Small Plasmas...which one to get??

[CTENG in KS]

I want to get a plasma cutter, one of the small ones with a built in compressor.  I have seen three that are in the same range and I'm not sure which to go with.

There is the Hobart AirForce 250: http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/plasma/airforce250ci/

The Miller Spectrum 125c: http://www.millerwelds.com/products/plasma/spectrum_125c/

The ESAB HanyPlasma 125:  http://products.esabna.com/EN/home/plasma/plasma_category_page/q/display_id.id4367f5f998b4b2.91347945/category_id.1957

Anyone have experiences with these.
I would have been interested in going with the more expensive AirForce 400, but it apparently doesn't have a compressor built in.
Are there any others that I missed, have not heard about.  Any different options?  I don't really have room for a shop compressor.

[CTENG in KS]

Looks like there is another...
The HyperTherm PowerMax 190C:  http://www.hypertherm.com/languages/english/powermax190c.php

This one claims 1/8 inch cut at 22 inch per minute...the others are around 10 inch per minute.  Hmmm.

Anyone?

[fordh8r]

  If your dead set on having one with a built in compressor then I would certainly consider the Hypertherm They make excellent machines (they only make plasma cutters).
 
  I just got the Powermax30 and it will cut 1/4 as good as this one will cut 1/8 and up to 1/2" slowly. Although it does not have a built in compressor,  it will cut heavier metal which is more in the range of size of material I typically work with.  The consumables on the Hypertherm are also supposed to be less expensive and last longer from what I was told.

  Compare the specs for rate of cut speed through specific thicknesses of metals (i.e.  1/4" @ 22 IPM [inches per min])  The higher the IPM per thickness of metal as well as the duty cycle the better the machine which can usually translate to more $$$. As long as the machine fits the bill for your use.  Just be sure not to get a machine that is too small for your needs or your money won't be wisely spent.   

[CTENG in KS]

Well I have found each one of these at various places for under $850 each.  I know I could get a lot more cutter with a separate compressor, but I have no possible place to put a decent sized tank and I have read several places about smaller tanks being too small for the plasma machine.  I use almost exclusively plate between 1/16 and 1/8 with some 1/4 inch once in a while.  The HyperTherm seems to have double the rate of cut speed at roughly the same specs as the other four.

[Tool Pimp]

I know a few people running the Miller 375 extreme and they love it. Its portable and can be used off a small generator. 

[fordh8r]

Well I have found each one of these at various places for under $850 each.  I know I could get a lot more cutter with a separate compressor, but I have no possible place to put a decent sized tank and I have read several places about smaller tanks being too small for the plasma machine.  I use almost exclusively plate between 1/16 and 1/8 with some 1/4 inch once in a while.  The HyperTherm seems to have double the rate of cut speed at roughly the same specs as the other four.

Sounds like you found the machine for you. 

[CTENG in KS]

I looked at them, killer deal at about $1G, but I would need a good size tank to run it.

The only other thing would be a small compressor/tank combo, 110V, with a really efficient compressor for a good price.
With a smaller tank the plasma would end up running almost directly off the compressor.

[fordh8r]

I looked at them, killer deal at about $1G, but I would need a good size tank to run it.

The only other thing would be a small compressor/tank combo, 110V, with a really efficient compressor for a good price.
With a smaller tank the plasma would end up running almost directly off the compressor.

Compressor run time will also depend on the length of your cuts as well. 

[CTENG in KS]

Yeah, I am looking right now to see what is out there for small compressor set-ups that push enough cfm's to make up for the small tank.  Looks like it might be doable.  Wondering if a 110V compressor is gonna be hell on the breakers?

[fordh8r]

Yeah, I am looking right now to see what is out there for small compressor set-ups that push enough cfm's to make up for the small tank.  Looks like it might be doable.  Wondering if a 110V compressor is gonna be hell on the breakers?

I don't see why not.  The breakers should hold up just fine as long as they're sized properly. 

[CTENG in KS]

My little garage has a sensitive 15A breaker, but I may have found a couple small 4-6 gallon pancake compressors that push over 4CFM at 90 PSI and draw 14 amps.

Seems most of the plasma units I have seen need about 4.5 CFM at 60 PSI.  That seem right?

[CTENG in KS]

Anyone got comments?  Would this be sufficient for a plasma cutter?



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[fordh8r]

My little garage has a sensitive 15A breaker, but I may have found a couple small 4-6 gallon pancake compressors that push over 4CFM at 90 PSI and draw 14 amps.

Seems most of the plasma units I have seen need about 4.5 CFM at 60 PSI.  That seem right?

Sounds like it may be time to replace the breaker in your garage.  After many "trips" they do become weak and may warrant replacement.  It helps if while using a high amp device that anything else that might be on that same circuit either be shut off or removed to allow less load on the breaker and sufficient voltage and amperage to said load. I've even used a small welder powered by a 3K watt generator before...

  Also, don't forget that tank size may be important here as well because if the tank reserve holds up to each cut (or more) then the compressor doesn't have to deliver at the capcity required by the plasma cutter's consumption. As long as this M/O is suitable for your needs then just let the compressor catch up between cuts...

[RokCrawlinToy]

I know a few people running the Miller 375 extreme and they love it. Its portable and can be used off a small generator. 

Thats what I got. Works great.

[dt]

I have the hitachi compressor,it does blow my 15 amp breaker,they are known for doing this,but they are considered a very good and powerful unit for a pancake compressor.upgrade your breaker to a 20 amp

[CTENG in KS]

It is an apt garage.  I can't upgrade the breakers.

I sent an email to see if they ever upgraded to 20 amp or if it is possible to do so.   

[kneedownnate]

You want I should pick this up for you and ship it your way   http://redding.craigslist.org/tls/520579280.html

[CTENG in KS]

No thanks, but thanks for thinkin of me.  If I get one without a built in compressor it will prob be a Mitech 220V 40amp unit.  Severs up to 1/2 inch I think.  $399 + shipping.