Kevin breaks out Longevity’s new ForceCut 42i dual voltage plasma cutter. He admires the clean look of the machine and its fit and finish. It has a plastic cover that protects the instrument panel, which has just two controls. An amperage knob runs in red and black divisions. The red section indicates the 110 volt range and the black indicates the 220 range – the dual voltage is a big advantage of this machine. There is 30 amps maximum cutting power at 110 volts and 40 amps maximum at 220 volts. The other control is a toggle switch that goes from “set” to “run.” On the “set” setting, the plasma cutter checks to make sure there is air pressure and to adjust its built-in pressure regulator to make sure the air is coming in at the right pressure. The water trap is also built into the machine – a drain hose just lets the water drain out from the bottom of the plasma cutter. The “run” switch, well, it lets the plasma cutter run. Also on the instrument panel is the “power” light, an “overtemp” light, a “tip air” light to indicate when there isn’t enough air pressure or the tip is worn out, and a pilot arc light to let you know when that is working. There’s a cable with an improved torch, that has a regular trigger with a safety switch. The nice, solid torch head has a drag tip. Some quality consumables that should last a long time come with it, too. On the back of the plasma cutter are the on / off switch and a Euro air connector that requires the correct 1/4″ female connector. An adapter cable to convert from 220 to 110 is also included. The torch has a Euro connector, too. As Kevin sets up the machine, he explains that the unit costs under $1,000, which is good for a dual voltage, 40 amp plasma cutter, rated to 1″ that weighs 37 pounds. He shows the shoulder strap, DVD manual, wrench for consumables, and the consumables included with the plasma cutter. Kevin then cuts through a 1″ piece of steel and showsthe results. All in all, the 42i is an impressive machine. Learn more about the Longevity ForceCut 42i plasma cutter on the Longevity Web site.
