Hypertherm 45

[Swamp rat]

Looking for input on new Plazma cutter , i have decided on a Hyper 45. Most of the work will be equipment repair , have trouble getting acey. for torches and thought it would be a good time to upgrade . Curious to know how well this machine does on gouging also, i do replace shanks on cutting edges and hoe buckets more than i like. Thanks for any advice or comments.

[jimcolt]

What is the thickness of material you will need to cut most of the time....and then what is your maximum. Also, as far as replacing shanks....are you gouging out welds? What is the approximate size of the welds?

Jim Colt

[Swamp rat]

The majority of work for the plasma will be lite work - 1/2 " and smaller , i do all the thick cutting 3/4 - 2" with a motorized Kioke hand torch.
As for gouging - this is mostly to remove a cracked weld on a shank so it can be rewelded. These welds are normally 5 bead fillet welds , so the depth of gouging is app 1/2".

[ccawgc]

You may want a little larger plasma like the 65 or the 85,
To do what you want you will be running the 45 at max all the time and may run into duty cycle limits and slow cut speeds. A larger machine will get the job done faster.
Jim will give you a better Idea. You can go to Hypertherm's web site and down load information on all these machine. suggested cut speeds and max size.
Sales lit. and owners manuals.

[jimcolt]

I agree with ccawgc for the most part. You could probably get away with the cutting thickness range you mentioned with the 45, as long as you were not doing the 1/2" more than 50% of the time, however the gouging process....while it works very well, might be a little slow for your needs at 45 amps. The 65, or better yet, the 85 would definitely be a lot more productive. Best bet is to find a dealer that will let you try them out!

Jim Colt



You may want a little larger plasma like the 65 or the 85,
To do what you want you will be running the 45 at max all the time and may run into duty cycle limits and slow cut speeds. A larger machine will get the job done faster.
Jim will give you a better Idea. You can go to Hypertherm's web site and down load information on all these machine. suggested cut speeds and max size.
Sales lit. and owners manuals.

[specter]

Hi Swamp Rat

I do ALOT of construction and farm equipment using my PowerMax 45 it works well on most but when you start getting into heavy cutting & gouging the 65 amp would work better. Farmers and construction job many times go to auctions! They buy used buckets needing mounting brackets re sized to fit their equipment and yes those shanks, cutting edges, etc. The 65 or higher would get the job done faster than the 45. As you'll see in many of the Hypertherm threads and posts many of us push our Powermax's to their limit and beyond (in my case well beyond:gunsfirin ) Always plan for what you might want to do in the future and don't undersized now

[specter]

http://store.weldersource.com/hyplcu.html

Hypertherm Powermax 65 Plasma Cutter - G4 Series
1" (25 mm) Maximum capacity, 200-600 V, 1/3-PH
Regular price: $2,990.00
Sale price: $2,335.00
083270

Hypertherm Powermax 85 Plasma Cutter - G4 Series
1.25" (32 mm) Maximum capacity, 200-600 V, 1/3-PH
Regular price: $3,890.00
Sale price: $3,035.00
087108

[Mattamd_xp]

Here is where I just bought my powermax 45. Great prices, and fast shipping. They aren't a internet only shop, they are a LWS in WI where I used to live. Best prices I was able to find too.
http://www.weldersupply.com/products.asp?id=6&cat=Plasma+Cutting+Machines

[Swamp rat]

Went today and picked it up - Hyp. 45 , this was the biggest in stock and need it desperatly tomorrow. Payed a little more $ 1645 , but the extra is well worth the benefit of a LWS that will do all they can to help when i need. Little extra money for quality and support make a big difference. Will be gouging ripper teeth off to start the day , will give feedback tomorrow.:blob1:

[Mattamd_xp]

Hopefully that will be big enough for what you are doing. Decent price from your LWS too. If any around me could have come close to that I probably would have got mine locally.

[SmokinPRanch]

You bought a high quality, name brand machine. Keep it in the best condition you can and keep all packaging and materials. If need be, you can resell the 45 and upgrade.

Al

[netman]

As specter mentioned... The PM30 would have been plenty for me but I bought the PM45 for the future. However I will say the PM45 is very nice and you bought a great machine. Randy

[Swamp rat]

May thru its first project , replaced some welded on D-8 ripper shanks. Went very well, the sides are 3/4"thick and it cut with no issues, took the torch out to check the difference in time and the plasma did better. Had some dirt and rock hidden , the torch didnt handle this very well. Very pleased with the machine, should have bought long time ago. First plasma i have used with the quich attach torch - great for storing unit on a fully supplied service truck:D.