[TheForge] Plasma cutter comparison

[Ries Niemi]

On Friday, October 24, 2003, at 11:01 AM, Dan Armstrong wrote:

> I'm in the process of comparing the following plasma cutters for 
> eminent
> purchase:
>
> Lincoln Pro-Cut 25
>
> Hobart Air Force 400
>
> Hypertherm Power Max 380
>
> My price range is $1200. - 1300. (US) and 3/8" max. cutting ability is
> plenty.
>
> Anybody have any experience/information or other suggestions to share?
> Or perhaps knowledge of consumer report info on same?
>
>


I vote for hypertherm, as plasma cutters is what they do. For both 
Hobart and Lincoln, and Miller too for that matter, plasma cutters are 
something they feel they have to offer, but not really their core 
competency. I had a miller for a while that worked okay, but it just 
wasnt as well thought out as one made by either hypertherm or thermal 
dynamics.
When a company has only a few models, they are less likely to stock 
repair parts and tips at every welding supply store.
With hypertherm or thermal dynamics, the parts are easier to get, the 
tips are more available, and they are less likely to become orphans.

ries