Portable plasma cutter

[little blue choo]

I'm looking at a Hobart Airforce 12i as a portable unit. It runs off of 110 and has it's own built in air compressor. I own a Automotive Garage and think It would be nice to have around the shop for small cutting jobs. I would also use it to cut up my skeletons went they come off the table and scrap metal around the shop. Anyone had any dealings with this unit or any other Hobart unit.

Thanks in advance.
Rick

[gamble]

I had the old one I think it was a 250ci?
It worked good for up to 1/8"
But it didn't work if you ever used an extension cord. The arc kept going out after a few secodns at most

[tnbndr]

I had a Miller unit of the same variety years ago. Was good only to 1/8" max but was a nice little unit.
For cutting up skeletons I plug the hand torch into my PM45, cut skeletons up and then unplug and store. Plug back in the machine torch and ready to go.
I think you would be wiser to invest in the hand torch for your PM65.

[jimcolt]

Take a look at the Powermax 30 Air from Hypertherm. It can sever up to 5/8" thick, does a nice job on 3/8" steel at 230 volt input, and 5/16" steel on a 120 volt input (12 gauge extension cord works well to 50' length if on a 20 amp, 120 volt circuit). It is a bit more pricey than the others, but is a plasma cutter designed to the same industrial cut quality and reliability standards as compared to all other Hypertherm systems from 30 to 800 Amps. Jim Colt Hypertherm

[WyoGreen]

Good morning Rick,

I have my plasma cutter on a mig like cart that I store under my plasma table. When I cut on the table, I roll it out and plug in the tables machine torch. When I have something to cut off on my welding bench or a weld to gouge out else where in the shop, I roll it out and plug in my hand torch. This works great as long as I am in or close to my shop

As Jim mentioned, if I was going to be in an environment where I was not close to a good source of air, I'd look hard at the Powermax 30 Air.

Steve

[little blue choo]

Really needing this for mobile work guys. I have a 9 bay auto shop and thought it would come in handy being able to cut things like exhaust systems and bolts without pulling out the Oxy setup. Could also use out in the parking lot as I some times work on things to large to bring in the shop or throw it in the service truck and take anywhere I need it.

Rick

[marcnaz]

I honestly think you'd get more practical use from a small plasma cutter that runs on both 220 & 110. You're pretty limited with a system like you mentioned as far as metal thickness and portability etc. For severing bolts and exhaust etc, A hand torch would be more practical. If nothing else, get a cheaper import. Some of the newer smaller units get positive comments and won't break the bank.

[little blue choo]

Like I said I need something I can carry out of the shop and use. Not many places I will have access to 220. Just wanted to know if someone had any experience with the Hobart unit.