new hypertherm?

[farmshop]

Been tossing the idea of a plasma around. The pm45 would probably be big enough, but I like the 240 volt 480 volt option on the pm65. Is this available on the pm45? The machine will be used on a farm rarely over 1/2" or am I better to buy the 65

[irish fixit]

My opinion is that it's hard to over buy on a plasma. While I know the 45 is rated to 1/2" the 65 will cut it faster and possibly cleaner (hand held at least). I have the 1250 which is similar to the 85 and in truth I hate to go over 1/2" if I'm looking for clean cuts. It will do it but after 3/4" I can start to cut faster with a torch. Even at 1/2" I can get cuts that are closer to square and better looking to me. But I can definitely get the cuts done faster with the plasma on 1/2".

[farmshop]

You are right about hard to over buy on a plasma its just every step up gets more expensive

[irish fixit]

I know the feeling.

When I got mine I was really wanting the 1000. I just couldn't see spending the great jump up to the 1250 and I knew I wouldn't be happy with the next step down.

The problem was that I was in a bind big time with a huge stainless job taking up the whole shop and my plasma broke down. So when I found out that my LWS only had the 1250 or the smaller one (I think it was the 650 at the time) but not the 1000 I decided to bite the bullet and get the 1250.

It hurt the wallet at the time but that only lasted a short while. On the other hand being happy with the more powerful and capable plasma has lasted a long time now.

[Scott Young]

I love knowing I am not alone in this world. I hate being the way that I am, but alas i find comfort knowing others have my affliction. I hate spending money, but hate even more buying something too small for my possible needs. Once I buy what I need, I am fine. I rarely have buyers remorse unless I settle and purchase something too small.

[Rbeckett]

Go with the largest plasma you can afford. The additional speed through the thicker material is much nicer. The edges on thick stuff will be more square if you cut them at higher amps and faster feeds. Just my .02, but my PM 1000 G3 has never let me down, ever.
Bob

[Brand X]

The 65 has a more modern torch setup. That's a big deal to me. I have used the 85 and it uses the same torch..

[rockchopper86]

i just went through this and i went with the 65 because of the new torch design and newer tech in the unit. bigger is better anyway.

[farmshop]

Thanks for the advice what happens on paper and what happens in the shop are always two different things had I known this I would have skipped buying my 175 and went for the 252 right away although it did get me started with a mig.

[farmshop]

Update ordered a pm65 today. Can't wait to get it. What consumables should a guy get. Fine cutcut standard or what.

[Mick120]

Depends on what thickness & type of material you're going to be cutting.
If you're unsure, why not get one of the kits....that way you're covered plus, you also get spare torch O Rings, silicone, etc.

http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Torches...nonekits.jsp#1

[farmshop]

Will probably get a kit just curious what's being used didn't want to buy stuff I didn't need

[Mick120]

Yup, I'm much the same.
The good thing about the kit tho is, it lets you sort out what you need and, also gives you extras that you will need eventually.
It also gives you a good place to store your consumables.....I've been using the same box for the last 8 years.

[BD1]

Here's my local supplier website that has kits.

http://www.weldersupply.com/products...tting+Machines

[kochj]

I have had the Powermax65 and purchased over the 45 due to the power.
Glad I did...
Coupled with the fact that they have been 1000$ less for a year now is never a better reason...
I also picked up the 15deg or almost strait torch as well for those gouging jobs that tire out the wrists from the 90deg......lol...

FYI...make sure you use a Good aircompressor. Otherwise it will NEVER keep up with the cutter...as it requires a LOT of air...to cool that Halnium Imitter, that becomes almost liquid while cutting (it is in the electrode)
Run a LONG line of hose or pipe BEFORE you place the water/oil seperator in the line.
This will alow the moisture to condense to a solid from vapor...as the Tank becomes quite hot from all the running it is going to be doing, once you start using this beast....

Also.... It pays to invest in a leather cover for your torch, especially if you have a cement floor your cutting on, and you don't have a old grill or made up cutting area to catch all that molten metal flying out from under the cut.....That can burn holes in your torch hose rather quickly....
Or you could simply tape up the last 8 feet of torch with electrition tape..
It worked really well for me, and is less expensive too!....


Congrats...

[kochj]

Originally Posted by farmshop

Will probably get a kit just curious what's being used didn't want to buy stuff I didn't need

The powermax 65 comes with a gouger consumables, 2 tips, 2 electrodes, in a plastic box next to the built in aircleaner/separator..
This is besides the ones that come installed on the torch....
By the way, they test ALL machines before they leave the factory, so your torch will have a couple of sec's of run time on it!..... So you know you will not get a lemon....

I picked up the Micro cut consumables kit....
It hase everything one needs....
It also have the Regular cutting consumables in it as well....
and a few other extras that you should have anyway, as if you would break something on the torch you wouln't be done for the day....
I will post some picts...of mine...

[kochj]

[QUOTE=kochj;1205621]The powermax 65 comes with a gouger consumables, 2 tips, 2 electrodes, in a plastic box next to the built in aircleaner/separator..
This is besides the ones that come installed on the torch....
By the way, they test ALL machines before they leave the factory, so your torch will have a couple of sec's of run time on it!..... So you know you will not get a lemon....

I picked up the Micro cut consumables kit....
It hase everything one needs....
It also have the Regular cutting consumables in it as well....
and a few other extras that you should have anyway, as if you would break something on the torch you wouln't be done for the day....

Also...
The consumables set the thickness of material...
Example...
45amp consumables works best at 45 amps..
65amp con. works best at 65amps
So Wide open is optinum...I have only briefly use the thin consumables...but it isn't shielded..
I found the part #220325 works great for shielding the thin consumables. (according to Jim. Colt Hypertherm) was designed for the Euro. equipment,...WIll double check on this though...

[farmshop]

anxiously awaiting it damn long weekends although I will give props for this holiday and its original intent. Air system is almost done. Starting with 5hp 80gal saylor beall comp than a cyclone type water seperator than into a collesing water oil seperator than finally a motor guard at the plasma.

[farmshop]

Its here its here. Pm65 finally arrived late today. Now I just got to get it hooked up and start wack'en stuff. Boss asked me if it would cut stainless just looked at him smiled and said oh yeah.

[killdozerd11]

Smiling like a Cheshire cat

Enjoy the new toy

[farmshop]

Got her all hooked up mounted to a cart even played a little had to quit when I started eying up new steel. Any hints or tips for settings was hoping for a chart like the welders. So far I am impressed and look forward to learning how to get the most out of it

[specter]

Farmshop have you tried some of the free training info that is available on the Hypertherm site?

http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Training_and_education/

[Mick120]

Originally Posted by farmshop

Got her all hooked up mounted to a cart even played a little had to quit when I started eying up new steel. Any hints or tips for settings was hoping for a chart like the welders. So far I am impressed and look forward to learning how to get the most out of it

Check the manual for cut speeds, amps, etc.....the listed settings are real close to, if not on the money.
Plus like Specter said, lots of info on the Hypertherm site.

[farmshop]

I glanced at the manual saw the machine torch specs will have to do some more reading was just a little anxious. Also guys that use a machine a lot usually have a wealth of knowledge to tap.

[farmshop]

Used the machine some more the last couple days really liking it. used it to gouge some old welds on a bobcat and to replace a spindle on a farm wagon. Cut some 1/2 plate for fish plates on the bobcat repair. Cut like butter. Only gripe so far is the safety on the trigger.