Help with A T.D. Pakmaster 100XL

admin

I was recently given a Thermal Dynamics Pakmaster 100 XL Demo. The serial number is-182043a191303g. As you can see in the pics below, there's a piece broken that seems to be made into/part of the torch head itself. I've checked at two LWS's, both can order just the head, but it'll run me close to $600. The local Airgas claims they have a Radnor torch assembly(hose, power cable,etc.) that can be swapped on to my machine for around $300. They also stock comsumbales for this torch . I guess my questions are, I'm not crazy about Radnor badged/branded stuff. Has anyone used a Radnor brand torch and whip? Can anyone provide some informarttion as to where I might find this O.E. torch head for anyless than $600? Can anyone date this machine for me aswell? As you might have gathered I'm a plasma newbie. I've used ones in shops,shutdowns etc., just never had to repair or purchase consumables for one. Those either worked or they didn't Thanks for any and all help in advance.Hillbillyhttp://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t...2MTQtMTY0N.jpghttp://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t...2MTEtMjAyN.jpghttp://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t...2MTEtMjAyO.jpgLast edited by hillbillyfab; 06-25-2010 at 11:35 PM.Reason: forgot pictures
Reply:If I were you.....and I got this system for free.....I would put the correct factory torch on it. The system was designed to work with a T-D torch, and 99 out of 100 times will perform best as the engineers designed it. Even with the price of a proper new torch....you have a good piece of equipment at a bargain price.  Of course it would be a better score if it was a Hypertherm! (I had to put that in)Jim Colt
Reply:Yea, I wish it was a Hypetherm aswell, but it's not.  I guess I'll just make an executive decision and go with. Jim, does Hypetherm offer any trade-in incentivies? One of the desk jockeys at the LWS said TD would allow $700 trade-in towards a new machine.HillbillyLast edited by hillbillyfab; 06-27-2010 at 08:55 AM.
Reply:Most Hypertherm welding supply distributors offer trade ins. There is a factory supported program, but some dealers choose not to participate.Jim
Reply:The Hillbillyfab torch looks to be the same design as used with the old Pak series, without XR and what-not.Anyway, since I never saw one without it, I sort of thought they were factory shipped with a big clump of epoxy repair at the neck. That torch also had a fragile and pricey ceramic (I can't remember the correct term right now) insulating cap at the tip.Other than going with an epoxy repair, a PC-102 would be a good retrofit torch for this machine. Uhmm..., for whoever buys the trade-in from a Hypertherm dealer.Good LuckLast edited by denrep; 06-27-2010 at 09:48 AM.
Reply:Just wanted to give alittle update on my plasma. I decided to assemble the torch and give it a go, well it works and works well. I figured why not? I mean it's broke/broken, If it doen't work I'm only out a head, which is what I needed in the first place. I'm still on the prowl for a used replacement head, but for the mean time I've been making the plasma earn it's keep in the shop, sofar so good.
Reply:Dang it hillbillyfab!!!I keep forgetting to check with that guy.  I'm out of town all week so it'll have to wait until next week for me to forget again.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!