Is it true about plasma cutters?

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Author Message   Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 797 Registered: 02-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 08:17 pm:    I heard a couple of times the 'cheaper' ones ($700) are basically useless (assuming 1/4" steel here), but the $2K machines are a real dream? Does anyone have feedback good or bad?   marc olivares (Pugs) Member Username: Pugs Post Number: 183 Registered: 12-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 11:48 pm:    i've used the cheapos up to 5/16", worked fine. it's all in the tips and technique. unless you plan to use every day, don't spend the money on the high end cutters. marc   Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 798 Registered: 02-2002 Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 06:09 am:    Marc, How does it compare to a cutting torch?   marc olivares (Pugs) Member Username: Pugs Post Number: 186 Registered: 12-2002 Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 05:15 pm:    dean, that goes back to technique. most of the old guys i work with won't use the Plasmas. my thought is, if you can cut well with a torch then the plasma will be real easy. if you suck cutting with a torch then the plasma will have a learning curve. think of it like welding with a stick vs. mig, or torch welding vs. tig. if you master the old school welding tools then all of the new tools are really easy. so, to answer your question, how does it compare? i personally, like the cleanliness of the plasma cutters. although, i've used a cutting torch most of my life and am fairly proficient. miller, esab, and fire power all make cutters in the $700 - $800 range marc