This is on sale at ouR local HF, I know its not major fab worthy, AND most things I have bought at HF have broken already, BUT does anyone have experience with this: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97994

here is a cut and paste of its specs:
INDUSTRIAL QUALITY TRAFIMET TORCH
Advanced inverter technology provides smooth cutting of steel up to 5mm, stainless steel up to 3mm, aluminum up to 2mm, copper up to 1mm, and brass up to 1.5mm.


40% duty cycle
Pilot arc striking system
Pilot arc duration: 5 seconds without contact
Unit includes torch assembly, ground clamp, air regulator, air diffuser, plasma cutting tip, and plasma electrode
30-35 PSI operating pressure

120 volts, 60 Hz; Cutting current: 5-13 amps; Torch cord length: 6 ft.
Weight: 16.1 lbs.


ITEM 97994-3VGA

$539.99 ($499) on sale here.

thanks.\\mj

Seems kinda much to just be able to cut 1/8" steel.

"copper up to 1mm"...my kids have scissors that will do this...just saying, you might be able to save yourself some money????

i have those harbor freight super scissors and i can cut a penny in half with them pretty easily.

My brother-in-laws brother (huh?) has gone thru two of the HF brand plasma cutters. I don't know if it's the one you are looking at, but I am pretty sure it is the heavier duty one. He has told me it works great...................but:

You better have some pretty dry air for it. He bought the warranty (no questions exchange) and has had to turn in two units (now on his third) because of it. Screwed up the first one, got a new one and got a separator for it, still burned up so when he exchanged the second for the third one he bought their ~ $300 dryer set-up to go with it. Has been running good. I think it cuts around 1/2"????

Just my $.02 and is pretty much hear-say, could have been his air source was really contaminated. And he is also a dumbass.

Just something to think about.

My brother-in-laws brother (huh?) has gone thru two of the HF brand plasma cutters. I don't know if it's the one you are looking at, but I am pretty sure it is the heavier duty one. He has told me it works great...................but:

You better have some pretty dry air for it. He bought the warranty (no questions exchange) and has had to turn in two units (now on his third) because of it. Screwed up the first one, got a new one and got a separator for it, still burned up so when he exchanged the second for the third one he bought their ~ $300 dryer set-up to go with it. Has been running good. I think it cuts around 1/2"????

Just my $.02 and is pretty much hear-say, could have been his air source was really contaminated. And he is also a dumbass.

Just something to think about.

Sounds like when i have the coin to by a REAL one I will also be dropping some money on a chiller for my compressor...