powermax 45 ce or csa?

[murt]

Hi guys
hoping to order a powermax 45 tommorrow and was wondering whether to buy the ce or csa model.I live in Ireland and all european tools should have a ce cert,but I thought that the boost technology would come in handy for occasional motor generator powered usage.I'm not too worried about the ce cert as its for heavy home use,I would appreciate all your help folks.
thanks
martin.

[Mick120]

Depends on where you're purchasing from.
If you're dealing with someone in the States, they won't be able to sell you a CE machine anyway.
If you're buying local, I figure you'll be limited to CE.
Give some thought to warranty issues, you'll be lucky if a local dealer will touch a CSA machine if you have any problems down the track.

[murt]

:Thanks for the reply Mick,
Hoping to buy from weldingmart in the states they can offer both models,was just wondering if the boost technology would be an advantage or not for generator use.maybe the ce model is good enough on generator use .I have never used a plasma cutter and want to buy the right one.

[Mick120]

The CSA version has the advantage of auto voltage sensing.
We also have CE regulations but, I've seen them advertised here having the same feature so, maybe the new CE models are different to the older ones
I run a CSA machine and have done for years.....private import so, didn't have to worry about reg's.
I also have a lot of confidence in Hypertherm so, didn't worry about the warranty issue.
Price was also a factor in my decision but, they've come down a bit here now so my next one will probably be CE....if I ever decide to part with with this one...

[murt]

Mine will be a private import also,just wondering if the ce model has the volt sensing technology as I would hate to wreck the machine through wrong choice. Hopefully Jim Colt will come along and explain all to me soon.

[murt]

so does anyone know if the ce model has volt sensing technology.

[ccawgc]

Both models should be auto voltage sensing. The main difference in csa and ce models.
is line noise filters and possibly safety features at the torch. You could try calling Hypertherm and asking them what the difference is.
But keep this in mind, the power plug may be different and if found out by power company or city inspectors. you may not be allowed to even plug in the csa unit. Or resell it.

[jimcolt]

In Ireland the CE versions are the only ones available through normal channels. The CE version of the Powermax45 is available in a 230 volt single phase unit...and a 400 volt 3 phase unit. None of the Powermax45's are considered "auto voltage"...they are all produced for a particular voltage range. The Powermax65, 85 and (CSA versions) are designed to operate on voltages from 200 to 600 volts, single or three phase.

Importing a unit that is of the wrong regulatory design will likely mean that in the event that service is required...the unit will have to be shipped back to the dealer that it was purchased from. A distributor in a region that is under the CE regulatory certification cannot buy a unit that is built to the CSA specs....and vise-versa.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Originally Posted by murt

Hi guys
hoping to order a powermax 45 tommorrow and was wondering whether to buy the ce or csa model.I live in Ireland and all european tools should have a ce cert,but I thought that the boost technology would come in handy for occasional motor generator powered usage.I'm not too worried about the ce cert as its for heavy home use,I would appreciate all your help folks.
thanks
martin.

[murt]

Thanks Mick ,Ccawgc and Jim for all your help I guess I would be better off to purchase the CE model then.thanks again for all your help.

[ccawgc]

Thanks jim, I don't get to see any CE units.

[murt]

was in the process trying to buy apowermax 45 from weldingmart and had to go away for a few days when I came back and started to process the purchase only to be told the new price was $250 usd more because hypertherm decided to up the price,why why why.

[Mick120]

Murt,
Try Rapid Welding & Industrial in Hampshire. 023 92214214
Ask for Andy Bendell....Tell him Mick from Snap 'n Cut sent you.....Don't know if it'll help but, worth a try mate.

[murt]

thanks Mick,
will give him a try.wonder why they raised the price and why by so much.
Murt.

[jimcolt]

Hypertherm has not had any recent price increases. If the price increased it likely is a currency issue vs the U.S. dollar.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Originally Posted by murt

was in the process trying to buy apowermax 45 from weldingmart and had to go away for a few days when I came back and started to process the purchase only to be told the new price was $250 usd more because hypertherm decided to up the price,why why why.

[murt]

weldingmart.com quoted me $1550 usd the first week in july,when I got back to them a week and a half later the price had shot up to $1795 usd.when I questioned the price jump a helpfull guy by the name of Luke Auxier told me that the price jump came direct from the factory.exchange rates dont come into the quote as we are still talking in us dollars.
thanks for your reply Jim To say that I'm pixxed off is an understatement its a big increase which means I'll have to wait a while longer before I can afford it.
martin.

[jimcolt]

I don't want to argue the point...but I do work for Hypertherm and there has not been a price increase since the beginning of the year. Also the suggested (US dollars) list price of a Powermax45 is over $2200 (If I knew the part number I could tell you the exact price)....so if you can buy one for less than that you are getting a good price!

Best regards, Jim Colt

Originally Posted by murt

weldingmart.com quoted me $1550 usd the first week in july,when I got back to them a week and a half later the price had shot up to $1795 usd.when I questioned the price jump a helpfull guy by the name of Luke Auxier told me that the price jump came direct from the factory.exchange rates dont come into the quote as we are still talking in us dollars.
thanks for your reply Jim To say that I'm pixxed off is an understatement its a big increase which means I'll have to wait a while longer before I can afford it.
martin.

[JRupp]

Originally Posted by murt

weldingmart.com quoted me $1550 usd the first week in july,when I got back to them a week and a half later the price had shot up to $1795 usd.when I questioned the price jump a helpfull guy by the name of Luke Auxier told me that the price jump came direct from the factory.exchange rates dont come into the quote as we are still talking in us dollars.
thanks for your reply Jim To say that I'm pixxed off is an understatement its a big increase which means I'll have to wait a while longer before I can afford it.
martin.

Hypertherm rolled out a MAP (Minimum Advertised Pricing) Program last month. The new price of $1795 is the MAP Pricing for the Powermax 45 you are looking at. All online retailers are at that price. I hope that helps explain the change in price.

I would also be a little hesitant of purchasing a CSA Hypertherm machine for use in Europe. Per Hypertherm's distribution policy we cannot even sell our machines to a potential customer outside of US or Canada.

I would find a local Hypertherm dealer in Ireland and see what they have to say about servicing a CSA Unit in Europe before purchasing the unit and getting it shipped. Everything might check out but I would just encourage you to do some additional research before spending $1700 on a machine.

[murt]

Thanks JRUPP,
that explains the reason for the sudden price jump,I can see your point on the csa machine but I like the idea of the volt boost technology for occasional generator usage.
I'm also hoping that they are a pretty reliable machine for that kind of money.I see you work for baker gas they have a good online shop ,pity they don't do international postage.
Thanks again for your time and help,
sincerely Martin.

[jimcolt]

Once again...it was not a price increase from Hypertherm....the dealer you choose to buy from can sell a Hypertherm system at any price they choose....even at a loss. Those that sell online however must conform to minimum pricing rules...for fairness in advertising...just as auto dealers must.

The Hypertherm systems are built for tough industrial/commercial use....and are considered to be the best in terms of operating cost, cut quality, reliability. Over time the "cost of operation" will more than offset the purchase price.

The Hypertherm boost conditioner circuitry is designed to balance varying incoming voltage in order to maintain output (cutting power).....ideal for generator use as well as for field use where line voltage can vary from location.

The CE units are the best choice for you...you will get local support and warranty coverage.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[murt]

Hi Jim,
thanks for your help and guidance a question if I may, do the ce units have the voltage boost circuitry and if not why not.
thanks
Martin.

[Brand X]

Originally Posted by JRupp

Hypertherm rolled out a MAP (Minimum Advertised Pricing) Program last month. The new price of $1795 is the MAP Pricing for the Powermax 45 you are looking at. All online retailers are at that price. I hope that helps explain the change in price.
.

$1595.00 on-line...

http://www.weldersupply.com/productd...&ID=19&pID=307

[jimcolt]

All Powermax 45's have the "Boost Conditioner" circuitry. This circuit helps to compensate for low or variations in input voltage.....this of course includes CE certifiec units.

Jim Colt

Originally Posted by murt

Hi Jim,
thanks for your help and guidance a question if I may, do the ce units have the voltage boost circuitry and if not why not.
thanks
Martin.

[murt]

Thanks Brandx for your help,unfortunately they don't do international postage.

[murt]

well guys finally got enough funds gathered to order the pmax45.I took all the advice on board and went for the CE model, I spoke with Andy @ rapidwelding and industry supply very helpfull guy,thanks Mick for the pointer.So hoping to have it by the weekend.I'll keep you posted ,thanks again Martin

[Mick120]

Originally Posted by murt

well guys finally got enough funds gathered to order the pmax45.I took all the advice on board and went for the CE model, I spoke with Andy @ rapidwelding and industry supply very helpfull guy,thanks Mick for the pointer.So hoping to have it by the weekend.I'll keep you posted ,thanks again Martin

Glad I could help out mate, sounds like you got looked after as well.