Welding Equipment Reviews

The purpose of this guide is to introduce you to Arc welding as well as to introduce to you the best Arc Welders on the market right now. Arc welding is a type of welding which uses electricity for creating a weld between two different metals. In this process, an electric arc is formed between the electrode and the grounded metal which causes the metal to melt and fuse to form a weld. The electric power used can be either DC or AC power, and the process can be manual or automated.
The welding region in arc welding is protected by some inert material to prevent contamination. Contamination may result in weak joints which can interfere with the integrity of the welds. Today we discuss in brief how to select the right welding machine based on usage as well as some tips and how-tos for arc welding.

Detailed comparisons and buyers guide

Things to consider when looking for an arc welding machine

With the huge variety of arc welding materials available, it becomes very confusing to choose the right product based on the need. Hence, today we look at some prerequisites as well as different options available in the market for arc welding nowadays. The factors to consider when searching for the best arc welding machines are:

Power of the machine

 It is very important to know what type of arc welding one is going to do- whether he/she wants to weld small things for a short time or do large scale welding for a longer period of time. Thus, depending on the usage, an appropriate powered welding machine is selected. Power of arc welding machines typically ranges from 100A to 300A. It is very important to choose a proper powered welding machine, as under-powered machines lead to bad welds as well as longer times for completing the same amount of work.

Duty Cycle

A very important factor while selecting a welding machine, but is often overlooked. Duty cycle refers to the uninterrupted operation that can be done by a welding machine safely without overheating in unit time. It is often given in percentage form with higher being the percentage, higher the time will the machine be able to work.

Size and Features

Another important factor to consider, especially if one wants to weld for a longer period of time. A machine that is lighter, as well as ergonomic, will be a lot better for welders in enhancing their productivity and saving money and time in the longer run. Also, more features equal better usability as well as greater value for money.

Work Area and Ancillary Equipment

It is very important to have a large as well as a well-ventilated area for welding, as it is a hazardous process. Also, there needs to be a proper amount of equipment like clamps and holders for proper hassle-free welding.

Safety

In my opinion, the most important point for any machine to perform well is its ability to ensure 100% safe operation at full load. A safer machine will give peace-of-mind to the welder as well as lead to lower costs and good ratings from agencies.

Cost and Depreciation

We need to keep in mind the costs accrued not only at the buying cycle of the new machine but also along its lifetime in the form of service and spares. Also, as every other thing, even welding machines have a depreciation rate, so we need to buy the machine which is suitable for our usage so that it doesn’t feel overpriced in the long run. We also need to check warranties and labor costs, as these things consume a lot of money in a long time.

How arc welders judged? 

Output Signal

There are 3 main types of output signals available for today’s arc welders: DC, AC, AC/DC. Each of them has their individual pros and cons. For example, AC (alternating current) arc welders tend to be a bit more responsive to the level of voltage that is running through the welder. It’s for this reason that AC Arc welders can be a bit tedious for use when you’re just beginning to learn the welding craft. On the other hand, DC (direct current) Arc welder tend to provide a bit more stability in regards to the electric current. For those who would like to have the advantage of both the AC and DC current you can opt for the AC/DC welder.

Amperage

The average level of output would be 140 amps. The amperage capability of the welder plays a large part in the type of rods that can be used with the Arc welder. For example, the above rod type has the capabilities to weld rods of up to 3.2 mm. As the amperage goes down, the rod capabilities goes down as well. For example, a welder that has amperage capabilities of 100 amps would be limited to welding rods up to 2.5 mm. We will be looking at the amperage of the machines in this review to base each of their versatility.
Take the video below for a better point of reference on how to choose rods for welding.

Video credits to Kevin Caron. It discusses ways to select rods for Arc Welding.

Thermal overload protection

The protection that the machine provides against thermal overload is also a very important factor to consider when it comes to it’s viability for use. Not all machines include this capability and thus don’t have the features necessary to provide safety when the output power to the torch overheats. With that in mind, those machines that have this feature will receive a higher rating than those without.

Arc Welder Reviews

Amico Power – DC Inverter Welder – 110/230V Dual Voltage IGBT Welding Machine – 160 AMP Stick Arc

If you’re looking for a highly mobile, yet powerful arc welder, your best bet would likely be to try out the Amico Power DC Inverter Welder. This welder has a compact design yet, holds enough power to allow it to work for the larger stick welding materials. A cool feature of the Amico Power DC Inverter Welder is that its amperage can be adjusted – it has a knob which can be turned to adjust to the needs of the materials you’re welding. Let’s also not forget that this tool can be used for a wide range of strong metal materials as well.
Price: People typically like to hold to the old adage that if something is inexpensive it is likely cheap. It would be fair to say that that statement does not apply to this specific Arc Welder.
Advantage: Compact welding machine for the individual who doesn’t like to haul around the larger variations.

Video credits to Chris Does What. This is a video review of the Amico 110/230V.

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Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp

Weighing in at an astonishing 6 lbs, the Easy Weld by Forney is on this list because of its practical usage and its versatility. While it was decided to feature the Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder because of its Arc Welding capabilities, it made much more sense to include it on the guide because of its ability to be used as a TIG welder. To use it in such a way all that one would need to do is purchase the torch needed for that activity. With that being said, the Forney Easy Weld 29 can be used for rods up to 1/8 of an inch wide. It is also corded/electric with a cord measuring roughly 6 ft long.
Price: This model is yet another that manages to be relatively inexpensive due to the fact that it’s so compact.
Advantage: Versatile and very easy to use.

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C.M.T Pitbull Ultra-Portable 100-Amp Electric Arc Welder – 110V

This Arc welder would work extremely well for the individual who is just getting started/has a tighter budget. It has all of the capabilities that other welders in its class have, with just a few areas that may need improvement. For starters, the voltage on this model is a bit less than that which one may need. With that being said, the voltage is also relatively low because of the lower pricing point that it comes at. On that same token, the lower performance capability of this particular item is justified by its price. This is a starter item.
Price: As mentioned in the above sections, the price of the C.M.T. Pitbull is relatively low. It’s a very affordable option for those individuals who are just entering the field.
Advantage: Great starter item.

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Karomch ARC 200 Welder IGBT AC DC 110V Inverter Welding Machine 200 AMP

It may not look like it initially but, this mini Arc welder packs quite the punch. The Karomch Arc 200 has a 110V inverter and is highly mobile due to its small size. It comes with all of the necessary tools and, for the price, will serve any beginning or novice welder well while they are picking up the skill. It has an adjustable which allows the item to go up to 200 amperage – more than enough to serve you with the functionality you need while welding. The Karomch Arc Welder also uses a ferrite material that allows the machine to basically save energy.
Advantage: Powerful machine with a low pricing point.

Conclusion

Although there are machines made by several different companies, it is better to stick with a brand that provides all of the above features in a small and convenient package. It is also very important to check user reviews from different sources, as they paint a nice picture of the product and how are consumers feeling about the product over a longer period of time.

Video credits to Howcast. It discusses how to arc weld.
Watching videos describing the product are a huge plus too, as one can see what the machine looks like in real life. Price is also an important factor, and one should not hesitate to find the best prices both online and offline for the best deal on the machine

Any heavy industrial work requires proper tools to be able to continue the work in a fast, efficient and comfortable manner. It is more so required in a precise procedure such as welding. People often give focus to the welding device as well as the protection equipment, like helmets and gloves, but they often forget to give focus to their working space. An improper welding table results in many inefficiencies in the welding process, along with many safety hazards.  Thus, it is very important to look around for a good welding table (the best welding tables, in fact), and this fact has even been confirmed by renowned plasma cutters. It has been proven innumerable times that a welder can do a lot more when he/she is provided with a good plasma cutting table, and on that note, we look at the top welding tables available at the market today.

Below are the welding tables to be reviewed

Best Welding Table Reviews

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Strong Hand Tools Nomad, Model-TS3020

The Nomad Welding Table TS3020 is one of Strong Hand Tools’ best welding tables amongst several models. The TS3020 is made using thick 14 gauge stainless steel and is very lightweight for easy portability. The table features tilt adjust to allow for vertical and horizontal adjustment to varying degrees. The work surface of the table has dimensions of 30 inches in length and 30 inches in width.
The best part of the table is the presence of 3 slots on the surface, which allows for clamps to be placed at any location without hassles. The frame holding the surface is also made using rugged yet lightweight stainless steel and is coated in thick paint to hold up to the elements as well. It also folds to fit in narrow spaces when not in use, reducing clutter and enhancing usability. The frame is quite tall to allow for working without bending over it.
The table has generally good reviews from customers overall and can be a perfect companion for DIY welders as well as pro welders. The table is pretty affordable and can be purchased online or from stores costing between $160-$200.

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Miller Electric ArcStation Workbench

The ArcStation Workbench by Miller Electric is a foldable welding table, featuring stainless steel construction. The table surface has a thickness of 3/8″ and can be folded for easy portability. The ArcStation can also be tilted in various orientations for easier working in different spaces with different kinds of welds. The dimensions of the table are 29 inches, both by length as well as width.
The frame of the ArcStation Workbench also features a flexible yet lightweight frame. The frame is built using 1-½ inch diameter tubular stainless steel. It is painted blue to infuse a bit of style as well as protect the frame from everyday wear and tear. The table also features holes to allow for clamps to be placed.
The table is a bit pricey for DIY-ers, though standard for places which require heavy duty welding tables. The table can be purchased both online and in stores for around $280 to $350, depending upon location.

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Strong Hand Tools Nomad, Model-TS3020FK

The Nomad Welding Table TS3020FK is the other Strong Hand Tools’ branded welding table to feature in our review and is one of the best welding tables available in the market today. Though being very similar to the Nomad TS3020 mentioned above, there are few notable differences between the TS3020FK and the TS3020. The biggest difference is the size, with the TS3020FK smaller and having dimensions of 20 inches length and 30 inches in width.
The table is also made of carbon steel and has a thickness of 14 gauge. It can be tilted up to 30 degrees in any direction and can adjust from 26-32 inches in height. The table also features holes for securing clamps from any direction. Like the table, the frame also sports a carbon steel construction and is foldable for portability.
The Nomad TS3020FK is best suited for newbies and DIY welders, as it is small and light and is also affordable. The table can be purchased for around $140-$180 both online and in stores.

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Strong Hand Tools FixturePoint Table, Model-TBHK200

Last but not the least, we have the Strong Hand Tools FixturePoint table, which has a lot of features but costs more than all the other tables mentioned here. The table is big, with dimensions of 36 inches in length and 24 inches in width. The steel used in the construction of the table is alloy steel, which is well known for its lightweight nature along with excellent durability. The thickness of the table is 4mm and the best part of the table is the presence of clamping holes every 2 square inches of the table, which makes it flexible to the n-th degree.
The frame is also made up of heavy-duty alloy steel and is covered in black paint to protect against normal rough usage. The table can also be used standalone or with the included legs for greater adjustability. The reason for the higher cost of the table is due to the fact that it comes with an included clamping equipment along with a 24 piece component starter kit.
The table is suitable for professionals as well as those people who have heavy-duty welding applications. The Strong Hand Tools table can be bought both online and in stores for around $450 to $500.

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What criteria do you use to choose a welding table?

Video credits to Jeffrey Santo. It discusses what you want to consider if you’re building (or buying really) a welding table.
Through the above reviews, we can easily see the level of comfort offered by these welding tables compared to the normal flat surfaces we use for welding. They are designed after taking into account years of user experience, and all of the tables featured above have little features which add up to provide the best experience for the welder which in turn increases his/her productivity and decreases frustration and fatigue. Contrary to popular opinions, the tables are priced reasonably and while there are tables which cost big bucks, the tables mentioned here are done so specifically keeping in minds the average budget constraints of the welder as well as the owner. Therefore, there remains no rational reason to give these tables a miss and checking these out is recommended if you’re a welder, no matter a professional or an amateur one at that.

Built as a compact wire-feed MIG welder, it was built to run off of the common household power of just 115 volts. It can weld thing gauge steel all the way from 24 gauge up to quarter-inch steel plate!

Something many MIG welders will appreciate about the Hobart Handler 140 is that it is a flux core setup capable of running either steel, solid, or aluminum wiring making it very versatile for welders in a variety of jobs. Automotive, household work, heavy duty projects, you name it and this welder can handle it!

The Hobart 500559 Handler comes ready to weld right out of the box and is jam-packed with the Hobart 5/3/1 (5 years) limited warranty.

Video credits to Northern Tool. It discusses the Hobart Handler 140.

What Comes With The Hobart Handler 140?

• Regulator & gas hose
• Welding gun
• Built-in MIG gas solenoid valve
• Dual gauge regulator
• 10-foot gas hose
• 8-inch spool wire adapter
• Weldable metals list

Specifications & Power

• Duty cycle 20 @ 90A
• Weld thickness 24 ga to 1/4 inch steel
• Wire feed speed controls
• 115 Voltage
• 12 x 18 x 24 dimensions
• 10-foot power cord included
• Weld diameter of .023 – .035
• 140 Amps
• 5 position voltage selector

Unlike a lot of other types of welding, TIG welding does have a bit more of a degree of difficulty. The first thing when looking to begin welding is to make sure you have yourself in a steady position. The reason that the steady position is so important is due to the fact that you will have to be within 1mm of the item you are welding. Make sure that your muscles are relaxed. It is often not advised that you weld after doing any type of physical activity. If possible, make sure that the workshop is at as comfortable of a temperature as possible. Often a person will make the discovery that they need glasses to see where they need to weld when they first begin to weld. The reason for this is due to having to be so close to the area. You will need to make sure that you choose the right angle as well as the right size rod for what you are looking to weld.
Below are the TIG welders to be reviewed:

TIG welder reviews

2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder with PULSE 110v 200v

This well-put-together machine has a design that is meant to provide value and functionality to its users. The item features a neatly organized inside as well as solid brass units that will do a great job of prolonging the life of the machine itself. When it comes to functionality the item will provide users with what they need due to the fact that it has highly functional features that are meant to do so. While the AHP Alpha may cost a bit more than the average item, it does have features which justify the price.

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2018 EVERLAST PowerARC 161 HF TIG Stick IGBT Welder 110/220 Dual Voltage

This rather versatile welder is another great choice for those individuals who require a bit more in the way of functionality from their welding machine. This welder features a dual voltage design which allows the welder to be used for a wide range of environments. The design of this welder also features a design that allows it to give users a bit more leeway in what they can do with their weld. It can be used for both TIG welding and MIG welding which is another plus for the tool.

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Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200 TIG Welder, K5126-1

This TIG welder comes right out of the box with all of the materials that one would need in order to effectively use it. It sells for a bit higher of a price than the many other welders mentioned but it does provide an adequate level of functionality to make up for it’s higher than average pricing point. The weight of this welder -73.2 lbs – is slightly below average as well. It also functions as both a stick welder and gives users a bit more of an option in terms of they can use the Lincoln Electric for.

Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG Welder 230V

This beast of a TIG welder known as the Hobart AC/DC Tig welder is a 220 Volt AC/DC dedicated welder. It comes with all of the standard torches and gauges necessary to begin welding right out of the box. With that being said, it has a 110% duty cycle that allows the machine to stay hard at work and provide both novice and experienced welders with a lifetime worth of use. Another thing to note is that the welder features a materials selection (AC/DC); this means that the user can choose what setting they would like to weld against with their tool.

What is TIG/ GTAW Welding?

Gas Tungsten arc welding which is known as GTAW can also be called by its other common name of tungsten inert gas welding. This is a process that employs the use of a non-consumable tungsten electrode that produces the weld. Unlike other types of welding, TIG welding protects the welding surface with a gas such as argon or helium that is inert from contamination from the atmosphere. While not all the time, a filler metal may be used as well. Certain types of welds known as autogenous welds will not require a filler metal. The process uses a constant electrical power supply that creates an electrical energy that is then conducted through the formed arc across the gasses and vapors of metal which produces what is called plasma.

What do you look for in TIG welders?

When looking for a TIG welder, there are certain things that you will need and want to look for to make sure that you are getting the best value for your money. This is not like buying a number of the other types of welders. Things like amperage range, low amperage welding abilities, AC/DC Welding are a few of the things that you need to look for when buying your first TIG welder. One last thing that you will want to look at is the types of controls that the welder has, make sure that it has the controls that you need to control the various types of functions.

Plasma cutting technology has had significant improvement in recent years. Previously plasma cutters were known as huge clunky welding machines, but nowadays there is a category known as portable plasma cutters (which is what we will be covering today). The modern-day portable plasma cutter is perfect for professionals who need to be able to transport their tools as well as hobbyists who like to be able to use their tools, and then once the project is complete get the tools out sight and out of mind. This post will outline for you what to look for when purchasing a plasma cutter as well as review the machines known as the best plasma cutters on the market today.
Our comparisons below will be covering details and just about everything you need to know for quality plasma cutter reviews to help in your buying decisions.
These are the plasma cutters that will be reviewed. 

What criteria do you use to judge a plasma cutter?

Amperage

The amperage of the machine is the features that dictates the thickness of the material that it can cut. Something to keep in mind when we say this is that the amperage dictates the thickness in the upper limit that the welder can cut. Another thing to keep in mind when deciding on the amperage of the welder is the level of neatness that you would like your cut to have. If you want a cleaner cut, it’s probably best that you choose a cutter that has a lower amperage and vice versa for those with a higher amperage.

Price

The price of the item is an extremely important indicator to the overall quality of the plasma cutter as well. While it may not be true for all Plasma Cutters (or any item for that matter) the price will indicate to you how high quality the item is.

Cutting ability and performance

As with any machine, not all welders are created equally. Some have a higher cutting ability than others. In addition to this, not all Plasma Cutters are made with the ability to cut all material types. A vast majority of the cutting performance of a plasma cutter depends on the machines amperage, a quality that will be discussed in more depth below.

Duty cycle

The duty cycle of the Plasma Cutter is the amount of time the welder can operate without overheating. While the duty cycle may not be a major part of our review, it is definitely a necessary piece to know to make an informed decision on which machine is the best for your needs.

What are the types of Plasma Cutters? 

Semi-Portable Plasma Cutter

A plasma cutter that weighs below 100 lbs is one that is likely to be highly portable. These machines are best if you have sheets of metal that are below an inch thick and that can be cut in both the out and indoors.

Heavy Duty Plasma Cutter

Heavy Duty Plasma cutters are good if you have metal that’s between 1 and 1.5 inches thick. If you don’t see yourself cutting incredibly thick metals then it is probably best that you get a semi-portable plasma cutter.

Inverter-type Plasma Cutter

The longevity of this model is it’s saving grace. Inverter type plasma cutters are great because they don’t require their consumables to be replaced as often as other plasma cutters. The flow of plasma in inverter plasma cutters allow them to be a bit more consistent and make them a great choice for anyone seeking to lower their costs in the long run.

Plasma Cutter Reviews

Lotos LTP5000D Pilot Arc & Lotos LT5000D

Catching us off guard as the best portable plasma cutter is the Lotos LTP5000D, it’s one of the cheapest if not the cheapest portable plasma cutter on the marketing, and it’s know to be extremely easy to use while producing top of the quality plasma cuts. This feedback tells us not to necessarily equate price to value in this case.

It’s a perfect low-cost option for hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers, and it even is well suited for light professional usage, however, this is probably not the option you want to use on heavy industrial cuts. It has a severance thickness of 3 /4 inch or 19mm and works best with an ideal material cut thickness of half-inch (this helps put it into perspective as to why we don’t recommend it for heavy duty usage). It has the option to come with or without a pilot arc depending on what you need, a cool and unique feature.

Featuring an input of 110/220 volts with up to 50amp it packs quite a punch in its 22.5 lbs frame. A one-year satisfaction warranty keeps your purchase safe and assures you that if anything fails or goes wrong, Lotos is there to cover their project. In terms of portability options, it’s a lightweight machine that you can carry with two hands or you can also use the attached folding handle for one-handed carry.

Downsides to this unit are it does not come with a trigger guard for the torch and it also does not come with a 110v pigtail (which needs to be purchased separately). Other than that it’s a solid pick for your need.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Designed for DIYers and professionals

Cons

• Only a 1-year satisfaction warranty
• Does not come with a trigger guard

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Ramsond CUT 50DX 50  Portable Air Plasma Cutter 

A budget-conscious option plasma cutter, it is capable of cutting stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum plate, carbon steel, and even alloy steel. It’s an all-around well-suited product. Perfect for your at home projects or dads side gigs, it’s also a solid option for the plasma cutting business owner and can fulfill it’s job on heavy duty and industrial jobs just as well as it can the DIYer projects.

A built-in air pressure gauge with built-in digital display makes it very easy to see the Ramsond CUT 50DY doing its job successfully or not. It’s capable of cutting objects up to three-quarters inch thick with a severance of up to 1 inch thick.

It’s an advanced unit with a very fair price and power that is incomparable to within its price range for a portable option. It’s a safe buy and something you’re bound to be happy with.

Pros

• Dual voltage
• 60% duty cycle

Cons

• Hard plastic line to connect air regulator
• Iffy customer support

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Hypertherm Powermax 45

This incredibly lightweight Plasma Cutter us one of the best cutters that you will likely see in a long time. The Hypertherm Powermax 45 weighs in at around 37 lbs making it a good choice for those who would need something that they could carry around – it’s highly portable. The straightforward design of this cutter means that it isn’t very difficult to understand the controls, making it a perfect machine for those who are a bit newer to these machines. The Hypertherm powermax features 3 different modes; Continuous pilot arc, Non-continuous pilot arc, gouging. Again, it’s a very simple thing to switch between each of these three modes because of their blatant markings.

Video credits to Miller Welders. It explains what gouging is in relation to plasma cutting.
In addition to the different switch modes on the machine, there is also an amperage control feature that you can adjust based on the thickness of the material that you would like to cut. This Plasma Cutter is built for performance and has a relatively simple design. This makes it the perfect machine for those who would like to get a bang for their buck.
Pros

• Lightweight
• Simple Controls

Cons

• N/A

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Miller Spectrum 375

The Miller Spectrum is great for those who are seeking to cut midrange (3/8 inch) steel. It has the capacity for 30 amps and can cut through a variety of different types of steel.  The spectrum features a multi-voltage plug that allows it to easily switch between 120 and 240V. The cut rating associated with this machine is about 3/8 inch at 18 IPM meaning that you will always have a smooth cut at 18 inches per minute. This makes the Miller spectrum ideal for use during fabrication, HVAC and maintenance applications.
The Miller Spectrum also features Auto-Line technology that allows it to easily adapt to a wide range of different voltages. Lastly, the ergonomic handle featured with this torch reduces the chances of you dropping the torch while also enhancing the overall feel of it during its use.
Pros

• Portable design
• Built to last
• Versatile

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Challenge to master
• Doesn’t come with an air source

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Lotos LTP5000D

The Lotos LTP5000D features a Pilot-Arc function that makes it a go to machine for those who are going to work with rusted deformed material. The Miller Spectrum 375 features an inverter power source that allows it to provide an incredibly high level of output while also maintaining a lightweight design. This machine is best for those who need something that maintains a lightweight design while maintaining a high level of functionality. Another feature that works incredibly well for most individuals is its inherently compact torch design.
Also, the Lotos LTP5000D is rated to cut up to 3/4” material which and can even give a decent cut for materials with a 5/8” thickness.
Pros

• Inexpensive
• 110V or 220V amp
• HAs inverter technology included

Cons

• Short ground cable
• Flimsy torch trigger

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How do Plasma Cutters work?

Plasma Cutters send electric arc through a gas that passes through constricted openings. The type of gas used for plasma cutting varies with the type of metal you’re trying to cut but typically you’ll find the following gas mixes being used:

• Air / Air
• O2 / Air
• Nitrogen / Air
• Nitrogen / H2O
• Argon Hydrogen / N2

The temperature of the gas then begins to turn into the 4th state of matter (aka plasma). As the metal that’s being cut is part of the circuit the electrical conductivity of the plasma causes the arc to transfer to the pieces being worked on.
The nozzle through which the gas passes through causes it to squeeze by at high speeds like air that passes through a venturi in a carburetor. The high speed of the gas allows it to cut through the molten metal and the gas is directed around the opening of the cutting area and shield the cut.

Video credits to WeldingProjects. It actually goes over how a plasma cutter works.

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What specifications and qualities should I look for in a plasma cutter?

Below are a few questions one should ask themselves before they get a plasma cutter.

Does an inverter exist for plasma cutter?

What are the plasma cutters power specifications?

What is the plasma cutter amperage?

How many volts is the plasma cutter compatible with?

What metal thickness can the plasma cutter cut?

How quick can it cut through certain grades of metal? 

What kind of control capabilities does the plasma cutter come with?

What are the plasma cutters duty cycle specs? 

What materials are the plasma cutter made of? Will the materials require replacement over time?

How is the cut quality of the plasma cutter?

Does the plasma cutter come with an air compressor or do you need to purchase it separately?