Hypertherm Powermax 30 or 600

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:23:03 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Hypertherm Powermax 30 or 600

Hello,I am new to plasma cutters but have done a bit of research.  I will be getting a Hypertherm no matter what.My LWS has a new PM30 for $1050 and a Factory Refurbished PM 600 for $950.  The 600 looks new.  Should I be worried about a "refurbished" unit?My price range is right around $1000.  I am not certain how much 3/8 material and over i will be cutting, but i like knowing i could always cut more.  My main focus is on race car chassis fabrication and small farm implement repair.I like the size of the 30 compared to the 600 and i also like the idea of 120/240 options.  I am also worried about the issue of having my 240 air compressor running while my 240 600 is on running on the same circuit.  Should i be worried about this?Any help on this issue would be great.  i just need a push over the edge!Thanks,  Brock
Reply:The 600 was the last inverter to go out the door (replaced by the new 45) for the new generation. I'm thinking it lasted 4-6 years after the G3 machines came out before it was replaced. It's a stud!Jim Colt may correct me, but I think it actually skipped a generation.Matt
Reply:so is the 600 a generation 3?  also you mentioned inverter?  what does the 45 have?  i also for got to mention that the PM 600 will come with a full 3 year warranty.
Reply:All of the Hypertherm Powermax units are inverters......with the exception of the discontinued Powermax350, 380 and 190......which were chopper power supplies.The Powermax600 was replaced by the 45, however the 600 was the best selling plasma system on the planet.....untill the 45 came along. There are about 55,000 Powermax600's in the field.A refurbished Powermax600 for $950 is a pretty good deal.....I don't know what it has for a warranty, but if it has one, that will be a bonus. It certainly has more cutting power as compared to the 30......and has respectable consumable life (not as good as a 45.....but better than any other 40 amp class system on the market).  It is a good 3/8" machine....with the ability to sever up to about 3/4".....actually should have been rated at 1/2" for production cutting as it does a good job there as well.  The 600 is a 3rd generation Hypertherm inverter.....meaning it was developed along the same time with similar technology as compared to the Powermax1000, 1250 and 1650 systems.The Powermax30 replaced our older Powermax380. It is the definitely the most powerful plasma on the market that will operate on 120 volts......and it also can run on 230 volts (auto sensing the voltage). I use mine often on 1/4"....does a great job, and for hand cutting...the torch is pointed so it has better visibility as compared to any of the other Hypertherm torches.As far as having the compressor and the plasma on the same circuit....the circuit of course would have to have adequate capacity to handle both.....check the amperage on your compressor motor, The Powermax600 draws about 40 amps at full arc stretch (cutting the thickest materials at full output power)......so your circuit would have to handle 40 amps plus the compressor draw.Jim Colt   Hypertherm Originally Posted by brock20Hello,I am new to plasma cutters but have done a bit of research.  I will be getting a Hypertherm no matter what.My LWS has a new PM30 for $1050 and a Factory Refurbished PM 600 for $950.  The 600 looks new.  Should I be worried about a "refurbished" unit?My price range is right around $1000.  I am not certain how much 3/8 material and over i will be cutting, but i like knowing i could always cut more.  My main focus is on race car chassis fabrication and small farm implement repair.I like the size of the 30 compared to the 600 and i also like the idea of 120/240 options.  I am also worried about the issue of having my 240 air compressor running while my 240 600 is on running on the same circuit.  Should i be worried about this?Any help on this issue would be great.  i just need a push over the edge!Thanks,  Brock
Reply:Well, i bought the 600  there isnt a scratch on it and it will have a full three year warranty.  i am going to go try it out right now.  Thanks for the replies!Brock
Reply:Hide all the metal....it will be little pieces of scrap before long!
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltHide all the metal....it will be little pieces of scrap before long!
Reply:Works awesome!  cut up some old grader blade.  smooth as silk!
Reply:Keep all your paper work. Just in case you need warranty repair.Make sure the warranty is either a hypertherm or a store warranty.This way you will have no surprises later.Do not over tighten the retaining cap. Turn it on until it stops, then back it off 1/8 to 1/2 turn.Check for good arc start and arc transfer.