Unfortunately, all the doctors I've dealt with for my back problems and surgeries have long since retired. I've found most don't really have a clue and default to the conservative side.
Instead, I went to the manufacturer of my implant and found out there's little worry for me. A pacemaker might well be a different outcome.
Anyway, after much research, I’ve decided to go the cheap Chinese route and think I’ll be going with this model:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HT1CZDX/?coliid=I2RFNAELJ54UH6&colid=3BTJ1CQT4L78V&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1A cheaper model I was considering is here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L889WBF/?coliid=I3I0SRDZ2XW07Q&colid=3BTJ1CQT4L78V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it I’ll go into the reasons for my choice for anyone else considering buying one.
• Usage: I don’t anticipate using a plasma cutter all the time. If I did, I’d probably opt for a better one with longer warranty and more features. This could change (especially if I go the CNC route), but this lets me get my feet wet with very little expense, comparatively.
• The only reason I chose the FlameWeld model over the cheaper one is the torch. The cheaper model doesn’t list the torch type anywhere I saw, whereas the FlameWeld states it’s an AG-60P.
• Torches: most of the review videos I watched that got fairly good reviews were on models with either an IPT-60 or AG-60/AG-60P torch. When I compared consumable prices, the AP-60/AG-60P torch consumables were much cheaper.
• CNC: the PrimeWeld and Everlast plasma cutters are CNC ready and are pretty much “Plug-N-Play” with various CNC plasma cutter tables like Langmuir Systems. That said, I’ve watched a lot of videos on DIY/open source CNC plasma cutter videos. I even found a video on an open source DIY torch height controller video.
In closing, while the plasma cutter I’m considering is cheap Chinese-ium, I can buy 3 of them for the price of higher rated ones. I also realized that pretty much all of them are built in China unless one opts for a bigger name brand like Hypertherm, Miller, Hobart, ect. and I can’t say for sure they aren’t built there as well.
If customer service, cutting thicker material, CNC ready, and/or duty cycle are more important, then going with the better brands is the better choice (IMHO).
As for the DIY CNC potential, factors to consider:
• High Frequency Start vs. Blowback Start: high frequency start models have a higher chance of inducing electrical noise into CNC components and controls. They are used, but be aware extra shielding may be required.
• Unless you are planning on only cutting clean, unpainted material, pilot arc is a must.
Here’s where the multi-wire, pilot arc models are a better choice over the single Euro style plug, in my opinion. Many of the DIY CNC rigs utilize these wires for torch control and torch height control. Finding and sourcing the connectors to jumper in between the torch, control box, and your CNC controller is easy. Not so much for the Euro style connector without having to connect inside the main box. For general use, non-CNC applications, I really like the Euro style plug as it seems more rugged.
I'm still considering a couple things before committing, the biggest of which is supply and timing.
Based on the Mike Festiva video listed in my OP, I'm not really set up to "Run the crap out of it" like he suggests. I also liked the looks of the BestArc model he's reviewing in that video, but they are currently unavailable everywhere I've looked and don't list a price.
With the way the supply chain is going, I'm torn between ordering now while the one I'm looking at is still available or wait until closer to spring when the weather is better and see if other models like the BestArc come back in stock. Waiting has the added advantage of possibly finding a good, used, higher end model. In the end, it's a 50/50/90 dilemma.
