Plasma Cutter. My New Favorite Tool

old_blue

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Dec 4, 2016

#1

• Dec 4, 2016

• #1

I've been looking around for a bit for a good plasma cutter. My only requirement was it be American made. Miller, Lincoln, Hobart etc. all good brand names that have parts available if needed. I've heard nothing but good things about hem Miller 375 and I just wanted to see what folk's opinions were on these.

 

RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT

Mod Dude

Jul 20, 2014

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#2

• Dec 4, 2016

• #2

The only plasma cutter experience I have is with a Hypertherm unit,but I've used it for many years with minimal issues and many different metal thickness and types lol. All the welders at work are Miller and they have been great,so I'd venture out there plasma cutter would be too


And.... I know you said American made,but... I know @madmike1157 has a Chinese unit and Loves it

 

CarMichael Angelo

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,

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Dec 5, 2016

#3

• Dec 5, 2016

• #3

RaggedGT said:

The only plasma cutter experience I have is with a Hypertherm unit,but I've used it for many years with minimal issues and many different metal thickness and types lol. All the welders at work are Miller and they have been great,so I'd venture out there plasma cutter would be too


And.... I know you said American made,but... I know @madmike1157 has a Chinese unit and Loves it

Click to expand...

Yeahhh...I was gonna throw out a recommendation but there is that "American" thing.

 

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old_blue

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#4

• Dec 5, 2016

• #4

madmike1157 said:

Yeahhh...I was gonna throw out a recommendation but there is that "American" thing.

Click to expand...

Yeahhh... I looked at the logos brand and it has a lot of mixed reviews. I want something that will be around in 10 yrs and won't cause me too many heart aches over the years. Everyone points to the big manufacturer. I know I'm going to pay for that but I've got a excellent gift coming from the wife st xmas.

 

CarMichael Angelo

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,

15 Year Member

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#5

• Dec 5, 2016

• #5

old_blue said:

Yeahhh... I looked at the logos brand and it has a lot of mixed reviews. I want something that will be around in 10 yrs and won't cause me too many heart aches over the years. Everyone points to the big manufacturer. I know I'm going to pay for that but I've got a excellent gift coming from the wife st xmas.

Click to expand...

I have had that Chinee combo plasma cutter since 08. It works like I want it to, when I want it to. It is a brand name that predates Lotos....(Longevity) but both are still out there, but Longevity has gotten stupid expensive.




259.00 on Ebay. Unless you're gonna be a plasma cutting fool, this to me is a perfect shop tool.

My old Longevity model is no longer made but I think it's something like this now a days



I'm thinkin that Longevity moved on, and stepped up their game, and brands like Lotos are using their old design, and chassis. This piece looks exactly like mine save for the power button. (mine is on back,) and mine is blue.

This whole thing sells for 498.00 Tig/stick/50amp Plasma cutter

 

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old_blue

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#6

• Dec 5, 2016

• #6

Lotos has been 50/50 in reviews and everyone that has had trouble has had trouble with support side when something goes wrong. Even those with a warranty have had issues with getting stuff fixed or even parts.

 

CarMichael Angelo

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,

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Dec 6, 2016

#7

• Dec 6, 2016

• #7

old_blue said:

Lotos has been 50/50 in reviews and everyone that has had trouble has had trouble with support side when something goes wrong. Even those with a warranty have had issues with getting stuff fixed or even parts.

Click to expand...

Guess that all dpends on where you look, and where you buy it from. Bought my Lotos through Amazon.

The piece garners a 4 outta 5 stars on 304 submitted reviews there.

 

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old_blue

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Dec 6, 2016

#8

• Dec 6, 2016

• #8

madmike1157 said:

This whole thing sells for 498.00 Tig/stick/50amp Plasma cutter

Click to expand...

This is a Combo unit? Does it tig fairly well. I'd hate to get it and find it really is just a plasma cutter and tig is really just for looks and I can I say I have a tig welder.

 

old_blue

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#9

• Dec 6, 2016

• #9

View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DO7VDM/?tag=pickwelder05-20


Now you have me looking at this one. Looks to have decent reviews. But the only real difference I see is the pilot arc start for plasma.

 

old_blue

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Dec 6, 2016

#10

• Dec 6, 2016

• #10

 

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old_blue

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Dec 15, 2016

#11

• Dec 15, 2016

• #11

@madmike1157 what about this contraption?

 

CarMichael Angelo

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,

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Dec 16, 2016

#12

• Dec 16, 2016

• #12

old_blue said:

@madmike1157 what about this contraption?

Click to expand...

Looks like you have everything you need. It looks to be AC/DC, tig/PC/stick.
Buy it through Amazon Prime,..they'll ship it free. (Not that it's heavy,..you'll be amazed at how light it is compared to a Mig)

 

old_blue

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Dec 17, 2016

#13

• Dec 17, 2016

• #13

Thinking I'll order through Home Depot and see if I can get an extended warranty on it. That way I don't have to ship anything and can just take it back to the store.

 

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old_blue

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Dec 20, 2016

#14

• Dec 20, 2016

• #14

I ended up with a longevity plasma cutter (forcecut 40d). After looking at several different ones and going over prices and reviews this looks to be the best bet form me. Comes with a 1 year warranty and everyone says they have a great customer service. Should be here later this week or just after Christmas

 

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old_blue

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Dec 27, 2016

#15

• Dec 27, 2016

• #15

Just fired it up for the first time today. Cuts nice and smooth. I used a straight edge that has a groove which keeps it off the material. Soo much better than a cutting wheel. This is 18 ga. steel. I'm making a small box for my truck as a first project

 

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old_blue

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Dec 27, 2016

#16

• Dec 27, 2016

• #16

Here is a test fit for the back sides.

 

Last edited: Dec 27, 2016

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