Im by no means a metal fabricator. I dabble with my own stuff when i can. Im going to be building some pipe fence a recessed entry a gate and probably some pole barns over the next few years for my own use. Seen a few reviews of $150-$250 china made plasma cutters off amazon/ebay etc. Right now all i have to saddle pipe is a grinder and a chop saw, the saw is limited on position etc. Anyone tried any of these? The people reviewing them seemed surprised, but granted their tests were not long term.

Not looking for the best, but if they work for a day and quit i think ill pass. Most seem to have a 1 year warranty, to be honest if it lasted 3-5 years it would probably work out to a wash compared to cut off blades and cheaper than a torch and i would be A OK with that.

I have one of the Lotos models and have no complaints. I paid around 250 on sale some where. It works fine for what I need but not sure I would run it cutting the pipe for the fence. Plus you need an air compressor too. I would look into getting an oxy torch and one of these. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200831208_200831208

I have one of the red deals. Ive got a trailer with welder compressor and generator i will be able to drive right down the fence so not worried about that. Other than the air any other reason you wouldnt want to use it on the pipe?

check the duty cycle and the cut speed for the thickness you are cutting. i had a miller 110v model that cut great, just not very longtime and it used lots of air. the material needs to be purty clean to cut also

I dont know much about plasma cutters. I appreciate the comment on clean didnt know they were picky about cutting clean metal.

The ones i have looked at advertise 100% duty cycle If it builds my 500 foot of pipe fence i will be pleased as punch and i will not run it 100% either.

You'll get real tired of cleaning off a spot for the ground to make contact on each piece of pipe, and the rust and crap that usually comes along with fence pipe will eat tips.