Bestarc 50A Plasma Review (Unexpected Results!!!)

[@mykalmcb]

You now have a sponsor in Bestrac. Inexpensive does not always mean junk. Thanks for showing us the plasma cutter.

[@NOBOX7]

LOL read the reviews , they only last 2 or 3 cuts

[@paulleeson1218]

How to do reviews, The End. No guff, no hyperbole, straight to the honest point.

[@regsparkes6507]

This mode is available here in Canada too, and I am impressed. I have always wanted a Plazma Cutter and this one has impressed me. The most I would be cutting would be 1/2 thick material. Thanks for this review.

[@Pr0f.St0rM]

Long live the imperial system! 1/4 Inch, 3/8 Inch, 18/249 Inch

[@jakubov1]

6.35mm,9.525mm, wtf? Why?

[@michaelwhiting878]

I have the same unit, and it runs well on 110v if needed from standard wall 15a outlet or a generator. Most of the time I plug it into my 240v welder supply and it works even better. One possibility is moisture in your air supply could be causing issues on the lower supply voltage. I am running very dry air, and my consumables perform better and last longer too.

[@peteb3365]

try lowering the air pressure on 110v, its blowing the arc away

[@robertgraham3747]

On 110v try a 20 amp extension cord. Anything below you’ll have a voltage drop.

[@jacklabloom635]

You may have a voltage drop in the extension cord. Plug the plasma cutter directly into 120 volt receptacle or go to a larger wire extension cord. See if that solves the issue on 120 volt application.

[@billchaff333]

check your extension cord i recommend 12 awg ,14 might be ok,make sure nothing else is on same circuit running at same time it probably needs the whole 20 amps that breaker puts out.also use the shortest extension cord possible. i tried welding with an old 110v flux core years ago with 200ft of cord and it would not work, made a cord with 250ft of 12awg romex and it worked fine. thanks for the video.

[@derekvanderhoop6550]

I have a really great neighbor. When I first learned about Bestarc from Mike Festiva, I bought one for me but also for my neighbor just because he’s a good guy. My machine did the same exact thing on 120 volts that yours did. My neighbor’s Bestarc did not. On 240, my machine worked fine. There are a number of comments on Amazon reviews about this problem. Bestarc was very good about exchanging machines for those with problems. But, when I took my machine over to my neighbor’s house, plugged it into his power and his air supply, my machine worked perfectly on 120 volts! So I never did get my machine swapped out, figuring it had to be a problem on my end and I’d run it on 240 anyway. Aside from that, it’s been a great little machine.

[@victorjeffers1993]

I would say it needs a good 30 Amp supply and good heavy gage wire to carry the 30 amps to it ! Like 10 guage solid wire not stranded wire !

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Interesting

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

@@victorjeffers1993Sound like a good idea.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

@@victorjeffers1993Any possibility it is on a GFCI breaker or plugged into a GFCI receptacle?

[@thegarbagegladiators4735]

I've been wanting one of these things for a while now. Never seen any one complain yet.

[@ThisIsYourBoyEric]

I am so glad you done a review on this plasma cutter. I purchased this same plasma cutter about 3 years ago. My garage only have 110. I needed to cut 3/16 steel and for some reason it was sputtering just like your plasma cutter did. I assume it doesn’t like 110. It would be very interesting to find out what the manufacturer told you about this situation. Please keep me informed if you can. Thank you so much. ThisIsYourBoyEric. Great video!

[@allenj5865]

I have the same unit (3rd Gen). Bought on Amazon for about $230. Works on everything I've needed it for so far. I have seen these sell on auction sites for less than $100. Definitely good unit for the money.

[@lancehenthorn17]

I like my 3rd Gen. Good little cutter!

[@JOHN27398]

That's a really nicely done demonstration.

[@JOHN27398]

@OnFireWelding1 I did call the number

[@bryanthornton6787]

Thanks for the review. I might spring for the 65 amp version.

[@LoBeau53]

Good review. The thing is that most plasma cutters are capable right out of the box, with new consumables. The question is ; how long do they work, how long do consumables last, how costly are the consumables and are they readily available. The technology has come a long way and they are certainly more accessible than they were 10years ago.

[@bryanthornton6787]

Looks like they're readily available on Amazon. 40 piece set for $21.99. Not sure how long they last though.

[@MrRebar15]

*On Fire Welding* Not a bad little unit, doesn't like that 110, thank-you sir for taking the time to show us. GOD Bless.

[@MrRebar15]

@OnFireWelding1 SCAMMER

[@terencecottington4273]

I have one of these I purchased from the UK Amazon store and although I dont do the things you do, there are times when I put it through it's paces on 240v and it performs floorlessly. I absolutely love it and would buy another if this one gave out.

[@rudyrivera7426]

Great review! Don’t understand about the 110??

[@scott5747]

I have a mobile home frame (fire burnt it to the ground) and more to cut and recycle. I thought about a big cut off wheel then thought again about buying a low cost plasma cutter. It's on property with no services (water, electricity, etc.). I have an air compressor and Pulsar 12kw generator with 120 20amp and 220 30 & 50amp outputs. Do plasma cutters like the Bestarc 50a work with generator AC? I was looking at the Primeweld units, but they only have the $700 unit available. More than I want to pay. Cheers, Scott

[@OFW]

It should work with your generator.

[@RambozoClown]

I prefer dual voltage machines to have the 120 plug with an adapter to 240. That way you can use a standard 120 extension cord on 120 or 240. I almost never use 120, but it has saved the day a few times. Seems like a stout little cutter, at least on 240. Did you try lower air pressure on 120 volt?

[@einfelder8262]

I know nothing about such tools, but immediately thought there was too much air for the 110/120V. Then I wondered why 110V gave 35A power and the 220 only 50A - should have been almost 70A. I guess that's how they make the 65A version - slap a different screenprint on the case and remove the internal resistor :)

[@derekh0322]

Inexpensive doesn't always mean it's a piece a crap anymore. The little vulcan welders from harbor freight are pretty good for the garage mechanics. Like you said, it's probably the same for something like this too. Pry not the best for heavy cutting all day everyday but for the average joe who doesn't wanna spend 4k on a hypertherm or a TD plasma not a bad option

[@johnpope4464]

For the price great for home projects

[@jondrew55]

Update of deleted comments. I gave my Bestarc a second try.I think the problem I had (at 110 V) was not enough air pressure. I had it cranked up, but when you start using air, the regulator set point drops down and you have to check it to make sure it's in the green zone. I made some cuts in steel and aluminum (ugly, but ok for a first try I think) and the arc did not extinguish. The only other question I have is why can I set the amps to 35 amps at 110V, when my 20 amp circuit pops the breaker at any setting beyond 20 amps. I assumed the transformer inside the box cut at a lower voltage allowing a higher current than what comes out of the wall. But I may have that wrong. More experimenting to come.

[@johnscott2849]

I have a 60amp Everlast and Have found out if you run a micro drill threw the tip and just clean it before use it cuts better. For some reason the tips seem to be dirty or slightly undersize. It does have different size tips. The smaller are fine for thin metal but I have problems on thicker metal unless i redrill.

[@suzu9404]

Seems like a decent little machine. With these small import machines I’m always curious about duty cycle and how they manage heat.

[@woodartist2021]

I prefer my PrimeWeld Cut 60…..perfect out of the box, and will cut 1” thick cleanly!

[@bryanthornton6787]

A $700 machine should out cut a $250 machine with 10 less amps, shouldn't it?

[@gerryduffy6700]

Wow, there’s an artist in there too👍🇬🇧

[@crbrepairmotorcycles6608]

Probably work great on floor pans or bodywork in garage for auto restoration 👍

[@laserfloyd]

This one looks nice for small projects, art stuff like you mentioned, or small farm projects maybe. I just gotta upgrade my air compressor because the little dinky portable ones just don't cut it... literally, lol.

[@DurantsGarage]

Thanks for the review, think you could use gouging consumables with this?

[@OFW]

I’m not sure if they make them.

[@JonDingle]

That plasma cutter does better than my R-Tech 50amp plasma that cost me £900 ($1200) for 3years ago. On 3/8 plate (10mm) its so slow it is a tedious job. The Bestarc did much better. Not sure if Bestarc is availble here in the UK?

[@OFW]

I think it is available there.

[@williamthomas9463]

If you hadn’t been the one reviewing it, I never would have watched it! Got to say, for the money, it’s impressive. I wonder if the sputtering on 110V wasn’t because it required more than 20 amps input when set to 35 amps output. You could try lowering the output and see if would maintain a steady arc. Me personally, I’ll stick with my Hypertherm 45XP. But, as you said, it’s about 15 times the money.

[@VashStarwind]

Wonder if you turned it down a bit to like 30 on 110 if it would of worked better 110 might not of been able to keep up with the 35 amp, arent most 110 circuits 30 amps? idk. Worked pretty good on 220 tho it looks like.

[@gailp9432]

Thanks Greg

[@TunerKevin]

Plasma cutter is two stepping. On 110v

[@lefty1999]

Greg you can be the blue-collar "unbox therapy" 😊

[@deanl2427]

I am impressed for the price. However, I wonder about the availability of consumables, and for how long they will be readily available.

[@ls2005019227]

Having watched you do a lot of plasma gouging...... Would it be possible to gouge with this machine? Or, does that require specific tips/consumables that are exclusive to Hypertherm? Good review, thanks!

[@OFW]

I would say it would not work like a hypertherm for gouging. It should have different consumables and different settings.

[@TheMalerdaemon]

Try reducing the air pressure.

[@alc818]

I have nowhere near the skill or experience you have, but I was watching the spark trail when you were cutting the 1” plate I find when I am plasma cutting, the best thing for me is to watch is the angle which the sparks are leaving the cut… In other words, when the sparks are exiting straight down, it may be OK to speed up the feed rate and when the sparks are angling back from the cut, it may be best to slow it down a bit… Possibly your 1” cut may have been OK if the feed rate had been slower… For me, as the feed rate gets slower, my ability to maintain a steady, slow feed rate gets increasingly more difficult… Even the slightest friction or unevenness in the material causes the tip to slow down or jerk and the arc has trouble cutting through the material… Bottom line, the thicker the material, the more difficult it is for me to make an even cut with a marginally rated machine…

[@talkitorchalkit]

I have this exact cutter and it doesn't do that on 110v. Mine works flawlessly. Somthing else must be wrong.

[@davesmith8936]

That pulsing on 110 definitely seems like a defective unit. I have one of these and we have three at work. None of them do this. But we do run mostly on 220. That is where this machine shines. Also... Real world 1/2" is a practical maximum. The oldest one at work we used for approx. a year before the pilot ignition quit and the unit wouldn't cut anymore. I think there are points inside for the pilot arc that need to be cleaned/adjusted but we didn't have time for that. I estimate that this unit had 400-500 hours of ACTUAL "arc on" time. We used it in a demolition environment to size stainless steel fixtures from industrial kitchens. Used day in and day out on several jobs.

[@OFW]

That’s pretty impressive for the price!

[@davesmith8936]

@@OFW It is. When the first one quote, $215 delivered next day for a replacement! That's insanely inexpensive. At that price we view the entire plasma cutter as a consumable. LOL!

[@MyOLD36chevy]

The only machine that I have used 110 volt on is MIG any thing else you need 220 VOLT. I think if you have trouble stick welding on 110 VOLTS I am not even going to try it Good video.

[@robertblackshear8963]

Hi friend. If you're looking for a good 110 stick welder check out the havadou 225, it's bad azz.

[@davidmcduffie1398]

I wonder ifs you grounded directly to the piece your trying to cut if it would have worked on 110V ?

[@OFW]

I don’t think it would make a difference.

[@terrancemcintyre8062]

how much are the consumables? I have the hypertherm 45 xp...can't complain...but I might pop it up to the 65 after watching your vids

[@OFW]

I’m not sure on consumables yet. I have been talking with the manufacturer. In my opinion if you are using it in a commercial setting stick to hypertherm.

[@terrancemcintyre8062]

@@OFW cheers

[@mikeknoll1130]

Where does the red air line come from?? Might be a dumb question, but I never did plasma cutting.

[@kennethstaszak9990]

Shop air from a compressor.

[@mikeknoll1130]

How much pressure?

[@kennethstaszak9990]

@@mikeknoll1130 That will depend on what the plasma cutter is rated for. My shop air is regulated to 100 psi since that's about what air tools are rated for and my Hyperthem runs well on it.

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Great bit of kit for not a lot of money 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧

[@jimyoungblood1687]

Greg, I know you have the 80 amp Bestarc Plasma cutter now. I see you using it in your shop. Does this mean you are moving away from the Hypertherm?

[@OFW]

No, I’m using it to give my honest opinion on it. Hypertherm will probably always be my first choice.

[@jimyoungblood1687]

@@OFW Yes. If I had a hypertherm, it would always be my goto.

[@theessexhunter1305]

How do you drain the regulator as it could collect water?

[@OFW]

I believe it has a little catch tank in the back.

[@scotthultin7769]

270 👍's up on fire welding thank you for sharing 🤗

[@steelbuddy4595]

I really like your review. I just do not understand why in America 3 phase power is not widely available. In Germany we have 380 V 3 phase power plugs until 32 amps. In a house! They are called CEE plugs. Does not have anything to do with Kurtis form Australia :) thanks anyway for your content. God bless you pal!

[@OFW]

I really wish we had more 3 phase. It just makes sense.

[@OregonCrow]

What's with that metal clamp in every welding video?

[@OFW]

What one are you talking about?

[@OregonCrow]

@@OFW 1:58

[@localcrew]

You’re too hard on yourself. That was an excellent smiley face.

[@2xKTfc]

So this is probably a very stupid idea, but could you run a plasma cutter on (very expensive) straight oxygen and *really* chew through a lot of material? Or is that a terrible idea because it'd happily eat away at the handpiece at the same rate? o.O

[@OFW]

I honestly don’t know what would happen. But it probably wouldn’t be good.

[@MySynthDungeon]

Hey!! Morning Coffees on! Great review! Cheers!;-)!

[@Cancun771]

That Smiley face obviously needs to be the new channel logo. Maybe add a beard even.

[@JFirn86Q]

Never understood why hypertherms are so expensive for what is ostensibly a pretty simple machine, glad to see some competition.

[@OFW]

I’m guessing you have used a hypertherm and a cheap unit?

[@JFirn86Q]

@@OFW No! But have looked at old broken hypertherm boards since I wanted to know how they worked. I'm an EE. Have never experienced or looked inside these cheap ones. Are you saying there is a big difference?

[@OFW]

@@JFirn86QI am honestly not sure, but there is a big difference in cut quality and speed between the two. Plus Hypertherm has the gouging feature. I have used probably 10 different plasma brands and Hypertherm is the best by a lot if you are not looking at price. Funny enough Miller was probably the worst.

[@JFirn86Q]

@@OFW Interesting. Makes sense and that premium is well worth it for someone like you I'm sure. Hard for me to convince the wife to drop 2k-3k on a plasma cutter for hobby stuff. Thought about making my own as it's not THAT complicated, so interesting to see cheap ones out in the market now. Would have not thought that about Miller!

[@ardennielsen3761]

can it cut as much as 50 pounds of 1/8 7018 can when wet running 165amp AC on 1/4 inch just to cut it up? or does it stop working because it has power inverter mosfets not a coil transformer? 1000 inches per 50lb 1/8 E7018 on 1/4'' plate "that's 200-280 bucks", how many inches do those actually last? save money switching or does it just cut cleaner?

[@OFW]

For the money, it cuts clean.

[@chele-chele]

really hogged through the 3/4 plate, pretty surprised at that!

[@yamahaMXrider125]

can you gauge with it or is that not supported with the nozzle types.

[@OFW]

I don’t think this one can gouge but I believe they are working on a model that can.

[@yamahaMXrider125]

@@OFW thanks for the reply, i’m just starting out so i’m not looking to spend a lot on another machine otherwise i’d go for a bigger name preferably hypertherm. but i do see good results with the everlast 80amp model

[@stevedaff9774]

I have this same plasma cutter, and it works great as a cutter. I found this video on how to modify tips for gouging, but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJLMoneMbNBjeqsfeature=shared

[@iainkinsella4708]

110 pulse blaster!

[@johnpope4464]

Did you unplug it an restart

[@OFW]

Yes

[@merkyworks]

Mid $200 is not bad.

[@jameskrienert2137]

cool. can I have the smiley face ? Mike

[@12Georgia83]

👍

[@surindersandhi3924]

Hi My Dear Friend Very Very Nice Ji Aa❤❤❤❤❤

[@Electrical-face]

I like the videos but instead of the shhhhh sound of welding how about (just once) some heavy metal instead 😁 see what I did there 😂💥 🎸 🤘

[@greatestgigliello3282]

A welder and an arteest

[@rascalwind]

Air pressure is to high for the arc. You're blowing the arc out.

[@kenactofkindness4017]

[@rudyrivera7426]

Great review! Don’t understand about the 110??