Welding Tips and Tricks

Been putting it off long enough. Mostly looking to use it for 1/4" thick steel max, but up to 1/2" capability would be nice. Occasional use only, maybe a few hours a week max. Looking for something reasonably priced for those capabilities, but not necessarily a budget machine. Any machine recommendations? Features to look for? Pitfalls to avoid? Also researching on my own, but experienced help is always appreciated.

Plasma is one of those things that you always want more power. Go for a 50-60A cutter like the PrimeWeld Cut60. Also find out what consumables you will need, as you will go through a lot if you do not have a really good air filtration/moisture removal apparatus.

Thanks for the tips, Oscar!

Don't hesitate to get yourself a GOOD filter that will remove the MOISTURE.

Lots of people will recommend Hypertherm for their well deserved reputation. None the less, my next purchase will be the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 60i. It is reported to be a great hand cutter, but also a beast at gouging. decent price too. 3/4 inch recommended cut capacity and 1.5 inch severance cuts. https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/ ... h-1-5630-1

Louie1961 wrote:Lots of people will recommend Hypertherm for their well deserved reputation. None the less, my next purchase will be the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 60i. It is reported to be a great hand cutter, but also a beast at gouging. decent price too. 3/4 inch recommended cut capacity and 1.5 inch severance cuts. https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/ ... h-1-5630-1

Thermal dynamics is a great value for a plasma cutter, from what ive seen. Id love to have one of their 120A cutters!

Do any of you have any experience with the Miller plasma cutters?
I fell into one a few years ago when a fellow soldier who was about to separate had his wife inform him that the family was about to grow...
He sold off the car project and associated tools, including a new in box Spectrum375.

I haven't had much chance to use it, but haven't had any issues so far.

Thanks for all the helpful tips! My LWS carries the full line of Thermal Dynamics as their primary plasma brand, so those are high on my list from a support perspective.