Powermax with Torchmate

[richie v6]

Hey guys I am conflicted on what plasma cutter I should get for my 2x2 Torchmate. I have been doing some research and it seems that the Hypertherm units perform better then the Thermal Dynamics. I am looking for good edge quality.

I will be mainly cutting 3/8" mild steel flanges, sometimes I will need to cut up to 1/2". I was wondering if a Powermax 1000 would suit my needs. I would like to get a Powermax 1250 but there is a pretty big price difference.

Any help would be appreciated.

[jimcolt]

If you are only occasionally cutting 1/2", then you should look at the Powermax45. It is factory rated to pierce up to 3/8", yet I have used mine a lot on 1/2" with excellent results. One of the issues with the 2 x 2 machine for cutting thicker materials is that is does not have an automatic torch height control. In order to get best performance with any plasma on materials thicker than 3/16"...you need to pierce at a height that protects the nozzle and shield on the torch from pierce splatter, then index the torch down to the cut height that will produce best cut quality and edge angularity. With the 2 x 2 you will either have to pierce and cut at the same height....or will have to manually adjust the height on every pierce. The 2 x 2 is a nice little machine...I have heard a lot of good reviews!

Jim Colt

[richie v6]

If you are only occasionally cutting 1/2", then you should look at the Powermax45. It is factory rated to pierce up to 3/8", yet I have used mine a lot on 1/2" with excellent results. One of the issues with the 2 x 2 machine for cutting thicker materials is that is does not have an automatic torch height control. In order to get best performance with any plasma on materials thicker than 3/16"...you need to pierce at a height that protects the nozzle and shield on the torch from pierce splatter, then index the torch down to the cut height that will produce best cut quality and edge angularity. With the 2 x 2 you will either have to pierce and cut at the same height....or will have to manually adjust the height on every pierce. The 2 x 2 is a nice little machine...I have heard a lot of good reviews!

Jim Colt

Thanks for your reply Jim. eBay cash back was up last night and I could resist. I splurged on a PM1250. From what I read you will always want more plasma capacity. This way I will have some more headroom. :blush: With the PM1250 turned down I should have no loss in cut quality right?

I am looking for a THC system now. There seems to be lots of choices even some DIY ones. I can't wait to tinker.

[jimcolt]

Good choice with the 1250...you won't be disapointed! The 1250 has consumables in the following ranges : FineCut (25 to 40 Amp, gauge to 1/8"), 40 Amp shielded (gauge to 1/4"), 60 Amp shielded (16 gauge to 3/4") and 80 Amps shielded (3/16" to 1").

By matching the low power ranges to the max material thickness in that range....you will experience best edge quality in terms of smoothness and edge squareness. If speed is more important, use the 80 Amp parts and go fast!

Jim Colt

[Rbeckett]

Richie, I have a PM 1000, and what jim says is 100% accurate. I had some edge issues and since I started doing what he said I got longer life and better cuts immediately. Congrats on the 2x2, I bought the 4x4 a while back and am building a torch height control for it now. Not too hard, but it aint easy either, When I get it done I will let everybody see it and duplicate it if they want.
Bob

[stickdik]

....my .02........ recently purchased a PM 1250 from my local tech school .......all I can say is awesome...............price was'nt to bad either................450.00!!!! plus my instructor told me last night that he had a consumeable package coming and I could have it....just gets better and better!!!!