Need Advice Fast - Plasma cutter

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Hello,I found this forum while searching for answers.  I need a plasma cutter to demo stainless (doesnt need to be great cuts) up to 1/2".  I would like for it to be dual power (115/208) and very portable.  It seems like everyone I have talked to has steered me in circles and I am looking for advice.  I have very limited experiance with plasma cutters but I need to buy one for my guys to use.  I need it by Monday.  I have included a list of the ones I have been looking at but if you have any other suggestions, please let me know.  Thanks in advance for the help!Miller 625 Xtreme Hypertherm 30 G3Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 32
Reply:I currently have a Hypertherm Powermax 30 and had Cutmaster 38 a while back. Both would struggle with 1/2 stainless at best. They might get through it but it would be very slow cutting. The newer Cutmaster 42 spec-wise isn't much better than the 38. I haven't used one but can only imagine it would be very slow also. I wouldn't cut 1/2" anything on a regular basis with any of these three.
Reply:Originally Posted by proff49I currently have a Hypertherm Powermax 30 and had Cutmaster 38 a while back. Both would struggle with 1/2 stainless at best. They might get through it but it would be very slow cutting. The newer Cutmaster 42 spec-wise isn't much better than the 38. I haven't used one but can only imagine it would be very slow also. I wouldn't cut 1/2" anything on a regular basis with any of these three.
Reply:Powermax 45 or greater.Too thick for a 30.Even if the machine will run on 110, it wont cutting 1/2" steelLast edited by mikeb9550; 01-20-2012 at 02:57 PM.Hobart Handler 210 with SpoolgunHypertherm PM30 PlasmaHTP 221 Tig WelderHF BandsawHF Auto Dark Helmet
Reply:I believe the concensus of the group here goes along the lines of any 110 volt machine NOT being capable of cutting 1/2" stainless steel. I took a quick look at some information that Miller has regarding machine capacities. They suggest that their 40 amp machine (Miller Spectrum 625X-TREME) will cut 1/2" stainless cleanly and without a lot of issues. My experience with most machine ratings from manufacturers, regardless of brand, has been that they are somewhat over-rated. Personally I would opt for a bit more power so that there are no questions as to whether a particular machine will serve it's intended purpose. Whether you opt for more power or not I believe you will find that you will have to go with a higher voltage offering and rule out the 110 volt machines. Good luck on your quest and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Hypertherm PM 45, Thermal dynamics cutmaster 52 or ESAB powercut 650 would be my 3 choices.These WILL cut 1/2" cleanly. None of these will run on 120v, 230v or greater.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I know you say you are looking for a plasma cutter, but for a demo job that the cuts don't have to be real good, reciprocating saws(sawzall type) might be an option. You could buy several plus many blades for less $$ than a plasma, and several guys could be cutting at the same time. No learning curve to deal with either if none of them have experience with plasma. Just a thought, something worth considering.Grinders with cutting wheels might work also in some cases,too. Four or four and a half inch grinders can get into some tight spots at times.Last edited by Bistineau; 01-21-2012 at 08:49 AM.
Reply:Its tough to beat an OA cutting torch for demo work and no worries about how thick you need to cut.   being that you want an portable unit, the Hypertherm 45 is the best choice.    Jim Colt can give you all the info you need on everything Hypertherm.   My ESAB 875 would do 1/2 steel without blinking but its a pretty bulky and heavy unit but its still designed to be portable.    Forget anything in 110vac for what you are wanting to cutTiger 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:These usits will all sever 1/2" steel.....very slowly. None have the capacity for 1/2" stainless steel.....in fact you will not find a 120 volt unit with enough power to sever 1/2" stainless.....there are a few 120/240 units that can do 1/2" stainless when operating on 240 volts only.You will need at least 45 amps for 1/2" stainless.....I suggest a Hypertherm Powermax45, which operates on 200 to 240 volts input.Jim Colt Originally Posted by Topnotch286Hello,I found this forum while searching for answers.  I need a plasma cutter to demo stainless (doesnt need to be great cuts) up to 1/2".  I would like for it to be dual power (115/208) and very portable.  It seems like everyone I have talked to has steered me in circles and I am looking for advice.  I have very limited experiance with plasma cutters but I need to buy one for my guys to use.  I need it by Monday.  I have included a list of the ones I have been looking at but if you have any other suggestions, please let me know.  Thanks in advance for the help!Miller 625 Xtreme Hypertherm 30 G3Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 32
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltThese usits will all sever 1/2" steel.....very slowly. None have the capacity for 1/2" stainless steel.....in fact you will not find a 120 volt unit with enough power to sever 1/2" stainless.....there are a few 120/240 units that can do 1/2" stainless when operating on 240 volts only.You will need at least 45 amps for 1/2" stainless.....I suggest a Hypertherm Powermax45, which operates on 200 to 240 volts input.Jim Colt
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawIts tough to beat an OA cutting torch for demo work and no worries about how thick you need to cut.
Reply:snowprow,Beat me to it.Seems that some of our "experts" either have a problem with reading comprehension, or flat out don't know anything about the processes they comment about.Maybe they'd like to discuss how that scrapping SS with ox/ace turned out.To the OP.There is not a plasma cutter out there that will cut 1/2" SS and run on 120v.Jimcolt, who knows a lot more about plasma than I'll ever know, recommended the PM 45.  Personally, I'd rather have a 60A+ unit for scrapping 1/2" SS.Also, be aware, that any plasma cutter using compressed air, is going to leave a rather rough cut on SS this thick.  A lot of remaining oxides will have to be removed before welding is possible.  If you're just trying to reduce the material into more manageable pieces, this is not a major issue.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:What the heck, I'll stir the pot a little here. I thought that some of you might find this interesting. Powder cutting is a gas cutting system that will cut stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and likely a number of other materials that "CONVENTIONAL" oxy-acetylene cutting systems won't. However, from the videos that were shown, this is definitely a demolition process at best and not for those faint of heart, or in confined areas with flammables anywhere in the vicinity. Here's a link describing the process, I'll try to link the video as well. Best regards, Allan  http://www.twi.co.uk/services/techni...owder-cutting/aevald
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawIts tough to beat an OA cutting torch for demo work and no worries about how thick you need to cut.   being that you want an portable unit, the Hypertherm 45 is the best choice.    Jim Colt can give you all the info you need on everything Hypertherm.   My ESAB 875 would do 1/2 steel without blinking but its a pretty bulky and heavy unit but its still designed to be portable.    Forget anything in 110vac for what you are wanting to cut
Reply:Originally Posted by aevaldWhat the heck, I'll stir the pot a little here. I thought that some of you might find this interesting. Powder cutting is a gas cutting system that will cut stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and likely a number of other materials that "CONVENTIONAL" oxy-acetylene cutting systems won't. However, from the videos that were shown, this is definitely a demolition process at best and not for those faint of heart, or in confined areas with flammables anywhere in the vicinity. Here's a link describing the process, I'll try to link the video as well. Best regards, Allan  http://www.twi.co.uk/services/techni...owder-cutting/
Reply:I'd look into abrasive saws to get going quickly. Anyone have a favorite gas-powered cutoff saw? Those 14" blades have some reach.You could also use an oxygen lance or exothermic outfit.http://www.broco-rankin.com/broco/i_...rchsystems.cfmLet us know how it works out!Last edited by farmall; 01-22-2012 at 07:34 PM.
Reply:I don't know how well it would do on thick stainless.Tim Beeker.
Reply:To keep the crew working other things to try might be cutting/chamfering stick electrodes, carbon arc cutting if an arc gouger is available, etc. I've only used chamfer electrodes on ferrous metal (OK for demo) but I've never tried them on stainless.They weren't much better than wet 6011, which is also handy in a pinch.Here's the Harris powder cutting torch:http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/e...Ironferno.aspxLast edited by farmall; 01-22-2012 at 08:59 PM.