Which Plasma cutter for me?

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New guy here, sorry to intrude, but i'm hoping your collective expertise will lead me down the correct path.  i'm just a hobby guy, use welding etc in building of race cars and various contraptions, do equip repairs, all just fun for me.So I have determined, without any debate or discusion with the boss,  that i need to aquire a plasma cutter.  In the limited research I have done - it seems like there are at least 4 different units that would fill my needs.  so I am looking at : in no particular order:Hypotherm powermax 30ESAB Handy Plasma 380Millerspectrum 375Lincoln pro cut 25Looking at reliability, functionality, economic operation.  those would be my main criteria!  i like the dual 115 230 option too!However it looks like lincoln and Miller may be rebadged units, so i figure Im paying extra for the name,   so any experiences, opinions? ideas?Not really interested in chinabashing -  if they make a good unit, I would consider it also!Carl JohanssonAuberry CaLast edited by carl johansson; 11-02-2011 at 09:53 PM.Reason: added info
Reply:I, along with most people here, are going to say Hypertherm. Made in USA, outstanding product, outstanding customer service, and one of the reps is on here quite often to answer questions and share his knowledge. I have an older unit, the Powermax 600 and I love it. I haven't used it as much as I thought I would, but when I do, it shines. I will tell you to always get the biggest you can afford. I made that mistake and I'm regretting it. But if I get alot more of some work that I do, I will buy the Powermax 85 and not think twice. Do a search and also look at the Hypertherm area here. There is already a ton of info here."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Thanks,i have been leaning toward the hypertherm.  But I just came across the Thermal Dynamics 42.  is that a good brand with good support?  appears to have a bit more oomph than the hypertherm, and is 960 bucks with the complete kit - ?  so, i guess I am pretty much deciding between hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics Originally Posted by Stick-manI, along with most people here, are going to say Hypertherm. Made in USA, outstanding product, outstanding customer service, and one of the reps is on here quite often to answer questions and share his knowledge. I have an older unit, the Powermax 600 and I love it. I haven't used it as much as I thought I would, but when I do, it shines. I will tell you to always get the biggest you can afford. I made that mistake and I'm regretting it. But if I get alot more of some work that I do, I will buy the Powermax 85 and not think twice. Do a search and also look at the Hypertherm area here. There is already a ton of info here.
Reply:Originally Posted by carl johanssonThanks,i have been leaning toward the hypertherm.  But I just came across the Thermal Dynamics 42.  is that a good brand with good support?  appears to have a bit more oomph than the hypertherm, and is 960 bucks with the complete kit - ?  so, i guess I am pretty much deciding between hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics
Reply:i own both a hypertherm 380 and thermal dynamics 52 and i won't part with either. you definitely won't go wrong with either brand. as Sticky already said buy the biggest you can afford and make sure you have enough compressor to run it.     be sure to keep it locked up so Tbone550 doesn't pay you a visit in the dark of night. 225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:you can't go wrong with a hypertherm for what I have seen/read here.    If I was buying new, Hypertherm would be my choice...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 jbmprodsi own both a hypertherm 380 and thermal dynamics 52 and i won't part with either. you definitely won't go wrong with either brand. as Sticky already said buy the biggest you can afford and make sure you have enough compressor to run it.     be sure to keep it locked up so Tbone550 doesn't pay you a visit in the dark of night.
Reply:I could be considered biased.....but if you are looking at a 120/240 volt air plasma the Powermax30 is the best bang for the buck. They are engineered, designed and built at Hypertherm's plants in and near Hanover NH. This unit has been on the market for over 4 years...and has proven to be one of the most popular hand plasma systems in the world.In comparison to the T-D 42.....the Hypertherm has far more cutting power when operated on 120 volts, but slightly less when operated on 230. When consumable life is compared....the Powermax30 consumables will outlast the 42 by a long shot. Hypertherm accomplishes this with its inverter based power supply....combined with its advanced torch technology that is designed to use minimal air flow.....while allowing for excellent cut speeds and consumable life.I use a 30 in my home shop....mostly for cutting structural steel tubing to length. Attached are a few pics of cuts that go beyong Hypertherm's conservative 3/8" steel rating...I often use the 30 to sever 1/2" steel.....and have done 5/8". The pictured cuts were done with the Powermax30 operating on a 30 amp, 120 volt circuit. I am sure that there are no other 120 volt plasma's that will sever 1/2"....or 5/8" steel!If you have any questions about the Hypertherm equipment and how they compare...feel free to ask! The www.hypertherm.com  site has a ton of info as well.Jim Colt   Hypertherm Attached Images
Reply:The consumables are much cheaper for the Cutmaster 42 compared to the Hypertherm. It's torch is way nicer to use because it's smaller, and the trigger setup is more user friendly. The Thermal is a excellent inverter design too.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:At list prices...the T-D consumables are a few pennies less expensive....however when you factor the longer life....the Hypertherm consumables are around 40% less per foot of cut. I'll stand behind that!  Many that use Powermax 30's go through a nozzle and electrode in 6 months to a year...and there is no start cartridge.The best bet if you have narrowed your choice down to two systems is to go to the dealer and try them out. If you plan to run on 120 volts....try them on 120 volts.....same for 230. If you plan to spend most of your time cutting 3/16" steel.....then make sure you give both machines a fair shake on that material.Often the choice is based on the following: Torch style and feel, manufacturer preference, where the system is built, performance, and of course, price. Buy the system that works best for your needs!If you listen to those with a bias....and I am one as a long term Hypertherm employee....then you will be making your decision for the wrong reasons. And I will help answer your plasma questions on this and a dozen other sites regardless of the brand you buy.Jim Colt
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltThe best bet if you have narrowed your choice down to two systems is to go to the dealer and try them out.
Reply:I've been following these recent plasma cutter threads with interest.  What is a good price for a used Powermax 30 and a Cutmaster 39?mb
Reply:Bought a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52 a month or so ago and I have nothing but good things to say about it.1942 Lincoln Lincwelder 180, 2 Cylinder Wisconsin Gas1981 Lincoln Shield Arc 250, 3 Cylinder Perkins DieselLincold Idealarc 250 Roundtop AC DC+ DC- (80's)Miller Millermatic 250x
Reply:Same goes for my Cutmaster 52. I am very pleased with the performance and value of this machine.I use mine on my cnc table, off the cnc manualy in the shop and also use it for gouging.Last edited by snoeproe; 11-04-2011 at 06:46 PM.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:OK Guys, I made my decision for better or worse,  I went with the thermal Dynamics 42.  I was swayed by Jim Colts info,  and liked the 20 lbs vrs 26 lbs,  but the decider, was price.I found the TD 42 for 940 bucks shipped no tax -  the deluxe kit with carrying case, gloves glasses, extra tips etc (Indiana Oxygen , and several others)Hypertherm powermax - the best i could find in their deluxe kit was 1185so the TD was 230 bucks cheaper!  I'm sure out there somewhere there is a better price for the Hypermax -  but i could not find it on line!Has I been able to find the Hypertherm for the same price - i would have went for it, thanks to Jim Colt,  but I could not justify the extra 230 bucks!Carl "can't wait to start cutting" Johansson
Reply:Good luck with your purchase. Jim Colt
Reply:Kinda off topic, Jim I am going for a Powermax 30(need it on my truck). You guys aren't gonna come out with a new model after I buy one are you?Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Hey carl,I also have the TD Cutmaster52 that has performed superbly. I do a lot of production runs & it has never had any issues. I know the Hypertherm units are well made &, of course, Jim Colt will attempt to sway you a bit.....it's his job. He makes his point quite well & will illuminate you to the pros & cons of each. Be sure you have DRY air...... take the time for a good air setup with moisture/filtration inline components. DennyComplete 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:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingKinda off topic, Jim I am going for a Powermax 30(need it on my truck). You guys aren't gonna come out with a new model after I buy one are you?
Reply:Originally Posted by carl johanssonI found the TD 42 for 940 bucks shipped no tax -  the deluxe kit with carrying case, gloves glasses, extra tips etc (Indiana Oxygen , and several others)Hypertherm powermax - the best i could find in their deluxe kit was 1185so the TD was 230 bucks cheaper!  I'm sure out there somewhere there is a better price for the Hypermax -  but i could not find it on line!
Reply:Someday there will be a replacement for the Powermax30......just as there will be a replacement for all of the plasma systems in our product line. To the best of my knowledge....it won't be in the next few months!Hypertherm designs new systems from he ground up. When a replacement for the 30 becomes available....it will be a completely new power supply, as well as a new torch design.....this will be so that the new product will take advantage of the latest technology. All of our new systems are based on careful VOC (voice of the customer) market studies to determine what the product needs for features to satisfy the vast majority of the users in that particular market segment. Weight, performance, input voltage, torch ergonomics, price....are all part of it. No plasma machine will hit 100% of the potential users perfectly!We are very happy with the sales of the Powermax 30 and its reception in the field. It is (by far) the largest seller.....all brands included....in the 120/240 class of air plasma cutting systems. Of particular importance to most of our end user customers: The ability to cut at both 120 and 240 volts....with same output power in both ranges, the ability to sever 1/2" materials at 120 volts (no one else does this as well), low air consumption and long consumable life...as well as light weight. Bonus.....it is made in USA (keep your money here, the competition sends it to Asia!), and has the legendary Hypertherm reliability and consumable life......which makes it less expensive over time.I'd love to tell everyone what is going on in our R&D and new product engineering labs.....but I really like my job!Best regards, Jim Colt   Hypertherm Originally Posted by TozziWeldingKinda off topic, Jim I am going for a Powermax 30(need it on my truck). You guys aren't gonna come out with a new model after I buy one are you?
Reply:I love my PM30.  It's a great machine.  I just used it to cut about 24' of 1/4" I beam in half lengthwise almost non stop and it didn't miss a beat.
Reply:Hypertherm are always pretty good - whichever model you look at. Take a look at the Hypertherm Powermax 45 - it can be a bit expensive but worth it. There are some good deals on them out there so take a look. The other models you mentioned are pretty good too.
Reply:Price wasn't really that much of a deciding factor, My local dealer is who I go through for about 98% of all of my welding stuff, It was kinda nice getting my discount on the machine though for sure!1942 Lincoln Lincwelder 180, 2 Cylinder Wisconsin Gas1981 Lincoln Shield Arc 250, 3 Cylinder Perkins DieselLincold Idealarc 250 Roundtop AC DC+ DC- (80's)Miller Millermatic 250x
Reply:hi, heres  my local supplier in wisconsin with their online prices. Seems to appear as GREAT! they even added free shipping!  what do you think?  With gas prices soaring i think plasma cutters are going to have increased sales.http://www.weldersupply.com/products...tting+MachinesI cannot recommend the Lincoln Procut 25.  It is not beefy enough for a commercial enterprise #1.  It works ok on 220 but not well on 110. VERY clean dry air or it sputters, not unique but it is a fact on this one.  Consummables are a little spendy also.hope it works well for you.Buy America, End the recession (I note that ABC and Diane Sawyer have,  4 years after us...  decided it would do the country some good to buy American... late bloomers I suppose.Last edited by PapaLion; 12-11-2011 at 02:21 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools