REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL

TOOLS, CONSTRUCTION, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY => Hand Tools, Power Tools, Welders, etc => Topic started by: rcampbell on October 13, 2015, 09:47:47 AM

Title: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: rcampbell on October 13, 2015, 09:47:47 AM

Hey all, I think since I've got 1999 Dodge diesel truck coming that I'm going to put back on the road, I figured now might be a good time to pull the trigger on a plasma cutter. My local shop (about 15 mins from my house) stocks the  Victor Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster plasma cutters. Does anyone have any experience with them? I've read some good review, seems like it might be a decent rig?

Title: Re: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: TexasRedNeck on October 13, 2015, 11:02:19 PM

Ken has a Thermal Dynamic plasma.  I'm wanting to get one myself.  Looking forward to input.

Title: Re: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: Flyin6 on October 13, 2015, 11:15:43 PM

TD makes a decent Plasma Cutter. Hypertherm is the best out there I think...A lot of folks would agree

Title: Re: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: KensAuto on October 13, 2015, 11:20:10 PM

Both of mine are Hypertherms. Can't comment on the Victor as I have zero experience with them.

Title: Re: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: rcampbell on October 14, 2015, 12:49:20 PM

I can also get the Hypertherm, they just have to order them as opposed to them being stocked, plus they cost more. I've also been wondering if it might be better to get a small TIG welder, or a multi-process like the Lincoln 210-MP, since I do have access to LPG/Oxy torches, but my little old LIncoln 175T mig welder has been better days.

I figured the plasma might be good for 'fabbing brackets etc, but then I'd also need to get an air compressor as the one we have at the farm is a little shoddy, and mostly reserved for filled tires than running air tools.

Title: Re: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: JR on October 15, 2015, 01:06:48 AM

I had a hypertherm and it worked great. I have a TD Cutmaster and it works great too!

I was always a Lincoln guys, but went miller this time. I had a 140 but it just didn't do the job. I have a Miller 212 now and love it.

Both are dual voltage but I use 220 all the time.

I would get a mig first.

Title: Re: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: Flyin6 on October 15, 2015, 09:19:07 AM

Quote from: JR on October 15, 2015, 01:06:48 AM

I had a hypertherm and it worked great. I have a TD Cutmaster and it works great too!

I was always a Lincoln guys, but went miller this time. I had a 140 but it just didn't do the job. I have a Miller 212 now and love it.

Both are dual voltage but I use 220 all the time.

I would get a mig first.

Miller 212 Dual voltage now???
Mine is 220 only

Title: Re: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: JR on October 15, 2015, 10:54:56 AM

 Sorry, I have the 211,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, :-[

Title: Re: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: rcampbell on October 15, 2015, 01:08:07 PM

Quote from: JR on October 15, 2015, 01:06:48 AM

I had a hypertherm and it worked great. I have a TD Cutmaster and it works great too!

I was always a Lincoln guys, but went miller this time. I had a 140 but it just didn't do the job. I have a Miller 212 now and love it.

Both are dual voltage but I use 220 all the time.

I would get a mig first.

I can save a good bit of money if I go with TD, and I won't be a super heavy user, so it might work out just fine. My LWS has sold them for the last 20 years, so they can't be completely horrible.

I do have a Mig now, and it works not too bad, just getting a little old is all. Mostly do flux with it since I don't have a tank for it, but do have the regulators and such.

Title: Re: Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 (or 52)
Post by: TexasRedNeck on October 15, 2015, 09:13:00 PM

Please do a write up when you make a decision.  I'm watching to learn.