Spectrum 625 on its way...

[jolane]

Thanks everyone who added to the electrical help thread. I really do appreciate all the help! I must say though, without you, my wallet wouldn't be so light right now though. Alwell.
Really, thanks, I look forward to using another great tool!
Joshua

Now I really need a welding cart! Better get on that quick!

[migmaniac70]

Have fun,Be safe, and dont cut up all the steel in your shop like i did when i got my first plasma cutter.

[jolane]

Thanks for the advice about cutting up all the steel. Right now, all the steel in my shop is attached to my 240Z shell, so that wouldn't be good!
Although hesitant about the prices, I am excited about its future uses. It will definitely help with the cutting tasks I have been doing with a grinder...
Joshua

Now if I only had a nicer MIG...hmmm...I just can't commit yet on one of those. My little Red 110V job will have to do for now (heck, most of it is sheet metal up to 1/8" anyways at this point). When the thicker stuff comes, so will a new MIG (the cheapest of all the equipment I have been looking at BTW).

[migmaniac70]

I found some old wrenches and cut them in half just for the **** of it,Later on i found a use for them by making my own specialty wrenches for getting into tight spots.

[fun4now]

migmaniac70

LOL i did the same thing my first plasma day who needs to buy shorty wrenches .

jolane
i'm not too shoure the 240Z shell is safe, keep in mind you can always justafy cutting it up by saying well i can always weld it back, and befor ya know it ya got a jigsaw puzzel you should bring home some scrap befor the plasma. ummm not that i cut up anthing i shouldnt have well it all went back together except the pool table

[storts]

Like a dishwasher

Thanks everyone who added to the electrical help thread. I really do appreciate all the help! I must say though, without you, my wallet wouldn't be so light right now though. Alwell.
Really, thanks, I look forward to using another great tool!
Joshua

Now I really need a welding cart! Better get on that quick!

Once you have one, you ask yourself, HOW did i ever live with out one,have fun,and be safe Jack

[timw]

I've had the 625 for over a year now and I am very happy with it. This is my first plasma cutter and I am impressed with the speed and cut quality. The manual is pretty basic so be sure and try different things. I've learned a lot using mine. I will use a wood 2 X 4 for a straight edge, it lets the torch stand up straight for good cuts and dosen't really burn the wood.

[jeffscarstrucks]

I wish I would have been smart enough to buy my 625 as my first cutter. I had a small lincoln that worked fine for the light stuff it was intended for but the larger machine will spoil you in a hurry. JEFF

[jolane]

TimW,
Thanks for the reassuring message. I really wanted to go with a Powermax, but because of this forum and Miller's reputation and support, I descided Spectrum. I am not brand loyal, although I will stay with a good brand.
I have read the manual, and it does seem very basic. Thanks for the tip. Do you use the roller's at all? This is my first plasma so I am definitely feeling like this will be a learning experience. Any tips and advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks Again,
Joshua

[timw]

I don't have the rollers for my torch. I don't make enough of those kind of cuts to need it. I repair Mortar Mixers and I use mine a lot to cut 1/2" and 3/8" bolts. I wash the heads off of the bolts just like using an O/A torch. The bolts have old mortar on them and the plasma melts it when it's next to the metal. If you have ever cut around mortar or concrete with an O/A torch you know how it pops and messes up the tip.
I have always been partial to Blue and it has always been good to me. When I put out this kind of money I don't want to have it be a gamble.

[jolane]

Rain252,
I am actually not sure about the cost of consumables for Miller versus Hypertherm. The reason I went with Miller was because of the lower current draw, which is important considering my garage has limited power. Since I am not using this for day to day work, but rather for hobby work, I don't know that the consumable cost will be that big of a deal (I hope not anyways). I am also filtering my air very well, and currently have very dry airlines since I don't use a pre-oiler. I hope this will pay off also.
I wish I could give you more information, but my decision was based on other factors.
Joshua

[fun4now]

i have the spec125c and i know that the consumables are less $$ for the spec 375 than they are for the spc125 (wish i knew that b4 i bought i would have gotten the 375)
any way the tips are $23.45 and the electrodes are $27.95 that is for a pack of 5. that is at my local welding suply place. so i would think it would be less on the net. the part ##'s for the tip is 204 325 and electrode is 192 047 those are for the ice-40c torch (for the spec 625 ) if you want to check on line for prices, i dought it will be $100 a set.
hope it helps

[jolane]

Thanks Rain,
I also looked up Miller consumables, and thought they looked inline with what I remember Hypertherm's being. All of them are expensive IMO! I just hope they last a long time in the environment I will be using mine.
Joshua