I haven't used it much yet to know about long term reliability, but so far I am greatly impressed. I have used other commercial brands of Plasma cutters, and this one works just as well as some that would have cost me 3X as much, or more. I got mine in a 'lightning deal' for $340, and i cannot believe at how well it works. It will cleanly cut 1/4 inch steel, with almost no slag if you watch your cutting speed. I have cut 1/2 inch thick steel with it, a little faster than my acetylene torch, and with about the same slag. Not too many years ago, that would have required a machine that cost upwards of $1500, amazing what technology is giving us. Now, getting something that works, and at such a low price does require some compromises. Here are the ones I have found: Ground cable - short. Fortunately, the machine itself is easy to carry, making it easy to bring to your work. Torch/torch cable - this is of a decent usable length, but it is not nearly as stout as what you will find on a commercial grade cutter. However, for the average user, who won't tug too hard on it when it snags on something, and takes a little care to keep it away from sharp edges and hot surfaces, it should hold up fine. Remember, this is a machine meant for hours of use per week, not per day. It quickly and easily connects to the cutter, so replacing it if it does cause problems should be quick and easy. You can also remove it if you aren't going to use the cutter for a while, to reduce the risk of damage. No hose connections. It does come with a little air filter/dryer, and a bracket to mount it on the back of the machine. It even comes with a length of air hose, but there are no hose barbs to connect it. There is one lone barb, that screws into the air inlet of the welder. To use the filter/dryer, you need to get your own barbs. I highly recommend you use the one they included, even if you already have a filter/dryer, because it also has a regulator built in, which is a great feature. I set the regulator for the pressure I want, and put a quick-coupler barb on the inlet side, and whenever I want to use the cutter, I just hook it so my shop air, no need to turn it down at the compressor. Instructions, or rather, a major lack of instructions. Fortunately, the cutter is built so that everything has a different connector, so the only way things can be hooked up, is the right way. However, before you actually try to USE the machine, please go on Youtube or somewhere, and watch a couple instructional videos. They give a couple pictures and tips for assembly, but nothing in terms of how to use it. No tips on air pressure, heat setting, etc. FWIW, I found that 20PSI works well with the lower part of fhe amp range for thin metal, gradually increasing pressure up to about 40 (working) by the time you get to the highest setting. Now, to the good, It WORKS, and works well, In anything under 3/16 inch, if you get the heat and air settings right, there is almost no slag. In sheet metal, it cuts like a hot knife through butter, if you will pardon the pun. Above 1/8 inch, you need to slow down a little, to avoid slag, and above 1/4 inch, it will almost always produce a little, but it doesn't seem to be any worse than a regular torch, and cuts faster. I have cut 1/2 inch, creeping along, and that is about the practical limit in steel. You probably could go a little thicker if you had to, but you are getting into the 'cuts it if it has to' instead of 'cuts it like it wants to'. A couple years ago I considered getting a plasma cutter, and the welding shop let me try one out, that seemed to have about the same capacity as this one does, and it cost right at $1500. I know they came down in price, but it still seems like a real bargain. I looked online, and this was listed as the 'best Plasma cutter under $500', After you end your cut, air will flow through the tip for a few seconds, this is normal, it cools the tip for longer life. Also, if you have a wire brush handy, a quick swipe over the cutting tip while it is still hot removes some of the spatter from it, making the tip last longer. It seems well made, all the controls work smoothly and precisely, and the cooling fan has a nice smooth hum to it. Light enough to carry in one hand, with a handle on top. I understand it comes wired for 240V, but can be run at 120V at reduced capacity. If all I had were 120V outlets, I think it would be well worth it to wire in a 240V socket for this cutter. Even doing thinner materials, it will cut much faster if you can use it to capacity. Lastly, if you are considering a plasma cutter, spend the extra $50 (or less) and get the one with the pilot arc feature (the 'P' in the LTP). Cutters without the pilot arc require you to start the cutting arc, much the same way you strike an arc with a stick welder. With the pilot arc, it 'sparks' to start the arc for you, so you never have to worry about touching the tip to your work, so the tips should last longer, while at the same time being much easier to use. Also, there is a little guide included, that you install on the gun, that holds the tip at the proper distance from the work, and preventing touching the tip. Works great on most any flat surface, and makes it that much easier to use.
