Plasma Cutter's & Alternate Torches?

[Tedster100]

I have a Thermal-Dynamics PCH 30 / Pak-3 plasma cutter and consumables are getting harder to find. I figured I'd ask & see if anyone has any experience or knowledge in changing to a different torch. It's a 30 amp cutter with a drag style torch and is air cooled. It's rated for 5/16 but I've cut 1/2" with it. I was thinking about upgrading until I tried a brand new Snap-On unit at work and thought mine cut so much better so I'd like to find a torch that would work but has consumables I don't have to order from China. Any thoughts?

 

[Firedog67]

Ted
I have the Thermal-Dynamic 35C and get all my parts from local welding store with no issues. www.arc-zone.com also has replacement guns that may be compadible.

Hope that helps

 

[Mattco]

Not sure. I have been trying to justify buying a plasma cutter since I could use it for work too. I am looking at the hypertherm 30.

My buddy has a thermal dynamics 75 and 50. He said the 50 needs a torch but he was talking like I could have the 50. I will await to see what torches can be used with them

 

[stlo]

I have the hypertherm and the thermal-dynamics and have no probs getting the consumables for either at the many local welding shops

 

[Tedster100]

Thanks for the replies, I'll check into the welding supply, the Pak-3 is an older unit, consumables are not easily available, other models are readily available and 30% of the cost, that's why I want to swap the torch.

 

[Tedster100]

Jay, I just looked at arc-zone, looks promising, I'll call them! Thanks

 

[Nathan43]

If your on the hunt for a new one I'd recomend Hypertherm. They hold the most patents for plasma cutters and are made in USA. They were rated one of the best companies to work for. I have heard from many that they make some of Millers plasma stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmsmf5q1NF0&list=PL_P7k0CDx5cXlD9WlTtojvyjIuIBv5iL5&index=3

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_P7k0CDx5cXlD9WlTtojvyjIuIBv5iL5

 

[Mattco]

If your on the hunt for a new one I'd recomend Hypertherm. They hold the most patents for plasma cutters and are made in USA. They were rated one of the best companies to work for. I have heard from many that they make some of Millers plasma stuff.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmsmf5q1NF0&list=PL_P7k0CDx5cXlD9WlTtojvyjIuIBv5iL5&index=3



https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_P7k0CDx5cXlD9WlTtojvyjIuIBv5iL5

I'm leaning towards going ahead and buying a new hypertherm 30. The thermal dynamics that my buddy has doesn't have a torch and the best I could find for it on that site is about 700 for the torch plus anything else wrong with a 15 year old plasma cutter. I can walk out the door for 1350 for the hypertherm.

 

[jim3326]

Try MSCDirect.com

Jim W.