Being new to welding, I need something to that I can cut plate and other larger items with. Which is the better route to go, torch or plasma?
Cutting Torch or Parker Plasma?
- Thread starter nicholastheczar
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I use my plasma cutter a lot more than my torch. Plasma is super easy but they're both useful tools so get em both!
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- #3
I figure eventually I will get them both but right now I don't want to drop $300 ish on a Victor and then $400 ish on a Parker plasma. I'm leaning towards the plasma first and then later on, getting the torch.
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- #5
Mace -
I was waiting for you to chime in to see what you'd say since I know you have a Parker. How do you like it and what should I expect to spend on consumables (on average)?
I was waiting for you to chime in to see what you'd say since I know you have a Parker. How do you like it and what should I expect to spend on consumables (on average)?
Great question as I am in the same boat. I have yet to find a single bad post on those parker plasmas. ...
I think you need both, but I am leaning towards the plasma as well.
I think you need both, but I am leaning towards the plasma as well.
I love it..
My torch is now only used for it's rosebud..
Honestly I just replaced my first tip. And I am not positive that I had to.
Been cutting 1/2" plate reliably (occasionaly I get the cut angled.. Have not figured that out out completly yet) and a bunch of 1/4 plate.
Works very well.
It came with 5 sets of tips, Another 5 sets is $50..
And as I said, I have gone through one set of tips so far..
My torch is now only used for it's rosebud..
Honestly I just replaced my first tip. And I am not positive that I had to.
Been cutting 1/2" plate reliably (occasionaly I get the cut angled.. Have not figured that out out completly yet) and a bunch of 1/4 plate.
Works very well.
It came with 5 sets of tips, Another 5 sets is $50..
And as I said, I have gone through one set of tips so far..
the torch is much more than just a cutting tool. but the plasma is super simple to operate and produces the same clean cuts with virtually no expierence. but i think your gonna have to spend more than $400'ish on a capable plasma.
You need to go visit Parker Metal works amigo 
But you are absolutely correct on the torch. Like I said, mine is now reduced to rosebud (and occasional brazing/welding)
Plasma is just so much easier..
But you are absolutely correct on the torch. Like I said, mine is now reduced to rosebud (and occasional brazing/welding)
Plasma is just so much easier..
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- #10
Thanks Mace, I appreciate the input.
I will go with parker first and then if I find I have a need for a torch, I will get one.
I will probably end up getting the Plasma Tech 40sv. According to parkers website, it says it is 220v 40amp, does this mean I will have to run another 220v and can't use the one I have for my HH187 which is running off a 30amp breaker?
I will go with parker first and then if I find I have a need for a torch, I will get one.
I will probably end up getting the Plasma Tech 40sv. According to parkers website, it says it is 220v 40amp, does this mean I will have to run another 220v and can't use the one I have for my HH187 which is running off a 30amp breaker?
i dont see a plasma for $400'ish, i see one for $700'ish and it looks like a great machine.
http://cgi.ebay.com/40Amp-Plasma-Cu...yZ113743QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Their prices on the page are way more than what they actually sell them for.
Plus they offer a turbo upgrade that allows you to kick the 40 up to a 50 amp machine..
Here is one of my cuts..
3/8" with no turbo upgrade..
Their prices on the page are way more than what they actually sell them for.
Plus they offer a turbo upgrade that allows you to kick the 40 up to a 50 amp machine..
Here is one of my cuts..
3/8" with no turbo upgrade..
looks like i'm gonna have to check into these machines
BTW, that was one of the first cuts I ever made. They look better now
I was gonna' say.....
Parker has a 60 amp on e-Bay.
I admit I am a newb to the plasma cutter. I have used a torch only and never touched a plasma cutter.
I realize that the 60 amp will cut thicker metal, but what should I look for if I will never cut more than 1/2 inch, and most often will be cutting 1/4 inch or less.
I am thinking 50 amp but want to get some opinion from those that have used them. Any thoughts?
I admit I am a newb to the plasma cutter. I have used a torch only and never touched a plasma cutter.
I realize that the 60 amp will cut thicker metal, but what should I look for if I will never cut more than 1/2 inch, and most often will be cutting 1/4 inch or less.
I am thinking 50 amp but want to get some opinion from those that have used them. Any thoughts?
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- #17
I would say look at the Parker PT40sv with the turbo upgrade, which upgrades it from 40 to 50 amps. I think it is $50 more. So, $399 for the unit, $50 for the upgrade, and, $64 for shipping. Comes out to around $513 for a plasma cutter that about everyone that has one is happy with from what I have read.
This is the unit I am looking at.
This is the unit I am looking at.
This is the same unit I was looking at getting. I just got my first welder (Lincoln 180) and need to get s cutter. I think I can borrow a torch from a neighbor so I think that seals the deal on the Parker.
Parkers are great. My friend bought the Plasma/Stick/Tig for like $550 clams. I have used the cutter several times and it is way better than playing with a cutting torch, though they do have their uses.
Alright, thanks to this thread I was given permission to purchase a plasma cutter for Father's Day. Yesterday I bought the 40Amp Parker MP with the Turbo upgrade to 50Amp. I'll offer up my opinion (FWIW) when it comes in.