you I would look at a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 51 or 81.

 

[MChildress]

Yes sir Greg I have looked at the consumables and will install a filter/dryer its looks like most are filtering 1 micron or a little less. I'v heard positive comments on the ESAB also. I understand they bought Linde. I use to run a 400 amp Lendi mig machine 25 yrs ago and really like it. /// CT I sure didnt hear about the Mopar event at the track last sunday I would of liked to of been there. I used to get the track calender of events but they have new owners and I need to go by and get on their mailing list. I heard they stretched the track out to 1/4 mile now. Should bring in more people the 1/8 sure didnt take long.

 

[MChildress]

Greg I just saw you have a bunch of blue in your shop also. I have always been happy with Miller and was the reason I was looking at theirs. Have you heard or had problems with the Miller plasma cutters? I'm thinking about painting my Victor journeyman and super range II torches blue :-laf

 

[GHarman]

I confess, I'm a Miller man; but let me be more specific. I dont know much about Miller's plasma cutters. We always used Thermal Dynamics units. Ive used several different models of TD and they were outstanding. We cut everything from sheet gauge to plate, several inches thick. We also beveled pipe! They do require aggressive moisture control. The moisture filters that come with the units are inadequate in Colorado. If you live in a wetter climate you may need a refrigerated air dryer. We used double banked highcapacity filters with water drains. We still lost consumables to moisture. I would polish-up your Victors; nothing to be ashamed of there Oo. . A . 250" plate of steel, 4'X8', weighs ~ 327 pounds. If you are cutting shapes from this material regularly I would recommend a machine of twice that capacity. Why? Flexibility for other thicknesses. Initial cost; the bigger the machine the more expensive. It will work fine for the thinner material. You said 1/8", a 4'X8' weighs ~ 164 pounds; 3/16" - 4'X8' weighs ~ 246 pounds. Can you manhandle that material? Can you cut it down so that it is manageable? Are you going to bevel plate or pipe? The thickness is the effective thickness caused by the angle of the cut ( the Hypoteneuse, not the leg of the triangle ). Do you have an air compressor that has the pressure and volume to handle the demand of a plasma cutter? If you dont have a smoke eater in your shop, cut outside. I would use a respirator. Plasma cutting temperatures are between 30000*-50000*F. :--) ( mathematically calculated ). The smoke you get is vaporized metal. Not something you want to breath! Hope this helps. Happy Thanksgiving. GregH

 

[Scot]

I bought a Miller Spectrum 300 (25A) when it first came out. It says it will cut 1/2" severe duty. It works well on 3/16 and gets marginal on 1/4.



1/2"? LOL



Buy the biggest you can afford.

 

[RBeard]

Buy bigger than you need for future capacity and DUTY CYCLE (Texas summer heat decreases duty cycle) I just bought a Spectrum 625 online and am very pleased with it. E-mail me and I'll bring mine over for you to see and try.



Happy T-Day

Ronny

 

[y-knot]

Blue (Miller) is a fine product but nothing even close to Lincoln (Red), with respect to electrical welding machines. The engine driven machines I would have to give the edge to Miller, I have there Bobcat unit.

For plasma cutters I would also give the edge to Lincoln, even though I have the Miller spectrum 625 with 50' leads and cover. I used the Lincolns and really liked the feel and simplicity of the machine. I will get one when I sell my Bobcat and Spectrum units. I also have a Power Arch 35 Plasma cutter that works very well on smaller metal 3/16" and smaller. It's easy to use and very portable, best of all it's also very affordable at $850. 00. , and the consumables are also inexpensive.

 

[robertyoke]

Buy bigger than you need for future capacity and DUTY CYCLE (Texas summer heat decreases duty cycle) I just bought a Spectrum 625 online and am very pleased with it. E-mail me and I'll bring mine over for you to see and try.



Happy T-Day

Ronny

I second that about the size. I have a hobart 400 and it is nice for the small stuff but wish I would have a gotten bigger toy.

-robert

 

[DJW]

Excellant advice, SIZE, MOISTURE and CLEAN BREATHING AIR, the First considerations

 

[d90boy]

I have Miller welders but for plasma I went with an ESAB. That was based largely on seeing a PCM-875 get the tar beat out of it and keep on going. I have the Powercut 1125 which is good for 1"+ material. Check the price of the consumables, I think the thermal dynamics are the cheaper ones.

 

[nickleinonen]

at work we had a miller plasma before, but it died too many times. . we now have a esab powercut 1500. . works great and it gets abused nearly daily. . works good on cast iron/steel. .