I'm looking to purchase a plasma cutter. I would like to be able to cut anything from sheet metal up to 5/8" steel plate without issue. I'd like to find a unit that runs on 220V single phase power, is highly reliable and won't break the bank when purchasing consumables (tips, etc.).

Does anyone here use a plasma cutter for these purposes? If so, what are you using and how happy are you with your choice?

I have a Thermal Dynamics unit very happy with it.
It has auto volt sensor so it will run on 110 or 220 just buy changing the plug.

hypertherm. love it.

Hypertherm here also 10 or 12 years old... great machine

I am still using my Esab plasma that I bought used 15 years ago. It's huge compared to to todays units but it has never broke down.

8 buck garage sale jig saw! (sorry, I would love a plasma cutter too, they are amazing) along with a waterjet.

dont know about the others but my Thermal Dynamics is made in the U.S.A

5/8 plate is gonna need a serious plasma cutter.

I can't see any 110 machine doing that. Gonna be a 220 volt with 50 amp input minimum is my guess.

Thermal Dynamics are nice. I have a small miller which is OK. Wish mine had more amperage.

hypertherm are built completely in hanover,NH,usa. and the employees own the company. the thermal dynamics torch/leads are made in mexico,and the power inverters are made in the USA,for them,....in NH.......so price shop wisely,they both sell great products.

Cebora 3100 here , no way it will cut 5/8" ,but all in all I'm happy, it will cut 3/8".I bought it to cut sheetmetal and it cuts awesome!

FYI, usually you can find consumables dirt cheap on ebay in bulk,

Hypotherm 1250 for me. Mine will cut upto 1 1/2 plate steel! It was the largest one made at the time when I bought it. Just make sure you have a good dry air source.

Price your consumeables, I have an Esab 35 amp, the comsumables cost 120.00 for a set of 5, the comparable Hypertherm is 45.00. Tim

Thanks for all of the feedback. Sounds like Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics are the most popular choices. Anyone else care to chime in?

I've had a USAweld Microcut 301 for about 6 months and have not 1 complaint, works great. Made in Italy. Only cuts upto 3/8ths though.
http://www.usaweld.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=47

Have a hypertherm that will do 1" and is 220. Works great, bought used off craigslist for $600 with a bunch of consumables. Very nice unit, easy to move around about the size of two big boot boxes or so.
Also have a lincoln that will do well over 1". Consumables are pricey but man it works nice even down to little decorative thin stuff.
I would just say stay away from ones with swivel heads on the torch that do all sorts of stuff. I had one a couple years ago, I think it was a thermal dynamics, and the head was a pain on long straight cuts because it wanted to pivot. I would still have it though if some a-hole didn't rob me!
You'll like any of them though really, they are so handy.

Anyone with the Thermal Dynamics using the Drag-gun unit? I have seen a few used ones near me at a decent price.
Scott

I've got a Thermo Dynamics Pak10? thats 20? years old. Works fine. It'll do 1/2" alum, which is like 3/4"? steel. However, as mentioned, the consumables, tips, cups, etc are the the real cost of useage, kinda like Kodak giving you a free camera if you bought their film days.

I also have a 15 year old Esab that works well. Buy the largest unit you can afford.

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