Plasma Cutter Purchase HELP?

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I am comtemplating purchasing a Hypertherm Powermax 1000 for my cutter @ a purchase price of $1970 delivered to my door. I would like opinions for & against this paticular plasma cutter, also has anyone seen this model any cheaper. Any info & help would be greatly appreciated.Rangerod
Reply:Might not be a bad idea looking into the costs of consumable parts for whatever machine you get- My 'miller' cutforce650 set me back almost $100 for 5 tips! I dont cut plasma much If I increase my use of the plasma cutter I will buy a Thermal Dynamics 'surelok' torch, so I can escape Millers 'patented' torch consumable parts  The Miller torch is a Hypertherm unit, with enough differences to ensure that I have to buy only miller consumables- I did not look close enough at these details when buying my cutter Sorry I cant help you with the specific question you asked."after a long day of doing nothing...its gooood to kick back" Pumbaa
Reply:Planet XI will definately look into that aspect of  the machine, Thanks.Rangerod
Reply:I paid 1950 for mine awhile back delievered so that is a good price.I haven't had any trouble with mine. I wish I had some smaller tips for it . The thickest thing I've cut is some 3/8" plate and it worked fine. You do have to provide enough air pressure. I had to get a bigger compressor to feed the thing. You set it at 70 psi.  It cuts pretty clean but it took a little while to get the hang of it ,cause it wanted to stop the cut before I did occasionally. I think it was operator error. I like mine but I have only used a Miller other than this one so I can't compare it with anything else. If I can answer anything specific I will.Hope this helps ,DavidDavid
Reply:echo8287   Are saying that the kerf it cuts is too large for your liking?Rangerod
Reply:Ive had my 1000 for about 2 mo.s . Only cut 1/4" (gussets) It was awsome, damn near as good a shear. As too consumables, My local supplier beat the net, bought a bunch of extras; 40& 60 amp electrodes, shields & gouging ,extended & etc about $60 bucks. I think Miller is conciderabally higher. IMHO you cant beat this machine in this this class.
Reply:WidetrackmanThanks for the info. I have been hearing some good things about the Thermal Dynamics Cutmmaster 81 also. Its a definately expensive investment so I am wanting to get all info I can.Rangerod
Reply:To cut the cost of consumables with any of the plasma cutters, you really need to assure that you have the driest air possible.  Franz has a big dog 'n pony show about separators posted elsewhere on this site under "Compressors", you may want to review it.
Reply:Hey Ranger rod my 1000 does cut a kerf about 1/8". Iwas cutting some stuff (art type pictures ) and wished it would cut a finer line. Someone posted that there are some smaller tips for it but I haven't found any yet. My air is dry and the thing cuts great. I got a new air compressor to run the thing(7.5hp,80 gallon tank,25 scfm) and it will get down with plenty of pressure. One other thing is several companies with CNC machines use the 1000 with them. I think they will link up to the software. Maybe the others will do that too ,but I saw where a couple of them recommended Hypertherm machines. DavidDavid
Reply:echo8287   I am wanting to use the plasma cutter on a CNC machine in addition to using it as a manual machine. We have a Powermax 1250 at work with a machine torch, don't know what type or size of tips it uses yet, but it cuts approx a 1/16" kerf. I can live with that thickness of kerf & it seems like the machine has quite a bit of power compared to our Miller 2050 manual plasma cutter. I know the Powermax 1250 is bigger but it just seems to me that the Hypertherm just blows the Miller away in a big way. Thats my experience with Hyperhterm I just wanted to hear more testimonials for peace of mind. Thanks for the input.Rangerod
Reply:You might really wamt to check out the thermal dynamic 81 if you want to go from manual to machine and back. The new 1Torch just unscrews and you can screw in a machine torch. Plus you can add extentions on. I just got one and I really like it. 1850 including shipping. Comes with several different size tips also.leaddog
Reply:Buy it, Great machine, had one for years and never let me down
Reply:I just went through this decision.  Here is what I decided...I am 80% sure I am going with the Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 81 or 101.Reasons:      I like the one torch design.         There is currently a sale on with a free 25' extension.      The local airgas carries consumables        There is a plasmcam table owner closeby and he has used the TD        with  no problems.       Non-HF start so should make it easier on CNC/computer shielding       The local TD dealer was willing to let me cut.  The local Hypertherm said        you can come by and cut but once you turn it on its yours.       Talked to the tech rep at TD and he went out of his way to help.So..  Unless something changes drastically TD it is.Thanks again for all your input.  I found out that both units are excellent and it really came down to a personal choice.StevenPS.Did look at ESAB but couldn't find any local dealers and one person I contacted had one and said "I still have it.  It sits on the shelf while the TD stays in use."The reason for deciding between 81 and 101 is a local shop said they would consider outsourcing some to me if I could cut 3/4 mild.
Reply:I have a Powermax 1000 that is used both manually and with a CNC table using the manual torch. I run both the 60A regular consumables and the 40A fine cut. Hypertherm units are pilot arc start so they won't interfere with CNC or computer equipment and they have conveniently made available spade connections on the main internal board to give arc voltage signals for height control systems. The standard consumables have a kerf that is on the wide side for small detail work on a CNC table but not for regular hand cutting. The 40A fine cut tips work great and have a nice clean narrow kerf with little or no dross produced. The controls are simple and easy to use and I have had no problems with the unit or the torch. If I had to buy another machine I would still buy the Hypertherm. The other brand names are good also but consumables and support is more available for Hypertherm in my local.As with any other Plasma cutter brand or model, you need to have a reliable supply of clean, DRY air or you will go through consumable like crazy.