Are there any robust Plasma Cutters out there?

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I suspect there is no such thing as a plasma cutter that is as robust as a stick welder.  Electronics and arcs do not go together.But I would say that any non-inverter welder is more robust than any inverter welder - especially when you're talking stick.So might the "survivalist" plasma be an old non-inverter type?  (NOTE: I had a Hypertherm MAX40 "basket case" with a fubar torch that I gave up on - that torch design had a pneumatic safety circuit that made the torch complex and further, the main insulator in the torch was not replaceable.  So the MAX40 would not be my first choice in a non-inverter.)Thanks in advance,Tom
Reply:Well, first off, it has not been my experience that inverters are less "robust" than transformer welders when it comes to stick.My Miller XMT 304 is bulletproof, built industrial tuff, and needs LESS maintenance than my older transformer welders. And it welds better, too.But as far as plasma goes- the very earliest plasma cutters were, indeed, "analog"- they were heavy, expensive, and huge power hogs. Early analog plasma cutters drew as much as NINE THOUSAND AMPS input power at 220 volts. Not very practical for the home shop.MSFET switching transistors are what made plasma affordable, and possible in small shops.As far as I know, nobody has made analog plasma cutting machines for 30 or 40 years. They just arent practical.You are not going to see an analog plasma cutter for sale anytime soon. buy a Hypertherm or a Thermal Dynamics, they are built very tough.
Reply:One Word, Hypertherm!Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Hypertherm........If i remember correctly, Jim's PM45 was dropped from a shelf while cutting and still finished the cut........He still uses that machine today
Reply:Did you guys read the OP's Post?  he said he had a Hypertherm and it was a POS to paraphrase his words.   I am sure Jim Colt will be along to address this thread.  Looking forward to seeing what he has to say about a Dud Hypertherm... However I doubt you will convince him to buy another Hypertherm!     Powcon welders were/are very robust and take a lot of abuse,  never owned on of their Plasms but the Starcut they used to make may fit the bill as it used and external power source much like a wire feeder or suitcase needs a CC/CV power source.I have had no issues with my ESAB 875. which I bought used.  A buddy of mine has one too with no issues.  they are a pretty popluar model.Last edited by soutthpaw; 09-20-2011 at 04:36 PM.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:My Esab PCM 875 is pretty much built like a tank.  Lived most of it's life in a heavy equipment repair shop before it got to me and it's still running perfectly.  A bit beat up but everything works and works well.--Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:I have heard a lot of people like Hypertherm.  Might be my ex-MAX40 was one of those "robust analog" models - too bad the torch was an issue.  I'm going to try and find what non-inverters Hypertherm made.Regarding inverters being robust, there are lots of 30, 40, even 50 year old transformer stick welders out there that will work another 10, 20, 30 years.  Those big, heavy welders made in the 50's that are still around weld really good.  Is it common to see a 30-40 year old inverter like you see a 30-40 year old analog?  My guess is no, but that would be with 1st generation designs.  I don't know what generation inverters are nowadays but one would hope they are more robust that those made 35 years ago.However, just from a component failure analysis, when you have 10-100x more parts, failure is more likely.  Further, capacitors do not last forever but I suppose there is no such thing as a plasma cutter of any type w/o capacitors.Well, I have a stake in the inverter game:  my just acquired Thermal Dynamics Dynapak 110.  I bought it because if is over 10 years old (from what I was told) and it still works.Thanks,Tom
Reply:Originally Posted by Cardinal Grammeter I suspect there is no such thing as a plasma cutter that is as robust as a stick welder. . . .. . .So might the "survivalist" plasma be an old non-inverter type?
Reply:Originally Posted by Cardinal GrammeterI have heard a lot of people like Hypertherm.  Might be my ex-MAX40 was one of those "robust analog" models - too bad the torch was an issue.  I'm going to try and find what non-inverters Hypertherm made.Regarding inverters being robust, there are lots of 30, 40, even 50 year old transformer stick welders out there that will work another 10, 20, 30 years.  Those big, heavy welders made in the 50's that are still around weld really good.  Is it common to see a 30-40 year old inverter like you see a 30-40 year old analog?  My guess is no, but that would be with 1st generation designs.  I don't know what generation inverters are nowadays but one would hope they are more robust that those made 35 years ago.However, just from a component failure analysis, when you have 10-100x more parts, failure is more likely.  Further, capacitors do not last forever but I suppose there is no such thing as a plasma cutter of any type w/o capacitors.Well, I have a stake in the inverter game:  my just acquired Thermal Dynamics Dynapak 110.  I bought it because if is over 10 years old (from what I was told) and it still works.Thanks,Tom
Reply:Hypertherm Powermax 45It's a beast.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawDid you guys read the OP's Post?  he said he had a Hypertherm and it was a POS to paraphrase his words.   I am sure Jim Colt will be along to address this thread.  Looking forward to seeing what he has to say about a Dud Hypertherm... However I doubt you will convince him to buy another Hypertherm!     Powcon welders were/are very robust and take a lot of abuse,  never owned on of their Plasms but the Starcut they used to make may fit the bill as it used and external power source much like a wire feeder or suitcase needs a CC/CV power source.I have had no issues with my ESAB 875. which I bought used.  A buddy of mine has one too with no issues.  they are a pretty popluar model.
Reply:I just bought this one, 70 amps, under $900 shipped. Don't know about robustivity, but it seems good. Attached Images
Reply:wow are you askin' for it Jake...--Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:Oh god... is it opposite day Jake?
Reply:Originally Posted by Jake98I just bought this one, 70 amps, under $900 shipped. Don't know about robustivity, but it seems good.
Reply:Originally Posted by wintermutewow are you askin' for it Jake...--Wintermute
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinHypertherm Powermax 45It's a beast.
Reply:I blew a hose off inside by hooking it up to too much pressure, duh, so I got to look inside. I may never get to test it's full potential of 1 3/8" severance, but it works fine up to 40 amps so far. The warrantee says 'replacement'. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by Jake98I blew a hose off inside by hooking it up to too much pressure, duh, so I got to look inside. I may never get to test it's full potential of 1 3/8" severance, but it works fine up to 40 amps so far. The warrantee says 'replacement'.
Reply:Originally Posted by LlundbergHe said he did not want a Hypertherm.
Reply:Originally Posted by RiesBut as far as plasma goes- the very earliest plasma cutters were, indeed, "analog"- they were heavy, expensive, and huge power hogs. Early analog plasma cutters drew as much as NINE THOUSAND AMPS input power at 220 volts. Not very practical for the home shop.
Reply:Originally Posted by LlundbergCongrats on the machine, Jake. Don't listen to any negative comments and enjoy using the machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jake98Thanks Mate. Don't worry about me, I'm an equipment addict, got something from just about everywhere.. Everlast sponsers our welding forum on TractorByNet.com so I thought I'd give them a try. They make nothing but generators and welding equip., and have a dedicated new factory. I'm a remodeling contractor, so I don't know that much about welding stuff, but from what I see, they're going to be a force to be reckoned with. I kinda wish I bought their Powerpro unit, stick-tig-plasma. Would like to try tig.
Reply:Thanks so much for all the interest and discussion.A clarification on my part, Yes, I had a MAX40 but it had a damaged torch.  The torch had 2 features that made it in my book undesirable:A pneumatic safety interlock which is problematic (leaks)The main insulator is physically exposed and can be damaged - and it is not replaceable.The key to a MAX40 is all in the torch.  If it has a good torch, then with proper care I'll bet the unit is robust.  However, I didn't know that when I bought it.If I run into a fully functional MAX40, I'll probably buy it.  Same thing for a Powermax 45 if I get a deal on it.  (Friend of mine said there was a Hypertherm Plasma Cutter on CL for $125 out in the boonies.  It was gone before he could look into it further.  Who knows what it was or what condition it was in.  There will always be another deal out there.)These IGBT units may be a step in the right direction.Also, running a 20amp 110v cutter through a server grade computer UPS might be an interesting way to protect the welder from line voltage problems (spikes, lightning, surge, low voltage, etc.)
Reply:The Max40 was Hypertherm's first handheld, air plasma cutting system. It was designed about 30 years ago....and was kind of a revolution in the hand plasma market...as Hypertherm introduced it with its "Chopper" based pulse width modulated power supply....a predecessor to todays inverter power supplies. It was a very popular plasma system in its day....and still performs as well or better than many of the current 40 amp imports.Todays Hypertherm systems are far better in terms of cut quality, reliability, cut thickness, portability cut speed and consumable life. No comparison.Jim ColtYep - i have to agree with others - the one id go for is the Hypertherm Powermax 45!
Reply:Har-De-Har..  It's still going strong.LibertarianLincoln AC/DC 225Everlast PowerPlasma 70 Hobart IronmanEverlast PowerTig 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by Jake98Har-De-Har..  It's still going strong.
Reply:Are the Trafimet torches that come with it well reguarded? I'm a carpenter contractor, so I won't be able to give you an 'industrial usage' report on it.LibertarianLincoln AC/DC 225Everlast PowerPlasma 70 Hobart IronmanEverlast PowerTig 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by LlundbergHe said he did not want a Hypertherm.
Reply:Dont worry about him dude, he's got a bee in his bonnet about buying Quality stuff.Yep, Hypertherm in OZ too.
Reply:S'pect you can add me to the Hypertherm fanboy club too! If your stuck on old school, won't break, SCR fired... Panasonic makes a Gunslinger Mig/Stick and Mig/Plasma machine. The Plasma is 35amp PERIOD, no adjustment, but it works & don't bust. It's got one of the best mig arcs out there for an analog machine. Link here;http://industrial.panasonic.com/ww/i...gunslinger.jpgand pic below; Matt Attached Images