New Plasma Machine - Help Me Choose

[Lindley]

I'm trying to decide on a new plasma machine. I have a giant old transformer powered Thermal Dynamics from about 25 years ago. It's a beast, but too cumbersome to move around and it is becoming unreliable. So I'm looking for a new machine.

Some points to consider:
1) Majority of my work is 1/4" or less mild and stainless steel with the occasional 3/8". Rarely would I need to cut 1/2" or more. (I have oxy-acetlyne as well)
2) I like the idea of dual-voltage (120V - 240V).
3) Having an on-board air compressor would simply setup and increase portability.
4) Max budget is set to about ~$1,800, so the table below reflects that. Of course it never hurts to spend less.

Looking at these options below, what do you all think?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and thoughts.

[Rondo]

Consider warranty as well. I had a Top brand that blew up at 3 years and 3 months. If it had been a different brand it would have been covered instead of scraped.

[jimcolt]

The Powermax30XP has more power (load voltage, wattage output) as compared to The T-D 42, and is made in USA . This unit runs on 120 or 240, comes with easy power adapters and a case. It will do everything you want, but like all dual voltage units has relatively slow speeds when you get into 3/8" and thicker. Think of what you will be using this for in the future....and for some extra money consider going with the Powermax45XP (230 only), with the ability to cut 5/8" on a production basis, sever double that and with no issues with duty cycle on the thicker stuff.. The 45XP can also be used with a machine torch and has an optional CPC machine interface that allows easy connection to cnc machines, track burners, pipe cutters, etc. The 45XP is the most popular plasma cutter on the planet with over 26,000 in the field in less than two years of production, made in USA by emloyees of Hypertherm that actually own the company! Jim Colt

Note: your voting poll indicates that the Hypertherm units are Thermal Dynamics! Steer clear of the imported Tomahawk units....very low duty cycle and short consumable life.

[BD1]

You DO NOT need a poll to know. HYPERTHERM is the one and only if funds permit. Your poll could be on the MODEL and not manufacture. The 45XP as stated is the most popular. When they first hit the market , local supplier sold out fast.

[M J D]

Hypertherm would be the best quality. Razor cut 45 with the hypertherm style torch would be another good option at less than 1/2 the price. As far as I know both have 3 year warranty.

[Lindley]

Think of what you will be using this for in the future...

Note: your voting poll indicates that the Hypertherm units are Thermal Dynamics!

Thank you for the advice, Jim. I really appreciate it. For once in my life I am trying to be realistic and not overbuy. I can definitely understand the greater capability of that Powermax45XP, but I’m just not convinced I’m going to need that at this stage. If I ever move onto a CNC table, then I can see myself getting a dedicated 45 or 60 amp unit from Hypertherm. Based on the work I’ve been doing for the last few years, I never really get into the heavy stuff. I guess I need to think about it some more.

Thanks for pointing out my screw up on the poll. Is there a moderator here that can make those changes? My ability to edit has disappeared from this thread.

Thanks everyone else as well for your opinions. I really value the input.

[Lindley]

Hypertherm would be the best quality. Razor cut 45 with the hypertherm style torch would be another good option at less than 1/2 the price. As far as I know both have 3 year warranty.

That’s interesting. Never looked into those before. Looks like it’s a two year warranty with an extra six months if you register online.

http://www.razorweld.com/catalogue_p...ubcategory=87#

[Jawslandshark]

Cutmaster 42 hit every point you listed except OBC. Seems like a clear winner, not in your poll though. I did own one and good units, plus it will save you some cash.

[Tensaiteki]

Is there a moderator here that can make those changes?

Done.

[Chad86tsi]

I have a cutmaster 52 that is near the same specs at the cutmaster 60I, but comes in consistently under $1400. I've seen in the $1250 range a few times. I cut 3/8 with it all the time which is only half it's rated power, quick and clean. It's small and easy to move, probably only 30 pounds. They all use the same consumables, so no chance of having problems buying stuff years from now.

[Hobbytime]

hypertherm 45 and dont look back..................

[Gamble]

That’s interesting. Never looked into those before. Looks like it’s a two year warranty with an extra six months if you register online.

http://www.razorweld.com/catalogue_p...ubcategory=87#

It's 3 year warranty on the power source. I can get you one if you want. It's a great little plasma but it's only 220v.
I also love my hypertherm 45. Again 220v only.

If you need the 110v option I say the hypertherm 30xp is a damn good machine. I had one for a little while.
If I could get whatever I wanted at the moment I'd get the 30air. Just something about plugging it in and cutting and being done. Not having to deal with an air hose or waiting for the compressor to build up pressure. Just plug in, cut and put away and only deal with 1 input.

[soutthpaw]

[QUOTE=Lindley;8610734]That’s interesting. Never looked into those before. Looks like it’s a two year warranty with an extra six months if you register online.

45 amps x 96v =4320 cutting watts. Watts is what you want to look at for cutting ability. If you want to understand this concept more, ask Jim Colt

[Lindley]

[QUOTE=soutthpaw;8610801]

That’s interesting. Never looked into those before. Looks like it’s a two year warranty with an extra six months if you register online.

45 amps x 96v =4320 cutting watts. Watts is what you want to look at for cutting ability. If you want to understand this concept more, ask Jim Colt

Makes sense. Power = Amperage X Volts (P = IV)

I'm a red blooded American same as most on here and generally believe more power is always better.

But I'm liking this idea too:

If I could get whatever I wanted at the moment I'd get the 30air. Just something about plugging it in and cutting and being done. Not having to deal with an air hose or waiting for the compressor to build up pressure. Just plug in, cut and put away and only deal with 1 input.

Mobility and ease of use with the on-board compressor are hard to ignore. I may hold off on buying a big boy until I move onto a dedicated CNC plasma setup.

[soutthpaw]

Hypertherm operate at a high voltage so you get more cut per amp composted to many import machines

[Lindley]

Using Hypertherm's specs from their website:

Powermax30 AIR: 83 volts x 30 amps = 2,490 Watts
Powermax30: 125 volts x 30 amps = 3,750 Watts
Pwermax45 XP: 145 volts x 45 amps = 6,525 Watts

https://www.hypertherm.com/en-US/hyp...owermax30-air/

https://www.hypertherm.com/en-US/hyp...powermax30-xp/

https://www.hypertherm.com/en-US/hyp...powermax45-xp/

[Brand X]

Cutmaster 42 = 3840
Cutmaster 60i = 7560

[Gamble]

Razorcut 45 = 4320

[Chad86tsi]

Cutmaster 52 = 6,240 watts

It's the most comparable to the Hypertherm Powermax 45xp.

[Brand X]

No the 60i is.. Since Thermal uses a 15+ year old torch design the 45XP is step up in cutting power.. How do I know? Have a 45XP,65 and have had many Thermals. like a 42/52/82/A-120 etc-etc.All on a cnc table, so you can tell exactly the cut speed and all the other things..

Razor cut might be fine, but 4 year Warranty, and option of using 120/240 volts, and a SL-40,and SL-60 torch.. 40 amp gouging setup too.(SL-60)

[pgk]

Hypertherm gets my vote...

[Ky farmer]

I have two words as to why to spring for hypertherm JIM COLT he is on several groups and will answer any question about plasma. I've never seen a rep from any of the other company's offer the help Jim does.
Everyone wants to save money, but cheaper ain't always better.
I'm a firm believer we should all buy American when we can, as far as I know hypertherm is employ owned, maybe one of those employs will buy something some of us make as long as they have a job, doubt if wing sang long in China will drop by our shops
Mike

[Brand X]

What Ky farmer said X2 ^^^^^^^

Yes, but shouldn't you be buying au made stuff. Since this ia all about flag waving home boy stuff.

[tkevan]

60i. Longer warranty, higher wattage, and you can spend the extra $300 on consumables.

[jakedog]

Hypertherm for the win, stay away from imported chinese crap