Hypertherm Powermax 45 first impression

[jdu140c]

I am grinning ear to ear, I just used my Hypertherm Powermax 45 for the first time since I bought it almost 2 weeks ago and it cuts like butter. I could not be happier with the machine, the build quality and how easy it is to operate. I would suggest this to anyone looking for a plasma cutter and does not want to break the bank. I bought it used, it is in like new condition and I saved a bundle. I am glad I did not go with the cheaper Chinese machines. What a great piece of machinery. Now that I have a 240v outlet in my garage, it is time to trade up the Lincoln 140c for something bigger

[roadkillbobb]

you cant go wrong with the best..I never looked back after buying mine.and still amazed on what it does......

[soutthpaw]

Go for a 250 amp machine. same thing if you can find used is the way to go..

[jdu140c]

Yeah I am unsure of what I want to get. I have the welder and it does what I want it to do for the most part, but I was thinking of upgrading if I start a project. Also, I need a bigger compressor as well. I was going to go with a 2 stage Quincy 5hp, 60 gallon or the same thing in an ingersoll rand. Hopefully I can upgrade to that first so when I run my air tools the damn machine is not running as much and when it is, it is not so loud!

[k45]

I am surprised that you found one used and saved a lot of money. I don't see them on the used market around here. But yes, it's a great machine.

Although a bigger oil compressor might be nice, the PM 45 does fine with a the cheaper compressor I already had. That was one of the questions I had before I bought the PM45 and Jim Colt assured me that a 4.5 scfm compressor would do okay for most applications. Sure if you were running a machine control and doing a lot of cutting it would be different but at least for my use, cutting small sections of steel or cutting a few feet of gage material, it works fine with what I have. Of course if I were buying a new compressor I would get something bigger and quieter, but I what I have hasn't had a problem yet.

Ken

[jdu140c]

Originally Posted by k45

I am surprised that you found one used and saved a lot of money. I don't see them on the used market around here. But yes, it's a great machine.

Although a bigger oil compressor might be nice, the PM 45 does fine with a the cheaper compressor I already had. That was one of the questions I had before I bought the PM45 and Jim Colt assured me that a 4.5 scfm compressor would do okay for most applications. Sure if you were running a machine control and doing a lot of cutting it would be different but at least for my use, cutting small sections of steel or cutting a few feet of gage material, it works fine with what I have. Of course if I were buying a new compressor I would get something bigger and quieter, but I what I have hasn't had a problem yet.

Ken

I am thinking about a bigger compressor for air grinders and such more then I am the PM45, although it does make my 30 gallon single stage dry compressor run a lot. I think what I have will do the job, but when you live amongst townhomes and your compressor makes the walls shake like they are going to fall down, something more quiet that runs less is preferable. All in on the PM45, I have $800, I felt like it was a great deal.

[k45]

$800? Yes, a great deal!

Ken

[jdu140c]

Seemed like a great deal to me, I could not try it when I bought it which scared me, but now that I got it home and tried it out, it worked perfect, I could not be happier.

[Wishikldweld]

I just bought the same cutter today but was not lucky enough to find a used one. I'm am still very happy with it and after putting an external air filter / separator at the cutter itself, I was cutting like a champ. I used it for 30 minutes or so and it was better than expected. I cut angle, box tubing and sheet steel on my car trailer and it was so nice not to have to drag out the torch.

Nice score on the used one. Happy cutting!

Tim

[jdu140c]

Originally Posted by im.liz.parker

The Powermax85 combines the latest technological innovations and four Duramax series torch options with 85 amps of cutting power to make it the premier 1" air plasma system for handheld or mechanized cutting and gouging.

The 85 is a dream machine for sure, but for the guy who will use it a couple of times a year, the 45 is the perfect machine. Very user friendly and cuts through metal like a hot knife through butter.