Its not even a comparison. HT45. HT makes cheaper, older technology torches for miller, or did.. Jim Colt (our resident HT employee and forum member ) talked about that a while ago. I don't recall all the info but I think miller shipped the building off to China cuz HT was too expensive.

 

Miller and Hobart make great welders, but I think they're lagging in the Plasma business.

 

Hypertherm makes good cutters but don't be afraid to look at an Esab or ThermalDynamics cutter also. They are solid cutters as well.

 

I like my esab too, but the TD are all made in China, HT are made in USA. I have the Longevity Forcecut 42i. And its made onthe same assembly line as the TD unit. Great unit for ($800 when it was released) but If I have to choose one I would take my ESAB hands down. The HT gives many options for automated and plasma tables etc. Their customer service is second to none.. just read some threads here.

 

I got this.
ANY plasma cutter vs hypertherm.

Hypertherm wins everytime.

 

Is this from experience of all the new machines out, or talking out your A$$

 

This is what you need to ask yourself.

1) Do I make my living with this tool, yes or no

if yes, then you spend the money and buy the best one for your job.

if no, then why waste your money on a tool that will only be used about 4 or 5 times a month.

Most name brand plasma cutters out there today will do a good job.

Its a tool nothing more,

I would like to give you some real insite on plasma cutters but I can not post names or someone on here would start a stink and my post would be removed.

 

Agree 200% with you George!

I like the Miller X625 multivoltage option, this is a feature lacking on Hypertherm and Esab 50A class. For hobbyist it's already a overkill machine.

A fair comparison between Hypertherm 45 and Esab Powercut 700 look more appropriate for light industrial needs if no 3phases power is available.

The question is.....What's your needs?

 

I would select Hypertherm 45 in a second. It was the best purchase I have made. I actually bought a Hobart 500i plasma cutter first and hated it. It kept losing the arc. You couldn't drag cut with it. I sold it and bought the HT45 and have never regretted it. I love the patented Hypertherm drag shield. I have trouble keeping the tip 1/16 off the metal while trying to cut some 24 inch length of steel. You can't go wrong with Hypertherm. Plasma is all they do and they do it well.

With that said I have never tried the Miller 625.

 

It was a blanket statement on one brand being superior. Without trying all the ones out. When you narrow it to certain amps ranges, then it's easier compare units across the board. One feature for your own use, might not be a feature someone else even cares about. The point about the Esab 700 is a perfectly good match up with a hypertherm 45. I can only compare my Esab 1600 to my friend Hypertherm 85. Both would not trade for each others machine. I used both,and bought mine after he bought his Hypertherm. We both use them on a CNC table, and for hand cutting too.

 

I think I said .... "What's your needs?" to the OP and mention what I like on the Miller not that they are superior machine or suit his needs, personnally I consider all of them overkill if you use it 3 or 4 times a month that's why I still use grinders with cutting disk

And yes you're right! I never try all 50A units out there! My comment is based on what I read and hears about it from fellow qualified workers from big industrial capacity shop. They are ahead of their game because they living from it. None of them ever recommended a Chinese unit but I learn from members here they are not all crappy...

Like Soutthpaw mention..... "Just read some threads here" Cheers

 

Wow thanks everyone. It seems the choise is obvious. I am going to start my own business this year so i want to buy the best(i just got a dynasty 200dx) and buy it once. I want a unit that is portable, that is why i was looking at the 40 amp models. Any other useful info is appreciated. I did like the dual voltage that the miller offers airgas' price is only $20 different or something like that.

 

Sorry I misunderstood you BrandX, after reading back Gamble statement this became crystal clear



Best bet is to look for a machine capable to produce +60% duty cycle at 40A if you want something more"Bullet proof" most of the big name mentionned do it "On paper" so it's all about the color, options, services, torch quality+feeling, consomables live span and LWS support. Good luck

 

I love my 625. Never had a problem with it and its a cutting machine. Plus it's tiny in size so getting it out of its case is not an ordeal. I drag cut, gouge and do manual stand off. It cuts the best doing manual stand off, but a straight edge and the drag cup is the way to go for straight lines. My consumables last forever. It works for me. Some might say its inferior to other brands, I can't say.

 

Yep HT is the way to go for business usage. And amps don't really mean squat for plasma. Its Killowatts that do the cutting. Plenty of info on that here at WW also... PM Jim Colt. He can tell u everything you want to know.

 

I am relatively new and I can't do comparisons, but I bought the Hypertherm 45 last year and I'm very happy with it.

Jim Colt's presence here answering questions is also a positive IMO.

 

Here is the technical comparison specs....these numbers are from Miller and Hypertherm's web site spec sheets"

Miller 625 Extreme:

Output rating: 40 amps at 140 VDC @ 50% duty cycle

Kilowatt output at 50% duty: 40 amps x 140 volts = 5600 watts, 5.6 kW

Cut speeds at:

5/8" steel = 13 inches per minute

1/4" steel = 64 inches per minute

7/8" rated max severance

Notes:
-625 will operate on 120 volts at 27 amps output....however duty cycle is only 20%
-Torch is imported.



Hypertherm Powermax45:

Output rating: 45 amps at 132 VDC @ 50% duty cycle

Kilowatt output at 50% duty: 45 amps x 132 volts = 5940 watts, 5.9 kW

Cut speeds at:

5/8" steel = 14 inches per minute

1/4" steel = 75 inches per minute

1" rated max severance

Notes:
- Torch uses Hypertherm's conical flow technology.....well known for its cut quality and long consumable life. Made in USA.
-Come standard with a cnc machine interface for upgrading to machine torch and meachanized use.
-Over 50,000 in the field, best selling plasma on the market.


Unbiased info!

Jim Colt Hypertherm

 

PM45 all the way. I would go with Hypertherm based on the support Jim gives along, not to mention the superior product...

 

Looks like the Esab 700 runs over those # pretty good. Like hypertherm the book # match the real world.

 

i picked up a hypertherm powermax 350 at a estate sale a few weeks back, didnt know about the brand, what a machine. ive used it quite a bit and its great, hasnt missed a beat.

 

The thing you get with HT is Jim Colt. Hypertherm builds excellent machines, but Jim is the frosting on the cake.

 

ESAB is great machines, I believe the inventors of plasma cutting.

I just sold my esab and got a hypertherm, waiting to try out the HT and see how it is.

 

A Division of union carbide, L-Tec patented the plasma process in 1957 or so, L-Tec later became Linde Corp and then Esab in the 1980's. Thermal Dynamics corp came along in around 1960 with some slightly different technology (dual flow) and then Hypertherm in 1968 with water injection technology. Today, Hypertherm is the biggest producer of plasma cutting equipment, and holds over 100 patents on the process.

That's the condensed version of the history of plasma cutting....there are many more details including patent infringement suits, buildings where all the records were stored that mysteriously burned and records were destroyed, etc. It would probably make a good book for technical geeks!


Jim Colt

 

Not sure about the 625... I went to look at it a few months back, but the salesman at my LWS steered me straight towards the PM45.

I'm glad he did.

I have been very impressed with the '45 and have used it more than I ever thought I would. Really an excellent machine.