Plasma cutter purchase help!

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Looking to buy my plasma cutter i don't have big budget So maybe same used machine work for me, any recommendation was thinking PM 45 but don't see used one, I see one thermal Dynamics 52 for $ 1000 guy say he use just few times look really clean and work great. Any recommendation on Longevity or Lottos? Thanks Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMillermatic 212
Reply:Hypertherm 45 all the way!Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Age old problem: budget vs capacity.  Get a machine that will do what you want it to do.  How thick is the thickest metal you work with?  That will dictate the size of the machine you need to buy.  Budget will determine if you buy new or used and may need to follow, even if is means save a little longer.  I say this becase buying a smaller machine will mean you have to buy a bigger one in the not-too-distant future.  Exception to this rule:  You MUST have a machine NOW.If you could tell us what you need the machine to do we could advise better on what machine to buy.- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:If you excuse the Stupid comments to buy a machine twice your budget.   I can say the Forcecut 42i hase worked very well so far for me and Lanse..    I would contact Simon and ask him what the best deal he can get for ya is...  just send him a PM through the website..   other choice that is very similar (made in same factory) is the Thermal Arc Cutmaster 42If you got the cash, Buy a HT hands down...Last edited by soutthpaw; 02-10-2013 at 10:57 AM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by MondoAge old problem: budget vs capacity.  Get a machine that will do what you want it to do.  How thick is the thickest metal you work with?  That will dictate the size of the machine you need to buy.  Budget will determine if you buy new or used and may need to follow, even if is means save a little longer.  I say this becase buying a smaller machine will mean you have to buy a bigger one in the not-too-distant future.  Exception to this rule:  You MUST have a machine NOW.If you could tell us what you need the machine to do we could advise better on what machine to buy.- Mondo
Reply:I got my pm65 for close to the same as best online price from my las only difference was I had to pay tax butt a local face is worth something.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawIf you excuse the Stupid comments to buy a machine twice your budget.   I can say the Forcecut 42i hase worked very well so far for me and Lanse..    I would contact Simon and ask him what the best deal he can get for ya is...  just send him a PM through the website..   other choice that is very similar (made in same factory) is the Thermal Arc Cutmaster 42If you got the cash, Buy a HT hands down...
Reply:Originally Posted by farmshopI got my pm65 for close to the same as best online price from my las only difference was I had to pay tax butt a local face is worth something.
Reply:Rip a Hypertherm PM 30. Check Ebay for $1k deals w/ gratis S&H.  The '30' is American MADE & Assembled and will cut/sever materials up to 1/4" w/ 20A circuit.  And Hypertherm, from reading consults by Jim Colt on sevral Forums, has outstanding customer service and product performance. Shaka!
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawIf you excuse the Stupid comments to buy a machine twice your budget.   I can say the Forcecut 42i hase worked very well so far for me and Lanse..    I would contact Simon and ask him what the best deal he can get for ya is...  just send him a PM through the website..   other choice that is very similar (made in same factory) is the Thermal Arc Cutmaster 42If you got the cash, Buy a HT hands down...
Reply:I understand the pm65 is more machine than you want. I was saying it so you wouldn't rule out lwsMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:At the AG expo its a maybe. Fresno oxygen, airgas and praxair will all be there.In their booths with be the reps from the different major welder / plasma manufactures.Go ask questions and get to play with the different models of welder and plasma machines.The last day is best for deals, So they don't have to pack them up and take them home. You might be able to get a lightly used demo unit with a full warranty.
Reply:Sound like game plan for me! Thanks Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMillermatic 212
Reply:Be patient if you are shopping for a used Hypertherm. Since you say you need to cut up through 1/2"......you should not be looking at the 42i, the Cutmaster 42, or the Powermax30. Those systems can sever 1/2", however you will get tired very quickly of the slow cut speeds on 1/2" and even 3/8" with these systems.  The Powermax 30 is the best choice of these 3 if you need to cut from a 120 volt curcuit...as it is the most efficient power supply producing more output killowatts per input killowatts. It also is the only one made in USA.....so it will cost more, but expect better support and better long term reliability. Occasionally you will see a used Powermax30....typically in the $800 range....however for a couple of hundred more you can get a new one.If you really want to cut 1/2" and 3/8" with decent cut speed and incredibly long consumable life (compared to the 42i....tyically 3 to 5 times the consumable life)...then the more powerful, USA built Powermax45 is the best choice, dollar for dollar.....and you will likely have this tool in your shop for may years.....all with full factory support from Hypertherm.....not from an importer! The 45 also occasionally shows up as a used unit....typically at or near $1500. Again, for a few hundred more you can buy new with a warranty.Also watch out for (used) the Powermax600 and Powermax1000, 40 and 60 amps respectively. There are many of both of these Hypertherm units in the field and are often good buys in the $800 to $1200 range. These units are no longer in production by Hypertherm, but will be supported for many years to come.Jim Colt Originally Posted by J-manSound like game plan for me! Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Always buy the biggest amp machine you can afford. Once that is reached buy what you want.I just got the Hypertherm 105 and I wish they made a 305. If they did and I could have afforded it that is what I would have. Bigger is almost always better.
Reply:I bought one from Northern Equipment a few years ago. Under $700, 40 amps, 3 yr warrantee and no complaints.RG_______________________Hobart 187Northern Tool Plasma 375Harris 85 O/A Rig (Ireland)
Reply:Any opinion on Miller spectrum 1000?  Guy asking $ 1400 OBO 1-phase: 80 A at 150 VDC,40% Duty cycle (230V)30% Duty cycle (208V) Cutting capability: 1-1/2"Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMillermatic 212
Reply:Originally Posted by J-manAny opinion on Miller spectrum 1000?  Guy asking $ 1400 OBO 1-phase: 80 A at 150 VDC,40% Duty cycle (230V)30% Duty cycle (208V) Cutting capability: 1-1/2"Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Damn it price are just for machine no gun! Hahaha Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMillermatic 212
Reply:The Spectrum 1000 is an 80 amp air plasma...will run on almost any voltage from 200 to 575 volts single or 3 phase. It has a pierce capacity of about 3/4", production cutting capacity rating of 1" and a maximum severance of 1-1/2". It uses a torch manufactured by Hypertherm for Miller.....but is not interchangeable with a standard Hypertherm torch....must be purchased from Miller.If it is in good shape it is certainly worth $1400 even without the torch. The hand torch will cost around $350 with a 20' lead. New the 1000 sold for around $4200 or so.Jim Colt   Hypertherm
Reply:Thanks Jim for the information, I'm trying to get little more information from the owner, like how old is the machine, how long he as it. oh he had a brand new gun for the 1000 x $ 1700 plasma and gun! ThanksSent from my iPhone using TapatalkMillermatic 212
Reply:@ Jim Colt - Thank You for your warp-speed response to my inquiry on a recently acquired Hypertherm 'MADE IN USA' PowerMax 30.  The used unit scored from an Ebay seller did not arrive with any product documentation, and YOU went out of your way to send me a hard-copy of the O&M Manual and the CD.  Outstanding customer service.  BZ Sir!
Reply:I saw few Pm45 on Craigslist ( INLAND EMPIRE ) I try to buy one but is not my lucky day First One are for $1000 brand new inbox I send several text/call but not answer nothing! Second one same thing pm45 brand new $ 750. I do the same think no luck Few hours ago I see another pm45 new inbox $700- 850 I think! ) I send email but not get any answer back! WTF wrong with people on Craigslist?  Look like scammers or what? For the last 4-5 years I buy and sell lot of items on Craigslist but I never see nothing like this!  Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMillermatic 212
Reply:Suggested list price on a new Powermax45 with a hand torch is around $2200. If you see a new one for less than about $1700.....then suspect a scam. These units are sold through authorized distributors and OEM cnc machine builders.....I doubt that any of these are willing to offer the systems at a price that is less than they paid for them!Jim Colt  Hypertherm
Reply:Probably They are private sellers, but come on! If I buy for one from authorize retail store from  $1700-2000 Thant if I have to sell it probably I asking $1200-1400 for it., but $ 700-1000.! To good to be true!At this time I'm have three on my list 1; pm 45 year old asking $ 1100 2: miller 1000 $ 1300 not gun 3; pm 600 for $ 1100 I'm try to buy the biggest i can but I thing pm45 is perfect for me!   Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLast edited by J-man; 02-21-2013 at 01:44 PM.Millermatic 212Oh, I send email to Longevity for a 50i plasma cutter quoted and steel waiting, i get a email from Simon he say somebody going to contact me soon!  Well see Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLast edited by J-man; 02-21-2013 at 01:49 PM.Millermatic 212
Reply:I bought a new Powermax 45 and all i can say is save you money and do the same, its a great home hobbiest Machine and i feel its underrated. I have cut 1/2 plate without any problems at all. Even cut some 1" stuff. But of course slower. I have been using a Craftsman professional 24 gallon compressor with a cartridge type filter, dammed if i can remember the name at the machine and have not had any problems. The compressor keeps up but does run a bit more. Also the consumables need to be considered hypertherm's are superior in longivity and are available everywhere. Some of the chinese ones don't last long and will harder to find i would guess.
Reply:I look at a couple things far as plasma cutters are concerned, price notwithstanding.  If you based every purchase on price alone, everything you possess would be Chinese, incidentially, thats not me at all....1.  Quality of the machine2.  Availability of consumables (and variety of cutting tips)2A Parts interchangeability (some machines can only use the builders cdonsumables)3.  Adaptability (can you run a machine and hand torch)4.  Interface capability (is it plug and play with a CNC table)5.  Guarantee6.  Service or advice after the sale.7. Consumable life8.  Cut speed and pierce capability9.  Price versus qualityHands dowm for me, Hypertherm is the out front winner.  Maybe not for you but I don't want to be replacing a machine every 3 years because the warranty expired and I can't get service.  Thats not expedient or wise.You certainly don't have to eat the cost of a machine up front, you can lease/purchase one or put it on plastic and pay payments. My final buying point was Jim Colt himself.  Jim is readily accessable through the HyperTherm website plus he's always on forums answering questions.  Is this Simon guy as knowledgable as Jim.  I don't think so.  I believe this Simon is nothing more than a seller quoting specifications from a sheet of paper.  Jim uses the products the company he works for manufacturers and has for years.
Reply:Excellent advice fellas! I always looking for top quality brands but is hard with my Low budget. What u guys think about used pm45 for $1100?Last edited by J-man; 02-21-2013 at 06:28 PM.Millermatic 212
Reply:I think is time get rid of few of my projects and try to buy a new one pm 45Millermatic 212
Reply:A used Powermax45 for $1100 ....assuming it works and doesn't look too beat up....is a bargain. If you don't grab it....someone will!Jim Colt Originally Posted by J-manExcellent advice fellas! I always looking for top quality brands but is hard with my Low budget. What u guys think about used pm45 for $1100?
Reply:Jim the owner of pm45 say its year old, look great and work better. Im going to see it this Saturday!Millermatic 212
Reply:If it is a year old...it still has a couple of years of warranty on it. Try to get the original purchase reciept. Jim Originally Posted by J-manJim the owner of pm45 say its year old, look great and work better. Im going to see it this Saturday!