Looking to buy a new or good s/h Plasma cutter. Needs to be able to cut up to 12mm steel. Any particular model to look out for or avoid? Thanks in advance.

I had a cebora, it worked but the consunmables were really expensive so my advice is check out the cost of tips, etc before committing your cash on any particular model.

I've got a cheap Chinese "Cut 50" plasma, it's awesome for what I use it for.

Pro's

I've had it approx. 10 years and it has been used regularly for the last 3 years.

The consumables are cheap as chips, set of 100 tips and electrodes is £30.

It's tiny

Con's

It'll cut 12mm but I cannot achieve a great quality of cut at this thickness

The power hose to the torch is very stiff

I opened it up to give it a blow out and it is truly frightening inside, I certainly wouldn't use it in the rain!

To get a nice clean cut handheld on 12mm then I think you will be looking for something 80A or bigger!

Cheers
Davie

How many bits do you need to cut?

Many parts then yes look at buying a machine.

Few parts then perhaps look at drawing what you need and having them cut for you (water jet, laser etc).

I've been guilty of buying tools before and using them once or twice then never again.