I will never not have one again...

[Mtbcoach]

Greg acquired a plasma cutter from his office that was not functioning well and needed some TLC. Since he doesn't have a garage with a compressor, I encouraged him to let me "store it" in my garage.

I did the internet/ebay search to see what parts I could find for this Chinese made "Mitech Cut50, 220v" plasma cutter and found a few sites that specialized in these relatively inexpensive machines. With Greg's encouragement, I found a new torch with 150 piece consumable package for $140.

I had to chase down the package since the shipper sent it to my old address, my fault for not deleting all my addresses on ebay (do this if you've moved. I thought I had taken care of it by changing to my new address but it kept my old one as the default), got the package in my hands and went home to give it a try.

It worked, cut through some 16g sheet metal, then tried a piece of 1/4" plate, no problem.

I laid out the templates I'd made to fix/replace the fenders on my ExPed trailer, damaged as I've shared on the way to Harlan. Traced out the pattern on the sheet metal, fired it up and in no time at all, everything cut out slicker than sh!t.

I would have easily burned through a couple cut-off wheels to get the done, spent a bunch of time grinding edges and having to shape corners and cut outs. If only I had this thing when I was building the trailer. It just brings to mind the old adage...time is money.

I'll post pics up of the finished product tomorrow but all I can say is that I'll have my own for sure if I ever plan to continue working with metal.

And, just to share...I'm not endorsing this particular machine or saying that the "chinese" machines are at all comparable to US made units. The biggest problem is finding consumables locally (can't) so ordering them is an internet only condition. But, consumables are easy to find and relatively cheap as compared to the US manufactured units. The site I bought the parts from sent me a "coupon code" for a new unit. From my research, all these "chinese units" are virtually the same.

Dear Jerry, as our appreciation, we would like to give you a great November deal for our Lotos previous customer. You can get a completed Cut50D (50A dual voltage plasma cutter with 16.5 feet longer torch and all other accessories) for only $329 shipped. Please mention "LOTOS11" as the coupon code while calling our sales directly by 408-642-4864. information is on www.uwelding.com <http://www.uwelding.com>

I know I went through over $100 in cut off wheels on the trailer. Now I just have to figure out how long I can keep this from Greg so I can know if I should take advantage of this price. Bottom line is that a plasma cutter will be in my shop as long as I own a welder...

[S4Cruiser]

I'll take that coupon code off your hands if you don't decide to buy one .

[Mtbcoach]

Originally Posted by S4Cruiser

I'll take that coupon code off your hands if you don't decide to buy one .

No need, they said "tell your friends of this November great deal". So, have at it...

[southerncruiser62]

Originally Posted by Mtbcoach

Now I just have to figure out how long I can keep this from Greg so I can know if I should take advantage of this price. Bottom line is that a plasma cutter will be in my shop as long as I own a welder...

Cut a lot and cut FAST!!!!! I may have a nother miraculous deal forthcoming on a compressor.....

Glad it is working out Jerry. I have used that unit in the past and was very happy with the performance before the torch issue....

[krzyabncanuck]

After this lift that is next on the list, just do not tell my better half in a few weeks.

[Jeeyota]

I acutally just bought the same manufacturers plasma cutter, just the one right below that model which is the cut40, and it works awesome for cutting anything at all. The cut40 is for cutting up to 1/2 and severing 3/4 and the cut50 is for cutting 3/4 and severing 1 inch. You can also get a great deal on one because one of the dealers is a vendor in pirate4x4.com I will post the link at the end of the post for the vendor. If you read near the end of the tread you will find that he will give you a cut40 for $350 shipped to your door which is a great deal considering this thing works GREAT. I think that the cut50 is $100 more. The only bad thing of course is that you have to get the consumables from them rather than local.

His website is: plasmametalcutter.com
Here is the link for pirate4x4.com: GiantTech Cut50A Dual Voltage Plasma Cutters - Page 3 - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

[Jeeyota]

I forgot to post that I would be glad to let anybody use it, all you have to do is take good care of it and buy your own consumables because you will go through a couple of them in the beginning stages

[hillsrgood]

We certainly like our ESAB unit we picked up earlier this year... I really missed not having one of these since I left the hot rod shop down in Georgia.