Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight) Plasma Cutter

[Fearnothing]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?f=bylogo&logourl=ChicagoW.gif&brand=Chicago%20Electric%20Welding%20Systems

Wondering if anyone here has owned/used one of these before? Any input is appreciated. Thanks
-Brad

[LCexplorer]

Weren't very many good experiences with it:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=342250&highlight=HF+Plasma

[frankenfab]

I don't have one, but have been tempted. I have been seeing a lot of good reviews on some of the welding and machinist bulletin boards I read.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/showthread.php?t=15501&highlight=harbor+freight



.

[JCRover]

I've had decent luck in the past with their stuff. But you get what you pay for. I had their 130a mig welder, and while it worked for over 5 years (I sold it while still working) it did have a low grade feel to it, and poor arc stability.

The plasms cutter looks very similar to my HTP 40A microcut unit, and I have seen previous posts saying that Chicago Electric has a few rebadged HTP units. I kind of doubt it, but the cases are very similar, so I'd be inclinded to think that the housings are from the same source w/ lower quality internals.

That said, I've seen the Harbor Freight 36A plasma for as low as $399, and that's almost too good a price to pass up.

Just my .02

BTW, I'm very happy with my HTP stuff (www.usaweld) good prices & comparable quality from what I can tell.

[Speedycheater]

I've got one, works great. I've cut through 3/8" plate with no problems.... Never tried anything thicker than that. I paid ~$150 on Ebay for mine.

They apparently come from the same factory as the HTP units, and the consumables are interchangeable with them.

[Gravel Maker]

Liked it alot, easily cut 3/8", won't run on most generators. The surge shuts them down after the initial arc. Traded mine for a TPI, I like it too!