Miller Spectrum 625 VS Hypertherm Powermax 600

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Hi,I am very interested in everyone’s opinion on the miller spectrum 625 and the hypertherm powermax 600. One question I have for both machines is, are they capable of cutting thin metal like 18 ga. or even 20 ga.? I was told that both machines are too big to cut metal that thin. What are the advantages/disadvantages of using nitrogen vs compressed air?I am new to the plasma world so any other tips, thoughts or suggestions would be a great help.Thanks,Gr8ride
Reply:http://www.hypertherm.com/languages/...n_profiles.phpJust like a 12 gauge shotgun with a 3 1\2" chamber that can shoot 3 1\2", 3" and 2 3\4" shells, so my Hypertherm 1000 has an adjustable amperage control so you can reduce power when cutting aluminum foil but still have power to cut 1"+ steel when needed.The optional Finecut consumables kit will give a better overall finish from a smaller heat-affected zone, and more precise kerf for intricate jobs.Someone else must give Miller info.  I wouldn't use their products on a dare.
Reply:69 Chevy is correct....you wouldn't use the Powermax600 at its full output power to cut gauge material......unless you could accurately move the torch at 400 to 500 inches per minute. Hypertherm has developed FineCut consumables for slower, more intricate cutting on thinner materials. The Fine cuts are available even for the Powermax1000, 1250 and 1650 models....all cut identically at low power levels (down to 20 Amps) on thin materials. In the HVAC (ductwork) industry these systems are used often on 26 gauge galvanized.Jim
Reply:I was thinking you could cut the thinner metals with it but I wanted to ask, I guess you can't believe everything you read on the internet lol.Any thoughts on nitrogen vs compressed air? I will be mainly using it in my shop but I would like to be able to use it out in the field if I need to.Thanks for the info guys, keep it coming.
Reply:Compressed air..as long as it is clean and dry cuts far better than nitrogen on steel....and cuts as well on non ferrous materials. You can get high pressure cyclinders of compressed air cheaper than nitrogen at most gas suppliers. Th flow rate on a 600 is around 6 cfm....so you can get a little over 1/2hour arc on time with a full (220 cu ft) cylinder.Jim
Reply:I would look on Craig's List for a used portable air compressor for plasma cutting on the road.  Alot cheaper than paying for tank re-fills in the long run.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thanks for the replies guys, after reading previous posts here and talking with the local welding supply shop I decided to go with the hypertherm powermax 600. They sold the last one they had in stock two days before I got there, so I have to wait until next week before I can start using it. I ordered it with the 50' work leads so I won't have to move the unit around very often. Can't wait to try it out, thanks again for the advise.