Help deciding on right TIG/plasma package to purchase

[everlastsupport]

With a multi-process unit, if there is a problem, you are out all the tools if it needs to come in for repair. With the multi-process the duty cycle is 35% rather %65.

Also, the PP50 is blowback so better choice for CNC down the road. Also smaller, I have taken one under trucks to cut things out.

[sprocket]

With a multi-process unit, if there is a problem, you are out all the tools if it needs to come in for repair. With the multi-process the duty cycle is 35% rather %65.

Also, the PP50 is blowback so better choice for CNC down the road. Also smaller, I have taken one under trucks to cut things out.

See my other post...we must have been replying simultaneously. The manual in the 'manual' section (red button) for the PU205 (may 10) suggests it also has both a 60% duty cycle and is blowback start.

Since I will already have the AC/DC tig unit on hand in the 200dx, I would only be out a plasma cutter if the pu205 went down. Thus, Im down to comparing the plasma cutter on the pu205 to the pp50 and trying to weigh my options here.

Thanks for the input, Mike.

[sprocket]

I guess it comes down to this:

Unless there is a significant difference in the quality of the cuts or in the functionality between the PP50 cutter and the PU205 cutter function, the only good reason to get the PP50 for $800 instead of the PU205 for $900 would be due to a known reliability advantage of the PP50 over the PU205.

Am I over-simplifying the comparison (or likely over-complicating it lol)?

[kenwhite]

PP50 weighs a lot less PP50 = 35 lbs, PU205P = 67 lbs, so if portability is a concern, lighter is better...

Both work fine on a 30 Amp breaker...

[everlastsupport]

As Ken and I mentioned, the weight and being portable.

I've never personally used a PU205. We sell a ton of them. I have used a PP50 and would order another today if needed. I forgot the PU205 had an S45.

It's really up to you. I don't like things bundled, more parts to break and parts to store. But if it will stay as a plasma only most of the time, your logic is sound dollar wise.

[sprocket]

For the record, without distortion or over-melting of the pieces, I secured a 5/16" soft steel ball to a piece of 1/8" steel rod (at about 22 amps), and a 1/4" soft steel ball to a piece of .080" steel rod (at about 15 amps) with my new DX. I am stoked about this machines low-end capabilities!