I've wanted a cutting torch for a while, but it seems like it's just not in the budget. A setup with decent-sized bottles and a decent-brand torch is in the $800-1000 range, and that doesn't include filling the bottles initially, or REfilling them if I actually want to USE the torch.
So a plasma cutter is financially much more attractive... But I've never even used one, so I don't know much about them other than the principles of operation - not the PRACTICALITY. And all the cheapos on the market make it really difficult to take the risk. And since the whole point is to keep the cost WELL below a grand, I can't even consider a name-brand cutter; not even used (if there were any in my area for sale).
So I'm beginning to consider the garbage brands. I'm not worried about cutting 1/2" plate at 20"/min for 6 hours straight - I might cut a couple of feet per month of 22ga up to 1/4". It would be really rare that I'd cut anything thicker, or more than a few inches at a time. But on those rare occasions, it would be nice to have an option other than drilling, sawing, grinding, &/or filing; especially for irregular shapes. I'm not doing art or trying to earn a living, so I think I might be able to rationalize $200-400. I already have a nice shop air compressor, so I don't really need on-board air. And I've wired my shop for 220, so I'd prefer a 110/220 machine.
I've done a LITTLE reading so far, and a few sites (which APPEAR to be independent of each other) agree that the
Lotos LT5000D (non-pilot) is as good as can be expected for <$300. The pilot version (LTP5000D) is slightly >$400, but the
Cut 50 is a pilot-start for $200, and it gets almost-as-good reviews from those few sources as the Lotos. Consumables seem to be available & affordable for all of them.
Who has some experience with a cheapo cutter - good OR bad?
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