Upgrading Plasma Cutter

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I am upgrading my Plasma Cutter. I currently have an old Hobart Air Force that is rated for 3/8" material. I would like to be able to cut 1/2" relatively fast.I am looking at the Miller Spectrum® 875. I have single phase power. Wondering if anyone has a preference to another model or brand.http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M13901Last edited by AKwaterman; 12-23-2011 at 02:15 AM.
Reply:Miller makes a good product, but I prefer Hypertherm.  The units are pound for pound more powerfull and more capable.  The support from them is world class too.  I have a 5 year old or so PM 1000 G3 I run a machine torch on when I am running my CNC Plasma table.  Never missed a lick in 5 years, and uses consumables like a little old lady compared to the others.  Worth a look if you have not made your mind 100%.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Take a look at the Hypertherm systems....they are the worlds largest manufacturer of Plasma cutting equipment...with systems from 30 to 800 amps. The Hypertherm system that is in the same class as the Spectrum 875 would be the Powermax65. It provides faster cut speeds, thicker piercing and cutting capability, dramatically longer consumable life. The Powermax65 also has automatic air pressure control as well as a digital readout with self diagnostics.The 65 is priced simialrly to the 875. You can see the full line of Hypertherm products at www.hypertherm.com  Hypertherm units are manufactured in Hanover , NH, by employee owners of the company.Jim Colt
Reply:I, 2nd and 3rd the vote for the Hypertherm. Do some research and make your decision, but although all my welding equipment is Miller and I have no complaints, I choose the Powermax65 for several reason one of which is low consumable rates. Very happy!Karl
Reply:Hypertherm!!   I have a Power Max 65 and can't say enough good about it.  The customer support of Hypertherm is second to none as well.  I can cut 1/2" plate like it's butter.  The only time that I have any cut issues is when I'm not moving fast enough.  The machine will run circles around me!  You will not be dissapointed.
Reply:Hey AK,Well, you will get a myriad of suggestions as to plasma cutters & opinion reasoning as to each. Your smart move will to be to investigate the "better" plasma units & features equipped as to your $$$$ you have to spend, & evaluation of your personal needs. My only recommendation will be to stay away from the chinese imports as they still appear to have major issues with inferior components leading to an excessive percentage failures for time of use. My opinion of this comes from experience, not heresay.Personally, I have the Termal Dynamics Cutmaster 52, 60A, 220vac that has performed superbly without any issues for the last 1 1/2 yrs & used several times a week for the production runs I engage. It was quite economical at $1400 w/free s/h. I posted a pic on another plasma cutter thread of my unit & a cut on 1/2" steel. E-Bay TD dealer, IOC, has the Cutmaster 52 w/free Thermal Arc 95S stick welder for $1530 & free s/h. Now, that is a bargain.Now, I know Jim Colt represents Hypertherm & they have a fine product, although their Powermax 65 costs $2325 as the best price I could find w/free s/h & the Miller 875 is in the same price range. So, there is a substantial $800 difference + you get a free SMAW welder. Anyway, just some mental fodder to contemplate in this world of price competition & value with todays' precious dollars. Here's a link you can read.....Dennyhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/THERMAL-DYNA...item20b6cdbc3fComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:I am a big miller fan & started out with a miller cutmate 300 & used it with no problems for many years, as my needs changed i sold the little miller , & did some shopping & chose the thermal dynamics cutmaster 52. it was on sale & also came with a 95s stick welder. they are both great machines & would not have done anything different.                                                          Bob
Reply:Don't waste your time or money get a hypertherm.
Reply:I am a miller man but i wish i would have bought the Hypertherm.But my miller is good and does the jobAnd listen to jimcolt he is very knowledgeable when it comes to plasma cutters no matter who makes it or what your doing with itBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:I own a Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 52 as well. I highly sugest this plasma cutter to anyone looking for quality 1/2 " cutter. Very good machine with excelent cut performance and value.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Thank you everyone for your input. I purchased the Hypertherm Powermax 65https://www.hypertherm.com/en/Produc...powermax65.jspIt was on special with a free 15 degree hand torch for gouging.I got it back to my shop, installed the air line filter, plug end for 220v and away I went. First test cut.... WOW First test gouge....WOWYou guys were right. Anyone want to buy an old Hobart
Reply:Where'd you get it from?  I want a free torch!
Reply:jmtebbens Re: Upgrading Plasma CutterWhere'd you get it from? I want a free torch!
Reply:If you are like me you will run out of stuff to cut up for a while till the new wears off.  Every time I use mine I end up grinning for about an hour after I shut it down.  The free torch is a great score too so congrats are in order all round.  I think you did the right thing and will be extremely happy in the long run too.  Have fun and keep warm!!!!BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:im diggin the handles and display on the 65. man i work so hard i deserve one , 18hrs straight yesterday.        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3
Reply:Rbeckett Every time I use mine I end up grinning for about an hour after I shut it down.
Reply:I had yet to run a plasma cutter EVER!.... or even a gas cut torch....but stumbled apon hear and started reading posts....I am a RN by trade but recently got into tig welding. I quickly tired when cutting steel and alum..I purchased a Hyperthem powermax 65 and a bonus 15deg  torch and started going at it...This machine is a beast...from the cage to the composite material on the powersource...to give you an idea of the strength :  I didn't have a big enough wrench to twist of the pressure nut on the back of the unit that holds the power wires from getting pulled... (I hard wired mine...)I used a pipe wrench on it....and it wasn't even able to mar up the surface!....wow....most know that this wrench will ussually leave teeth marks in anything!.... not a trace left on this...Last edited by kochj; 12-25-2011 at 07:33 PM.
Reply:Uh...  What?  That nut shouldn't be more than hand tight, if it's what I'm thinking of.  Also, you shouldn't have had to undo it to hardwire the machine anyway.  How did you come to the decision to buy a $2500 plasma cutter without have ever even USING an O/A or plasma?
Reply:I have to agree with those that say Hypertherm are the best Plasma Cutters out there. But do lots of research and find the one thats right for YOU!