PM45 or PM65

[bizkit]

Recently purchased a plasmacam table (last weekend) and now time to purchase either a PM45 (leaning toward this one for obvious reasons) or would I be money a head to go PM65? I don't for see me cutting anything larger than .375 and mostly just 16 gauge signs and decorative stuff. Also would you (Jim Colt) recommend that I also get the machine head?

Thanks
Kelly Hanvey

[jimcolt]

If you never do much more than .375.....you will be pretty happy with the 45. I always recommend the machine torch for machine cutting. The mount is better, it is easier to change consumables...easier to square to the plate. It is also easier and safer to electrically interface between the plasma and machine.

Advantages of the 65.....

1.Newer torch technology...this torch will be more reliable.....will provide longer (40 to 50%) consumable life, and will cut faster on the thicker materials (65 amps)
2. Digital display, auto air pressure (auto sets depending on nozzle size, and copensates for nozzle orifice wear), diagnostics.
3. quick disconnect work lead and torch for portability.
4. Higher duty cycle.

You will need an interface cable (023206) with either unit if the machine torch is ordered. The 65 also needs the optional CPC connector (it is on all 45's)

Jim Colt

Originally Posted by bizkit

Recently purchased a plasmacam table (last weekend) and now time to purchase either a PM45 (leaning toward this one for obvious reasons) or would I be money a head to go PM65? I don't for see me cutting anything larger than .375 and mostly just 16 gauge signs and decorative stuff. Also would you (Jim Colt) recommend that I also get the machine head?

Thanks
Kelly Hanvey

[bizkit]

Thank you sir, I just learned that I purchased one of plasmaCams first models and I can not upgrade it to have height control. So I'm stuck with the hand torch. thanks again!!

[jimcolt]

All PlasmaCam models have height control....just different versions....with the newer models having better capability in this area. Let me know what model you have....the data tag on one of the legs will have the model number.

Jim Colt

Originally Posted by bizkit

Thank you sir, I just learned that I purchased one of plasmaCams first models and I can not upgrade it to have height control. So I'm stuck with the hand torch. thanks again!!

[bizkit]

This one is a 98Z

[jimcolt]

The 98Z (I owned one for 7+ years) has an electro-mechanical drag height control. I senses the surface of the plate using a limit switch...you can set pierce height....then after piercing the torch lowers and drags light (just like drag cutting by hand) on the plate. With this system you must use the hand cutting (drag) shield on your torch to insure best cut quality.


Jim Colt Hypertherm

Originally Posted by bizkit

This one is a 98Z

[bizkit]

Thank you, do you have a recommended place to purchase this? If so a private message would be great. Thanks you again for all your information. I look forward to using both machines.

[jimcolt]

Hypertherm sells its products through weld supply distributors....there are over 2600 stores in the US. If you go to www.hypertherm.com and click on "where to buy" (at the top of the page) you will be able to locate the closest distributors.


Jim Colt

[bizkit]

10/4 Didn't think about that, as I'm using airgas for my purchase anyways.

[rockchopper86]

I got mine from harrisweldingsupply and they treated me great. they had the best price anyway plus they were out of the pm65 with standard leads so upgraded me to 50 ft leads for free.

[HapTaylor]

I purchased my Powermax 85 through these guys out of Kentucky: www.welderssupplyco.com - their website is not the best, so its better call em'. They were $300 cheaper than next guys inline with free shipping in the US. By the way this plasma cutter works great on the Plasmacam, especially if you get a set of those 45 A ohmic - mechanized fine cut consumables.

Hap