[Poland308]

Any one use a version of the cut 50 that's all over eBay?

[ex framie]

Yep.
I have managed decent cuts on 1/2 inch steel and that is about the limit with it.
Bare in mind mine is also 240v.
But it was all that was available here at the time under $600.
Most of my cutting is less than 3/8 so its adequate.
Would love a hypotherm but I like having 2 testicals.

[noddybrian]

Although they look all the same some are better than others - the cheapest often coming with the PT31 torch which will only achieve 1/2" cut no matter how many amps it sees & 50amps is way too much - if you buy one check what torch is supplied or if the deal is good enough replace it with a more suitable one from " Shop River " - you should manage 3/4" with steady slow travel - there is a thread on here somewhere discussing this & the OP did change torch with much better results - the Cut 40 & 50 are very basic units but quite reliable & at slightly under £200 on Ebay (40) I would still rate them highly for non production work - consumables don't last long but are cheap & very easy to get - only real downside they don't have pilot arc - if you have slightly more money available the newer Chinese designs have come on along way & are still great value - the 50amp Rtech unit which I assume is a repainted Everlast looks good & has pilot arc - ultimately depends on how much you can justify & intended use - just for hobby stuff on a budget they are a good first plasma.

[Poland308]

Thanks I did read through about the torch issue. Was just curious about tha machines themselves.

[noddybrian]

Generally pretty reliable & good duty cycle - I have a several year old Cut40 which I only got for portability to take out on site & it will run on available power sockets - been heavily used & still going strong - only time it acted up I lent it to a mate who said he wanted to cut some 1/4" sheet - turned out he cable tied the torch to an old " pug " track cutter & he was slicing 8foot sheets length ways into 6" strips for something - I got it back with a very fried torch but no other problems - he ran it without stopping except to move the track over ! had it up on 40amps the entire time - put another cheap " Shop River " torch on & it's been fine ever since - probably should have moved up a torch but I had plenty of consumables in stock so kept with a PT31 - I'm intrigued to see if a better torch would give more cut though - the 50amp is visually the same & shares quite alot of components - know a few people with them & no problems except for a dual voltage model - but anytime you mess around with that sort of amp draw on 110volt it's asking for trouble so obviously leave them alone.

[Poland308]

Good to know I'll just put the same 220 plug on it my welder has so I can use it in the shop or off my generator.

[ex framie]

One other thing, DRY air is a must regardless of the cost of your plasma cutter.
When you buy your compressor get a water trap/dryer and plumb that in after the regulator/trap fitted to the compressor.
Drain them all before you use the air,( compressor, regualtor and trap) or if you run it everyday, drain them every day.
Wet air does some funky things as I have found out here in the subtropics.

[AKweldshop]

They work for a little while, but the HF goes out in a short amount of time, then you chuck it.

Yes I've owned one.

[Coldman]

I owned one too. Chucked it as well. Not buying cheap bottom of the barrel junk anymore.

[Poland308]

Mine just showed up today cot the cut 50 220 volt only with the heavier duty gun. Just test fired it on some 1/4 in steel. Ok for now. I just need it to last out for a year or so then I'll pony up for the real deal.

[ex framie]

Josh,
If its going to get a fair bit of use, get onto river weld shop http://riverweldstore.com/ and pick up some consumables for it, you'll always seem to trash a nozzle at the wrong time and spares are good to have on hand and are cheap.
Are you going to do a review on it? No so subtle hint....

[Poland308]

Literally just ordered them 5 min ago.

[soutthpaw]

If it does quit and need repair, contact George, he is a good honest guy and can help you determine if it's worth fixing
http://www.georgesplasmacuttershop.com/
You can mention I recommended him to ya.

[Poland308]

Thanks I'll save the link