Plasma Cutter Torch 40A PT31

Replaced a three year old one that's just worn out and melted

The handle is a lot better than the old cheap one. The length is a lot longer and helps me not to move the machine as much.

Great product with a great price

Much better than the original that came with my ct-418

This torch is very well built. Sturdy handle and flexible line. I was surprised with how well this worked given the price point, but it is a real bargain.

I will purchase another if I need one.

Bought a different brand and the covering was cloth and it caught fire and burned through air line, This one seems to be a plastic material and I think it will be ok. I have had no trouble with torch. Others have a bad torch and I have had them arc through the plastic head.

The reviews for this item is all over the place, and I can't say any of them are accurate or not. I think the reviews are both right and wrong, but again, not at the same time. So it really is a matter of perspective.I really wanted to like this item. I ran out of consumables for my TC60 torch and I needed some in a hurry. TC60 and TC31... definitely not the same thing, but depending on what your application is, either will do.The scoop: I needed to do some gouging and set my plasma between 25-40 amps. TC31 is rated for 40 amps, so it should be fine. This torch comes with about 3 double-ended electrodes, and I ate them up in less than half an hour. I also ordered a pack of 50 electrodes, in just the case. The new electrodes (the stuff you would buy when you're out of the included ones) are longer than the included ones, which means, either the included ones or the replacements are the wrong size. Since the replacements are long, once the shield goes on, it is now a balancing act to get the electrode centered in the shield. Once the electrode is centered and you start cutting, the electrode moves around, so your arc is always at an angle.So, is it for the novice? You're probably never notice the issues I just mentioned. The trigger guard is nice for those times you need to change electrodes or whatever and forget to turn off the inverter, or like other customers have mentioned, when you set the torch down. It also gives a nice narrow arc for narrow cuts, but you need to keep the amps low.For the professional? The only aspect of this torch that is for the professional is because you really need to know when to change electrodes, because they go fast. You're be changing electrodes very often. A 50 pack will probably last you a week at best.My personal take? I'm ready to rip off the trigger guard. It's not just a nuisance, but it gets in the way when you try to get in real tight, like during gouging. Not only does this torch eat electrodes, even at low amps, it burns the inner socket and eventually, you won't be able to fit any electrodes in it.I used this torch for a day. Then I ordered a P80 torch, since my CNC plasma also uses P80 consumables. I also found a spare pack of TC60 consumables in storage. I will still keep this TC31 torch just to have an emergency torch laying around.As a novice, it's a nice little torch for light duty, occasional work. This is not for the professional, but it takes a professional with experience to identify when to change of electrodes and how to fix directional problems.I would recommend this torch due to the price, for learning or just to have, but I would not recommend this torch because it is more frustration than the low price is worth.