What is the best hobbyist plasma cutter and why?

[barronj]

I'm new to plasma cutters, but I want to stay away from junk.

I'm only interested in 220V-240V machines, don't want a hassle with getting consumables, looking for reliability.

Emphasis on hobbyist (read: I'm not going to spend more than $1500 on one, prefer to find a used one that I will have an easy time getting parts/service for).

Thanks in advance.

[Mach1]

Powermax 45

[one slow 5.0]

Hypertherm

[slow99]

Is that like a cnc machine?

[Tremor14]

#desktopCNC

[Ruffdaddy]

Is that like a cnc machine?

Lol i was actually going to reply telling him how smart it is to make sure and elaborate that its not a 40,000 machine. Otherwise Mrs modena would flip shit.

In truth, they male plasma cnc cutters, but i dont think for 1500.

[GrayStangGT]

Powermax 45

Hypertherm

This is what my Dad has in his shop, I've used it a couple times with no training or experience and man was it easy to cut with.

[TexasPyro]

I've used a few, I own a Hypertherm Powermax 45. It'll cut some pretty thick material, I paid $1650 for mine. If you don't need the duty cycle or the power of the 45 the Powermax 30 is a nice choice and closer to your budget.

[barronj]

Thanks for the replies.

I found a Hypertherm Powermax 600 on CL, I will check it out this weekend, I hope.

[one slow 5.0]

I picked up a hypertherm 1000 from a weld shop back in 06 for $800. Best piece of equipment I've ever bought

[Sleeper]

Hypertherm 45 is what I want. There is a kid on YouTube who shows some decent cut vid's on what you can get away with.