Plasma cutter died...$1700 for identical replacement...

[nvrstuk]

Dilemma... got more Bronco projects to do....

My Thermal Dynamics needs a new PC board which isn't made anymore...so spend 1700 smackers for a replacement unit OR go China made for closer to $500. Maybe buy 2 or 3 for spares... : )

What brand "China-made" and are consumables available LOCALLY or do you need to order ahead on Amazon or ???

Appreciate it what's working for you AND consumables MUST be easy to get...I need 40amps minimum, prefer 45-50 amps.

 

[rmk57]

I have a Vipercut 30 and been using it for around 3 months and it's a pretty good little machine. I almost never cut anything more than 1/4" and mostly 1/8" and thinner. The consumables are the same as the common S45 torch.

 

[rjrobin2002]

My Longevity 40 amp uses the same consumable found at my local welding shop. I can't remeber the American made models consumables it uses, but Longevity could tell you. Mine has been kicking tail for 5 yrs. I would get a Eastwood 40amp if I was you.

 

[nvrstuk]

My local Oxarc is going to start stocking the Vipercut 30. I will find out Monday if they stock the Viper 45...

IF I don't buy local, I can't buy consumables without a min of a 1 1/2 hr drive for parts... I know there's Amazon... : )

 

[Broncobowsher]

Any chance of salvaging your torch and putting it on a China special?

 

[rjrobin2002]

When I bought my longevity , they sent me like 40 consumables and I have only used half of them in 8-10 yrs.

 

[nvrstuk]

The Longevity and the Lotus LTP5000Pilot Arc are rated as great machines for under a grand... I've read hundred plus reviews and side by side tests of both...

Thanks for the input on the consumables too...

 

[Cooper]

I know it's a long shot that it is the same unit but this Thermal Dynamics Pak 5 Plasma Cutter on ebay is being sold with an extra board:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Thermal-dynamics-Pak-5-plasma-cutter/152919145981?hash=item239ab0fdfd:g:j3QAAOSwZ3Bacl3o

Maybe reach out and see if the person will sell the board separately; auction ends in 10 plus hours with no bidders so far at $150, might make a deal if it doesn't sell.

I was able to get a proprietary mother board (though it was Craig's List) for a lap-top a couple years ago after someone broke their screen but was selling the components. Anyway, only checking to see if the same principle could work here. Don't mean to beat the horse again if you did already just hope this helps.

 

[nvrstuk]

I'll check, Thanks!

Great idea trying to adapt my TD torch too...

 

[Justafordguy]

I have a Lotus Plasma/Tig combo unit and it has worked great for about 10 years so far. I order consumables cheap on Amazon but I have never tried to get them locally.

 

[Local Boy]

I have the Lotus plasma cutter model...inexpensive, amazon to your door consumables, does the job... Just can't drag the torch on the surface...

It does cut 1/4 inch plate with some difficulty (alot of slag) but it cuts it...

Does fine on 3/16 and thinner...

Aloha

 

[bmc69]

My Thermal Dynamics needs a new PC board which isn't made anymore...

One of my technicians is a magical freaking genius when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing circuit boards for about anything, new and old, and has all the special equipment to repair even the tiniest of surface-mount stuff.

Be glad to have him take a shot at that one for ya. He knows a lot about welding equipment too..he's one of my best welders.

 

[bronkenn]

One of my technicians is a magical freaking genius when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing circuit boards for about anything, new and old, and has all the special equipment to repair even the tiniest of surface-mount stuff.

Be glad to have him take a shot at that one for ya. He knows a lot about welding equipment too..he's one of my best welders.

That is a great offer.

 

[nvrstuk]

Yeah it is!! I"ll PM you bmc69....thanks...

Lotus only cuts 1/4" smooth? Hmmmm... are you consumables in good shape, good dry air? Just wondering as I am not saying it doesn't, just wondering why as it seems like it's been doing quite well for others on thicker steel... just wondering...makes me think twice not....

I'm getting the welder shipped back next week...

 

[Skiddy]

Yeah it is!! I"ll PM you bmc69....thanks...

.

he's got his moments don't he;D

 

[nvrstuk]

Sure does!!