Let's see your welder.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

I'll be picking up a budget Plasma cutter next, I've been contemplating the Hobart 250ci.. Something Under $1k.

 

[SPECFab]

Don't go cheap on the plasma. get one that works the best.

 

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Don't go cheap on the plasma. get one that works the best.

I actually just did some research and found alot of people happy with the Parker Metalworking Plasma
http://parkermetalworking.com/parkermp120416_002.htm


they get quite a raving review over on Pirate

 

[paddlernate]

The dynamic duo- Miller 210 and ESAB 380

I'll get a tig machine eventually, and it'll be a Miller. I've put about a dozen spools through my MIG over the course of 12 years, and it performs like the day it was new.

 

[machinisttx]

I acquired this from a scrapyard for around $140. Needed some wiring fixed and a couple of other things. Still need to get the automatic idler working, but it runs and makes power.

Bought another one, slightly newer but otherwise identical, at a different scrapyard more recently for $125(no pics of it though). Gonna need work too. I won't start working on it until I get everything fixed on the first one though.

The only way I'd actually spend money on a miller is if it was really, really cheap and an industrial grade machine. The miller stick/tig unit I run at work has shocked(as in electrical) me more than all of the other machines I've run combined....even in stick mode. I don't recall the model number, but it's definitely not a homeowner type machine.

If you want to run TIG(though I don't see any point for 99% of fab work) and your stick machine has DC capability, just buy a torch, gas, filler rod, and a gas regulator. It will be scratch start, but it's cheaper than buying a new machine...and lots cheaper than a good TIG machine.

 

[ruger81]

The dynamic duo- Miller 210 and ESAB 380

I'll get a tig machine eventually, and it'll be a Miller. I've put about a dozen spools through my MIG over the course of 12 years, and it performs like the day it was new.

How do you like that plasma cutter? I have been looking at that same one its at a pawn shop here in town.

 

[RedJeep2.0]

Ready welder 2

Runs on batterys 12-40volt

 

[Jbh97009]

What??? Never heard of that! I'll have to look into that!

 

[RedJeep2.0]

What??? Never heard of that! I'll have to look into that!

Yea it's pretty much made for welding on the trail

 

[Jbh97009]

I want one!

 

[paddlernate]

How do you like that plasma cutter? I have been looking at that same one its at a pawn shop here in town.

Meh, I think it performs as well as any other top-tier plasma on the market. That said, after months of cutting on my build, I tended to use the cutoff wheel/ grinder whenever I could. This unit is supposed to cut 3/8", but it doesn't do it in one pass, and multiple passes with a plasma gets messy real quick. It cuts 1/8" sheet like butter, and that can be useful. But when I'm making brackets from 1/4" or more, I use the cutoff/grinder. Even with a steady, sober hand, the cuts just require too much cleanup.
There are times when the plasma is invaluable- cutting curves or cutting things off your rig in tight spots. That alone is worth the $850(new).

 

[SPECFab]

I can cut over 1/2" clean with my hypertherm and it will sever 1' in one pass just slow

 

[paddlernate]

How many amps is that machine?