My old plasma cutter took a shit the other day. So I'm in the market for a new one I'm looking at the Hobart 250. I am looking for some feedback on people that have them and, use them. About the thickest steel I'll be cutting is 1/4". I know this is the upper limit of the cutter but, how well does it cut?

Save your money buy a Hypertherm or Thermal Dynamics. you will be much happier . Look for a used one.

As much as I love my Miller welders i wouldn`t buy a plasma other than the above 2 brands.

I always advise to go at least 50% over what you expect to cut. That means that you'll be much more pleased with what you do cut. The closer you run to the limit, the worse the cut will be.

I agree with the Hypertherm and TD suggestions. My Hypertherm 1100 was about $900 used and will cut over an inch.

I will agree with what was said above, but I couldn't find a Hypertherm or Thermal Dynamics machine for a decent price and ended up picking up a Hobart 250 for a steal. It is a smaller machine, but like you I don't forsee cutting anything over 1/4". I have used the plasma to cut 12 gauge and 3/16" steel so far and it works great and cuts very clean.

I didn't think I'd run my Hypertherm 45 hard either, but the other day I needed a hunk of oddly shaped 5/8" cut (too odd for bandsaw or sawzall cutting), gave it a try, and it took no effort or time at all. I can't wait to try 3/4", if only I had some. :laughing: And after quite a bit of usage, I'm still on my first tip.

I would hold out for a quality machine. It's nice to be able to layout your work and have a pretty much finished edge on basically any thickness. I searched for a decent used machine for awhile and sort of forgot about it, then I needed one for a big project and got the only decent capacity praxair had in stock...the powermax 45. Fawking love this thing. It's tiny, cuts VERY CLEAN, has an over 1" capacity ( i cut a solid tie rod with it) and pretty much rocks. Plus if I ever get/build a plasma table...I'll be good to go. Changing to a machine torch takes seconds.

The powermax 45 is almost $1500 though. It wiped out my summer play funds/work study money but it's been a great tool.

The powermax 45 is almost $1500 though. It wiped out my summer play funds/work study money but it's been a great tool.I picked up the Thermal Dynamics CutMaster 52 from IOC for $1399 to my door. I like it so far :D :D