The Multiplaz 3500 is a new kind of plasma machine from Russia that has some interesting potential for knifemakers. What is unique about the machine is that it welds, cuts, brazes and heats using only electricity, water and sometimes alcohol (metho). There are no other gasses used, saving a significant amount in consumables and running costs. It is light portable and versatile in its application. It can replace three separate machines in the workshop - oxy/acetalyene torch, welder and plasma cutter.
This is the first in a series of articles reviewing the Multiplaz 3500 - Unboxing.
I bought the Multiplaz 3500 from Fisher Discounts in Canberra, which is the sole supplier in Australia. One of their very keen staff members spotted it in a trade show overseas, brought it back in her hand luggage and the spent two years getting permissions to import these to Australia. They have only been on sale since October 2010 and going as fast as they can be imported. Mine was on special for $2350 (RRP is currently $2495, but is likely to go up in the future), which is about the price of a decent plasma cutter.
Opening the box
Mine been opened by the courier and then resealed (everything was intact). What surprised me on opening the box that there was minimal packing and the unit was neatly packed in its carry bag. The bag is a robust design, with pockets for everything and easy to carry. The full bag weighs in at only 9kg, making it easy to move around.
What is included
The Multiplaz 3500 comes with a full range of accessories, plus some generous spares to keep you going. There are no additional bits to buy, it is complete, something of a rarity with tools these days. The pieces seem well through through and well made. There is one odd looking tool that can take apart every part of the torch.
- Power Supply - this automatically works on between 110V and 253V. It comes with a 15A plug, but the unit only draws 9.8A so can be used on a normal house hold supply.
- 2 x Torches - to save you getting the two "fuels" mixed up, two torches are supplied. One for welding (which takes a water/metho mix) and one for cutting (which takes only water). They are identical except for some labelling on the side.
- Protective tip
- Combination wrench - which takes everything apart
- Filler holder - for welding filling rods
- Syringe  - to fill the torch with water or water/metho combination. 50ml water lasts about 30 minutes of cutting
- 2 Torch holders
- Plunger
- Mode II Wire clamp
- Specialised Graphite Lubricant
- Ball support - for cutting along a guide
- Support
- Compass - for cutting small holes
- Clamp bracket
- Spare parts box - Nice little box with spares for the torchesÂ
- 2 Cathode assemblies
- 3 Quartz tubes
- 5 Cathodes
- 6 Nozzles (with different sized holes)
- 2 Springs
- 1.1 drill bit for drilling holes in the nozzels
- Case - Everything goes in
- Operating manual - not too bad, with clear instructions and tables
- DVD - really good and clear on how to use the Multiplaz 3500
See the gallery below for pics of the contents
Part two of the review is here. Â Also have a look at these videos on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npg3Mn2x450
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb2wRSw-Ylg