110v Plasma Cutters? Anyone use one?
 

110v Plasma Cutters? Anyone use one?

I don't have 220v in my garage and I wonder how useful a 110v unit would be.

They are cheap enough around $200 that I could add to my tool pile/collection :)

shrimpers use two 110v lines to get 220 to weld at the docks via extension cords
all you need is two out of phase lines from different sides of a standard power box

tim the toolman was right more power is better

Thanks, didn't know that. If I want temp 220v I can just fire up one of the generators.

I see there is a combo unit available. It's a plasma cutter, Tig welder and a stick welder for $256 Wonder how that would all work.

Plasma cutters need clean dry air, combo units use the same valve for TIG (argon) and plasma (air) so they need super clean dry air. Without dry air the valve will F-up PDQ and the cheap combo units will become a paperweight.

Regulators, driers, filters, electrical, argon, tank, tips (consumables) can easily double the cost of a plasma more for a TIG combo.
For plasma the consumables are expensive.

The best China unit is the Everlast, I wouldn't buy one for a heavy production shop running it 40+ hours week, but great for a small fab shop.
I have an Everlast 256.

The cheap $200 ones generally break easily from what I understand. Watch Youtube.

That said, I bought a cheap one from an electronics guy in Milwaukee. He has a neat business where he buys them in bulk, tests them, upgrades the components that usually break, and then sells it for $300 or so with a warranty for a year. Search craigslist in Milwaukee under "plasma cutter."

I have had mine for over a year, and works fine. cuts 1/2 inch steel.

It doesn't feel heavy duty, but for my hobbyist use, works great. He said that repairs, if it blows, are usually around $25.

Bo

I've got a Miller that runs on either 110 or 220. Very small and portable. It was $8-900. It cuts really good but I've only used it on 220 because it's available to me. I would imagine it would be fine on 110 for thinner materials.

I have a Thermal Dynamics 110V. It works well depending on metal thickness. I got it as a gift so I don't know the cost.

Here's one that's under $200........available through HD or Amazon......wow.......

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kjAZhZj82h0" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Came today. Very light!! Will try her out tomorrow. Will post followup report.....