Harbor freight plasma cutter. PUT TO THE TEST

Today in this video i'm focusing purely on cutting different types and thickness metal material using the titanium series plasma cutter from harbor freight.
keep in mind im just your average Joe with a new plasma. This is not a how to video, this is a video showcasing what kind of experience I had with this machine with a small amount of knowledge on how to use it. Hints and tricks are welcome in the comments. but lets not be a douch. I have other skills most people don't have. This is not one off them. We all gotta start somewhere people.
you can buy this product here:
www.harborfreight.com/welding...
at the end of the video ill give you an honest opinion of my thoughts on the unit.
don't forget to like and subscribe for more content.

[@Dnkfabrication]

I don’t usually comment videos but I really felt I had to here. I started using plasma in 2008 and have learned a lot. A few pointers for you especially specifically with the titanium or any other blowback start machine. Start your cut ideally on and edge. Move slowly, allow the plasma stream to cut completely through the metal. Moving the way you are caused the molten metal to spray back against the nozzle and destroy it. You can gauge a proper speed by watching the exiting sparks from the bottom.. they should deflect about thirty degrees away from your cutting direction, if it’s spraying sparks up at you too fast, if sparks shooting strait down too slow. When you were cutting and it kept losing the arc that’s a result of poor ground. The pilot arc is 15 amps only and times out after a few seconds if machine doesn’t detect ground connection. No matter your voltage connection if it doesn’t see ground the arc will only be 15 amps and extinguish every couple seconds which is also hard on your consumables. As your consumables wear the plasma stream broadens and becomes less concentrated resulting in less cutting capacity thickness wise. You might consider starting with your thickest test first and moving downward. Technique is a huge part of successful freehand plasma cutting and can only come with practice. Kudos for jumping out there and giving it a try. Sorry so long but I wish someone could have told me all this stuff when I first started using these things.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Thanks for the tips, I’ve gotten better with it. The main idea behind the video was to see if this was somthing the average guy could go out and buy and be successful at using, having low experience like myself. It was not a how to video obviously. one thing I’ve noticed on this machine compared to say a Miller I’ve used in the past is this titanium requires a lot more technique to be successful with it. Where as the Miller I used was just an absolute beast and would cut just about anything as soon as you pulled the trigger. I’ll make an updated video for everyone and cut everything again. Like I said I’ve gotten much better but the results will be about the same. Anyway thanks for the comment, I’m not one of those guys that gets butthurt about criticism. 🍻

[@Dnkfabrication]

Just a guess is that the miller was a high frequency start machine. Makes all the difference in the world when someone doesn’t ground properly. I work on rusty oil field pipe a lot and refuse to use a blowback start plasma due to difficulty in getting consistent results. For that kind of work I use a decent Eastwood branded high frequency start 40 amp cutter.

[@JeffinTD]

@@Dnkfabrication Excellent, helpful comment. Shopping myself, and if I understand correctly the main advantage of blowback start over high frequency start is reduction of RF noise that can mess up nearby digital equipment (like a cnc cutter)?

[@jessyhavron2548]

I agree ,even when you use a cutting torch you need to start from the edge until molting hot and move slow. I have never seen someone go back and forth, must not use a torch very much.

[@pelonehedd7631]

Never too long when passing on useful knowledge . I may have inadvertently tapped report. I have no issues with Your comment. Very much appreciate the tips. I prefer watching videos that have comments especially good ones like Yours instead of stupid one liners.

[@kevinc3925]

Wow! Amateur hour here. Never use the torch as a hammer. Cut slowly and all the way through. Not back and forth. Good way to burn up consumables.

[@TheNYgolfer]

Just one tip. It's a plasma cutter, not a hammer.😁

[@FITCLUBS101]

Man, I couldn't finish watching this video. As soon as you started using the tip as a hammer instead of grabbing a Plies and breaking the piece off I just figured you weren't serious and this was more of a comedic video. Also, slow down brother, you're not sawing a tree limb, you're cutting through metal and have to have patience.

[@seanseoltoir]

If the sparks are not coming through the back side of the metal, then you are moving your torch too fast... What you *really* have shown is that it is possible to use a plasma cutter for *gouging* as long as you move the torch head fast enough or have the air pressure low enough...

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Do you need a hug?

[@ctdieselnut]

@@BuiltbyBurns ? The man is right, your travel speed was too fast for everything but the thin stuff. The sparks bouncing back will wreck tips.

[@jackmcbain3525]

Yup!

[@tommytoolaholic990]

been using one since 1986. that one used argon instead of compressed air. i also use nozzle shield spray on the tip. depending on the job, i will use contact or non contact tip. havent used one that worked well on alum yet (slag city)

[@boricuaarecibo9259]

Very good video it helped me out I can't have a plasma cutter delivered to the house without the wife ringing my neck especially a plasma cutter with a comma in the price tag. My local harbor freight has it in stock It makes it a little easier for me to smuggle into the house

[@brianlopez8196]

The bar scene was hilarious 😂 I didn't even know plasma cutters were a thing until now and I really need to get one I've been going though too many blades with my angle grinding

[@patrickdolan.]

Thank you for the ringing ears from your different audio levels

[@vbigcountry]

This was so comical and awesome. I enjoyed this video.

[@cityhomestead40]

Pretty Nice! I own the plasma65 have owned for a little over a year and still have NOT USED IT!! THANKS FOR SHARING NEW SUPPORT HERE!! THANKS

[@Uglidan307]

This was exactly what I needed to see to make my decision, thanks!

[@BuiltbyBurns]

That’s why I made the video. I use the hell out of mine. Good luck

[@kelzgarage8108]

10/10 on the edits nicely done. Short and to the point. Learned what i needed to and had a laugh. Nice job!😂

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Damn, a compliment on KZbin 🤣. Thanks buddy.

[@tombrady9385]

I can tell it’s your first time using a plasma cutter.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Read the description genius.

[@down2earth838]

I take it you have never welded ? Patience is key to success. Slow and steady wins these races. Learn and understand basics. The cheapest machine can work with understanding of how to use it properly. Your grounding has to be as clean as possible for starters.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

I take it you didn’t read the discription?

[@bennyfam9550]

I know it’s yours, but i can hear my instructor who was a vet chewing my ass out if i were using the cutter as a hammer

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Everything is a hammer if your brave enough.

[@bennyfam9550]

@@BuiltbyBurns hey i will admit i did do it. 😂

[@seahawksforever9504]

What size air compressor are you using and did you add a separate water filter?

[@BuiltbyBurns]

I’ve got a 60gal compressor, and it has its own filter on it yes.

[@paulnewman2778]

Great editing. Great info

[@michaelwillcutt2619]

As for harbor freight i used it once an it was problem after problem returned it an bought thermal dynamics more money but rated top of line twenty five years later im still using same machine zero problems out of it ive used it on all metals

[@j..9219]

I have question 🙋I’m a newbie what kind of gas it uses or just air and what pressure? Thanks following

[@h_r7708]

You blew my mind with the simplest of things. I think constantly. 90 percent of my projects are thinking before I start. Using a wrench to check the thickness of your metal is genius. Wow, you unintentionally shaped all of my future project plans. Thank you so much. Disclaimer: ive had my welder and plasma cutter for 2 years. I just took them out of the box this week. I am intimidated by them because I'm a perfectionist and I'm scared of doing things wrong and getting discouraged. I have a truck cab to cut up this week. I have this exact same plasma cutter. I'm cutting the cab up to make sheet metal to practice welding. I'm teaching myself. I am thankful that you shared your knowledge. I subbed.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Welcome to the channel my friend. Believe it or not I actually picked up the wrench trick from a fellow KZbinr years ago, been using it ever since! I know it’s been awhile since ive posted a video. I’ve got plenty of footage to edit and share my current completed projects. Life has just been crazy with work, kids, and having some health issues. I’ve got more videos comming soon! Winter time is usually when I post the most. Hope you stick around!

[@h_r7708]

@@BuiltbyBurns I clicked the bell that alerts me of new uploads so I will see all of your new uploads. I'm looking forward to seeing them.

[@MyLinguine]

For me I’ve always preferred oxy-fuel for cutting. I know it’s a pain sometimes and probably not the most cost effective. But I watched your review, and decided to give the titanium a try. I still prefer gas for most situations I encounter but, I certainly understand and appreciate the attractiveness around plasma now! Thank you

[@cyumadbrosummit3534]

Gas is getting expensive, (and driving to get gas is time consuming) electricity is essentially free with the solar on my house.

[@313Mark]

Lmao the little clips were golden 😂😂 great video, just got an open box deal on one of these from Harbor Freight

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Thanks man’

[@robertray4428]

Thanks man really appreciate it

[@boricuaarecibo9259]

Can this unit cut 1/2" steel pipe if it can ill get it today

[@ZacWade]

Great write up on this

[@BuiltbyBurns]

🍻

[@rainsanchez1390]

Which air compressor did you use?

[@BuiltbyBurns]

I’ve just got an off brand 60gal compressor. Nothing fancy just holds a lot of cfm.

[@richardlinder4561]

Wow ! It's hammer time !

[@johnroyea8866]

Awesome video! Good job brother

[@BuiltbyBurns]

🍻

[@dalanbronnenberg]

Will it cut through the body of a railroad track iron?

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Eh that’s propbably pushing it to the limit

[@wendell454]

If you would slow down and drag it on the 3/8" and below it's do a better job

[@daniels.904]

This video is the best!!!

[@motocarriersllc7258]

I feel like someone should tell you the head of that isn’t a hammer. Also slow down and let the tool do the work. Your video isn’t representing the tools ability as much as you’re inadequate representation of it. I’ve got the same plasma cutter and mine cuts just fine on 120. I cut thru 1” on 240 and it cuts fine. But I wouldn’t recommend using it has a hammer unless you want to buy a bunch of guides for it. Idk I’ve watched a lot of your videos. But just don’t feel you represented this one very well. My opinion.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

“everything is a hammer if your pockets are deep enough” also I’ve gotten better with it. I’ll make another update video on how it’s going later. Cheers.

[@JohnSmith-xx1lx]

I like the music style you chose, it fits the setting well. Okay I spoke too soon, the earlier music not the rap crap! Lol.

[@nathanmciver6496]

The music is good! Weird seems some other videos they are cutting threw like butter with 110! Nice to know stainless seems to be no problem

[@chellegraham6985]

Amazing

[@optimusprimer4392]

You got to go slow like an oxy acetylene torch on the thicker stuff like real slow and start from the beginning crank everything up

[@guypatts494]

Why are u going back in forth ? Don't use tip as a hammer go slow it will cut 3/4 thick

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Second video is currently being edited and will be uploaded here in the future. I've learned a lot since shooting this video and I think everyone will be happy with the results. Stick around and see how I did on the next one. Also keep in mind while I was cutting most of these materials I did have the video in fast forward thus making it look like I was going alot faster than I actually was while cutting.

[@guypatts494]

@@BuiltbyBurns u like that plasma cutter ? What's the thickness it will cut

[@BuiltbyBurns]

@@guypatts494 says it will cut 5/8s. If going super slowly you can get it done. New video will be up probably in a week or so showing my second results. I really like it though. Completely worth the money and I’m kinda mad I waited as long as I did to buy it. 👍

[@DyerRacing]

The best meme was the crowd of people reacting 😂

[@dalanbronnenberg]

Why would anyone use acetylene when this is available. Looking to cut some steel around the ranch here. What would you do?

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Biggest reason people use torches are the versatility. They’re portable. Without a generator the plasma does not work. Also a set of torches can cut some really thick metal with ease. For the shop though a plasma is a quick and easy tool to have around.

[@mattthomas1369]

Dude those movie clips you threw in were awesome, also that’s a pro move using it as a hammer also 😀

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Thanks, and everything is a hammer on my Channel!

[@jackmcbain3525]

Haha.... right? Hammer with the tip of your torch.. that should keep the costs of hammers down!!

[@jeffpv.]

I had gone to Harbor Freight thinking they might be reasonable like everything else. Nope they are $900. I ended up ordering a Primeweld CUT50DP for $400. Granted I don't know much about plasma cutters, but I do know $900 is more than $400. As far as specs, the Primeweld has pilot-arc, and a slightly better amperage and duty cycle. I'm sure there's a reason for this $900 price tag, but I'm not sure what it is?

[@JohnHansknecht]

And now the CUT-55DS Pro is $139 on Amazon.

[@WebCatTV]

Haaaaaa! Best One! 4:57 had fkn TEARS in my eyes laughin....damn dude lol

[@ronintoecutter7690]

It would be nice for specifications on the thicker stuff. I have never used a plasma cutter, only acetylene torch. I appreciate what you are telling us, but I am building a shop in my backyard and don’t want the hassle of the gases. I just wanna good working plasma cutter.

[@rodellis3320]

Does it use gas or not I don't see that in the video in the video I need to know

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Just needs compressed air

[@dustinfrisk642]

Do a follow-up video to show if you finally learned how to use a plasma cutter! And! Hopefully you bought a hammer!

[@jasonfowler5942]

There's more good than bad in the video. No need to be a smart ass, u should learn to keep those comments to yourself.

[@infamousted4960]

Great job. Thankx

[@oldstudbuck3583]

Thumbs up for the guitar riff intro

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Ima big music guy. Somtimes it takes me an hr to find the song I’m looking for depending on my mood. 🤙

[@johnsteed265]

You moved the torch way to fast! Take your time. Also, you need to adjust the amperage...

[@BuiltbyBurns]

But I like my amperage allll the way up. Thank you for the tips.

[@motorpsycoandgunz1507]

I'd hate to see you weld. Lmao

[@traviscarr6536]

That ground clamp is pretty horrible. I just bought one of these and the clamp is the first thing I’m changing. Nice video.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

I agree it’s pretty cheap. But hey you get what you pay for with these things. I still used the crap out of this thing and it’s payed for itself by now.

[@traviscarr6536]

@@BuiltbyBurns I have a feeling if it performs as good and holds up as well as most people say then I’ve gotten more than I usually do for my money in the age of “Bidenomics.”

[@texaspete31]

Makes a good hammer too!

[@edmundschwab3463]

Never use the torch as a hammer where did you learn that (Your Fired!!)

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Hey I paid for it, I’ll use it as a boat anchor if I want to! Also I can’t be fired, I sign the checks.

[@jessyhavron2548]

Your moving to fast, turn your air pressure to about 40 psi.

[@AstroTundraBASS]

tilt the cutter towards the back at then end of the cut, it is angled that way, dont tap the cutter on the material and damage it, use a hammer

[@cab1198]

👍⚒️

[@432b86ed]

I like some metal music, but _always_ am annoyed by hearing it when I'm watching a video to learn something. Of course ymmv. My 2 bits.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

This video was for entertainment purposes only, I’m clearly not an expert. Those only thing your going to learn from me is what not to do.

[@Fuckyoutubelosers]

Lol I actually enjoyed your goofy edits 😂🎉❤ The video itself tho was very helpful

[@rod1781]

Not being an ass but your using it wrong in more experienced hands it would do great. You will see keep using it you will get better

[@BuiltbyBurns]

All good buddy, I gotta start somewhere.

[@mattferrigno9750]

This thing ain't that cheap. I thought it would be since it was harbor freight but it's 800 bucks.

[@bob3783]

is this your first time using one of these? good lord son slow down

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Yes, read discription.

[@komoru]

R.I.P headphone users. The background music is WAY too loud in comparison to your speaking voice.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Headphones are used by people still wankin it in their parents basement. Just sayin

[@432b86ed]

@@BuiltbyBurns My my, you are thin skinned. Good luck on this public platform.

[@factsforlife0O0]

Try the Arc Captain 50 amp plasma cutter for 269.99 Its just the same and its a lot cheaper and you get a 2 year warranty on it after you buy it what you get for the titanium a 90 day return policy lol Titanium is overrated over priced but the welders they sell like the 225 stick welder the price is ok but the warrant never is you always need a extended warranty for the titanium models

[@coils1945]

Ya gotta slow down bud. Thanks for the video

[@MONTES262011]

Que lástima que esa estupenda máquina plasma caiga en manos de personas sin experiencia Eso no es martillo 🔨

[@axelec]

Hate to have to watch unboxing...Good Shoe

[@tdperkinsgmail]

What did I just watch? Dude just tried to speed through that, even the average guy knows to go slow

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Well I’m kinda retarted so….

[@jamesr.9239]

UH , since no-one else seems to be mentioning it ...Clean off the rust for the ground...better results .

[@BuiltbyBurns]

I did, it’s just not included in the video.

[@Engraved_In_Mind]

You were moving too fast for your cuts. Even with the 220v setting you need to slow the pace down. I use 4 phase plasmas at work and even with those I have to keep a steady slow pace.

[@jackrichards1863]

You need to study the gig a bit before the review . If the instructions are not in the kit it's worth a mention in your review also. See to it the stream of sparks is exiting the other side of the cut or else travel speed is too fast. Going along the same line again does not much to help you to cut. I only came to see how to use my new plasma. I got a bit of experience that ruined the consumables and began making inquiries. After contacting the supplier KZbin provided a wealth of experience by simply watching. Do some research and you will be pleased but it's not for every cutting task. Good luck

[@BuiltbyBurns]

You need to read the discription before commenting or watching. 🤙

[@samuelw.3992]

Lol I love all the Plasma Cutter Gods commenting. Yes he’s kinda going to fast, an using the tip as a hammer is probably not wise. But it’s his money man. Y’all just relax. You get way to excited 😂

[@mrmanandstuff101]

The torch isnt a hammer man. And its not a saw, start at the edge and slowly start your cut adjusting your speed. You shouldnt have to “saw” it

[@stephenfaulkner1448]

You supposed to go slow and let it cut entirely through the metal. When you pass the cutting edge. A puddle is created and it splatters back. That said. Keep playing with it. You will learn as you go.

[@Wetside_sharkin]

Try slowing down

[@mferrarorace]

That's way too fast!

[@BuiltbyBurns]

That’s what everyone keeps telling me lol. I’ll make another video giving it another go I promise. 🍻

[@jackmcbain3525]

Jerez bro.... slow down a bit... it's a plasma cuttter... not a plasma SAW

[@artyfuffkin7805]

Think he means 120 volts

[@inspireonex]

This edit tho...

[@beastumfan]

Very annoying music

[@lyleadams4367]

Slow down, your moving way to fast.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Somewhat of a newb here with the plasma. I’ve gotten better with it. I’ll be making another video in the future updating my thoughts on the unit👍 thanks for the comment though, gotta start somewhere.

[@madkow007]

@@BuiltbyBurns Should have probably started with the how to videos lol...I hope you handle your wife better then you handled that thing

[@MrSrtman18]

I feel like you didnt do the machine any justice. I think the problem was you mostly. Not moving the clamp, moving too fast, incorrect settings. Thanks for trying.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Hey , glad you liked it! Remember read the discription before getting your pantys all in a wad! I never state I’m and expert. I’m just a dude with too much money looking to try somthin out! But thanks for stating the obvious. Have a blessed day!

[@prkeene]

This cutter is ridiculously overpriced. Especially when it only has a 90day warranty without adding the buy-up protection plan. Save $300 and buy an Everlast 50-series which comes with a 5yr warranty. Hell, even YesWelder cutters come with a 1yr warranty and cost half as much. Decent cutter or not, this is unquestionably one of the worst deals at HF.

[@vbigcountry]

That 50 amp Everlast is $829.00 on Amazon

[@ryandavenport-cv5xh]

All he is accomplished is burning out the tip fast that’s it

[@texasproud975]

Dude, your moving way to fast

[@BLACKCLOUDFORD]

I feel like you would have had more success going a tad slower.

[@mendoblendo321]

Slowww down

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Now I’m sure your right and I probably do need to slow down. But in my defense just a little bit. This video is being viewed in 4x the speed for video length purposes. I’m Just sayin. This is from harbor freight so..

[@AZFarmFun-hp1cu]

There is absolutely no minimum competency standard before reviewing a product.

[@ATF.California]

God gotta love all the plasma cutting experts in the comment section 😅

[@BuiltbyBurns]

I literally say in the video I don’t know what I’m doing and everybody still loses their mind🤣

[@vbigcountry]

Also, I see nobody in the comments seem to realize this video was meant to be funny and enjoyable. They really trying to teach you how to use this thing, LOL 😆 😂 🤣

[@BuiltbyBurns]

Right, I bought a cheap plasma from harbor freight. They really think I’m out here runnin a fab shop with this thing? Crack open a cold one and enjoy the show people. I was half cocked when I was makin it.

[@exampl01]

Nice try.

[@philipjmaddox]

Not familiar with the machine, probably has potential. I think it would help to have a basic lesson on the usage of the machine. Slow down.

[@danb1913]

i think ya need some gloves be4 ya put plasma thru your hands which wouldnt be too smart...& slow down

[@user-lf9fy3qx1e]

I think you were going too fast

[@iwens1966]

Jeezus, slow TF down! It ain't no damn light saber, man. Tell you what, I'll trade you my sawzall for the plasma cutter.

[@BuiltbyBurns]

I don’t need a sawzall I got a plasma cutter 😂

[@iwens1966]

@@BuiltbyBurns damn it! I got a sawzall, but need a plasma cutter.

[@terryhodges5850]

😂

[@jessihawkins9116]

what’s with the crappy music at the beginning? how does that help the review? was it supposed to be informative?

[@gregshuffield1976]

Stop using the tool as a hammer

[@BuiltbyBurns]

But it likes it.

[@rustyshakleford7002]

If you knew how to move steady and slow the machine would cut and work, you are the fail

[@hxd9321]

Talks about not going to make us watch him set the machine up. Makes us watch him set the machine up....

[@BuiltbyBurns]

For literally 15 seconds instead 20 min like everybody else.

[@ryankadish8351]

All this video shows me is that you don't know how to use a plasma cutter. LOL It's not a torch. LOL

[@BuiltbyBurns]

All this comment shows me is you don’t read the discription. Cheers

[@kevdavis3207]

WTH are you doing ?????????????

[@BuiltbyBurns]

I don’t know Kev Kev… it says that in the discription. Calm yourself.

[@kevdavis3207]

@@BuiltbyBurns I'll try. Lol