Consumable interchangeability and effect on cut thickness/Air consumption.

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Howdy,I just purchased the PowerMax 45XP, and am currently in the process of choosing an air delivery system for my needs. I currently do hobby work out of the garage, and as a student do lots of welding practice on scrap. I do not have much space, and funds are limited.To the heart of my question: I have read a little snippet of information online that 30XP consumables can be used on the 45XP torch, and as such would decrease the air volume the plasma demands. I would assume that a decrease in effective cutting thickness would result. I currently work with material 3/8” and under, as long as I could satisfy that need, I’d have no Issue.So in summary I’m looking to confirm that: 30XP cutting consumables do in fact fit in the 45XP torch, that they do lower the CFM/H needed to operate the machine, and that with the smaller consumables I would still be able to cut up to 3/8” regularly. As a bonus question, would using the smaller consumables on the 45XP torch have any other adverse effects besides a decrease in effective cutting depth?The issue is that I need a smallish 120V compressor to fit in my garage. I am looking at a 30 Gallon model that supposedly delivers 6CFM @ 90 PSI. I know that is the minimum recommendation for the 45XP, but I hear that there can be performance issues if operating at the bare minimum. I also know that sometimes compressor companies can fudge their numbers some. If I can use smaller consumables to achieve desired performance with a smaller compressor, that would be ideal.Thanks for any insight offered!-Mark SmithMiller Bobcat 250Vulcan ProTig200Vulcan MigMax215Everlast PowerArc 210STLHypertherm PowerMax45 Xp
Reply:You kind of put the cart before the horse with this purchase. Should of had the air compressor long before purchasing a plasma machine. Maybe just priorities different but I wouldn't purchase a spray gun to paint cars in the shop without an air compressor in place first. You have done the same thing. I mean no disrespect but you are on a path that will get you there; albeit more slowly than anticipated.An air compressor is a vital piece of equipment for most any shop as it is used for so many different tasks you've yet to discover. At this point I'd save your $$$ and purchase a good quality compressor used, (Quincy, Curtis, Champion, Saylor-Beal) etc. and never look back. You can get high quality compressors with an upright 30 gallon tank easily if you look enough. Most of these brands in a 3hp rating are going to be well in excess of what that machine requires at full bore output. AND, you will be able run an impact wrench, air hammer, needle scaler, etc. and other air tools which consume a large amount of air. Start with a quality used air compressor and you'll have something to work with; and the pricing will be kept in check.Just my opinions of course and worth what they cost you.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:Mark,First, the 30XP consumables will not work (or fit) in the 45XP torch. The 45xp torch is the same design we use on the 45xp, 65, 85 ad the 105, while the 30XP torch is designed for lower amperage, lower purchase price, lower duty cycle.Second, Your choice of compressor is likely more than adequate for your suggested usage. As long as the plasma sees more than 90 psi at its inlet while air is flowing at the torch then you can expect it to cut exactly the same as it would on a 10hp, 120 gallon compressor. With a 6.0 cfm flowrate at 90psi you should be able to cut any thickness (severance is rated at 1-1/4" on the 45xp) just fine. If the compressor numbers are wrong.....worse case is that the pressure will drop below 90psi (maybe after a continuous couple of minutes of cut) and the plasma cutter will stop cutting until pressure builds back up over 90 psi. A couple of things....looks like you live in Tampa, humidity is the norm there. Drain the compressor tank every day before use and you will be fine with no extra filtration or water separation for hobby use.....the onboard filter separator on the 45XP will handle the humidity in the compressed air adequately. Also....be sure your air hose is at least 3/8" inside diameter and under 50' in length. A lot of the low budget air hoses are 1/4" ID and not acceptable.Third,  the Finecut consumables (the ones made for the 45XP) will uses less air than the 45 amp shielded. You will probably be happy with them when hand cutting up through 1/4", though you can sever 1/2" with them at very slow speeds. While I don't think you will have issues with air flow/pressure.....the Finecuts will probably be just fine for 90% of your needs. There is a big power difference though with the 45 Amps shielded which you will immediately notice....even when both sets of consumables are run at 45 amps.Good luck, thanks for buying the Hypertherm, and feel free to ask questions as they come up.  Jim Colt   Hypertherm

Originally Posted by Mmock4

Howdy,I just purchased the PowerMax 45XP, and am currently in the process of choosing an air delivery system for my needs. I currently do hobby work out of the garage, and as a student do lots of welding practice on scrap. I do not have much space, and funds are limited.To the heart of my question: I have read a little snippet of information online that 30XP consumables can be used on the 45XP torch, and as such would decrease the air volume the plasma demands. I would assume that a decrease in effective cutting thickness would result. I currently work with material 3/8” and under, as long as I could satisfy that need, I’d have no Issue.So in summary I’m looking to confirm that: 30XP cutting consumables do in fact fit in the 45XP torch, that they do lower the CFM/H needed to operate the machine, and that with the smaller consumables I would still be able to cut up to 3/8” regularly. As a bonus question, would using the smaller consumables on the 45XP torch have any other adverse effects besides a decrease in effective cutting depth?The issue is that I need a smallish 120V compressor to fit in my garage. I am looking at a 30 Gallon model that supposedly delivers 6CFM @ 90 PSI. I know that is the minimum recommendation for the 45XP, but I hear that there can be performance issues if operating at the bare minimum. I also know that sometimes compressor companies can fudge their numbers some. If I can use smaller consumables to achieve desired performance with a smaller compressor, that would be ideal.Thanks for any insight offered!
Reply:Thank you Mr.colt for your prompt reply, and answering that question for me. I had pulled that from another thread somewhere where another poster had asked a question about air requirements for the 45XP(or maybe it was the older generation 45). I definitely will be going with a 3/8 ID hose, and will be draining the tank before each use. I am glad to hear the 6CFM rating on the compressor that I’m looking at will deliver acceptable performance throughout the machines cutting range. Keep up the good work, in my opinion you are the company! Your willingness to answer questions, do videos, and monitor your customers even in nooks and crannies on the Internet speaks volume about you, and the company you represent. I wish more companies had people such as yourself representing their products.Slob: I do know what you mean, and normally I’d agree. However I knew I’d be buying one of these machines eventually, and one came up on the used market, at an excellent price, in excellent condition, under warranty, with extra consumables, and with the CPC port. I got this for less than a new 30XP retails for. It is not common to see these machines come up in the used marketplace, and even more-so that they are available at such a deal. It was an opportunity I could not pass up. I do intend on getting a beefier all purpose air delivery system, when space and time allows. I currently am under my parents wing as I go through welding school, and my equipment occupies a corner of our garage. A larger compressor would require more real estate, require that I run another 240V circuit, and demand a hefty upfront purchase cost that at the moment I cannot immediately satisfy. At the moment I just need an air supply that will work primarily for the cutter, and maybe a die grinder, when I move into a shop and have the space, more financial resources, and more capabilities a heftier option will be purchased for sure.Last edited by Mmock4; 09-30-2018 at 09:25 AM.-Mark SmithMiller Bobcat 250Vulcan ProTig200Vulcan MigMax215Everlast PowerArc 210STLHypertherm PowerMax45 Xp
Reply:

Originally Posted by Mmock4

Thank you Mr.colt for your prompt reply, and answering that question for me. I had pulled that from another thread somewhere where another poster had asked a question about air requirements for the 45XP(or maybe it was the older generation 45). I definitely will be going with a 3/8 ID hose, and will be draining the tank before each use. I am glad to hear the 6CFM rating on the compressor that I’m looking at will deliver acceptable performance throughout the machines cutting range. Keep up the good work, in my opinion you are the company! Your willingness to answer questions, do videos, and monitor your customers even in nooks and crannies on the Internet speaks volume about you, and the company you represent. I wish more companies had people such as yourself representing their products.Slob: I do know what you mean, and normally I’d agree. However I knew I’d be buying one of these machines eventually, and one came up on the used market, at an excellent price, in excellent condition, under warranty, with extra consumables, and with the CPC port. I got this for less than a new 30XP retails for. It is not common to see these machines come up in the used marketplace, and even more-so that they are available at such a deal. It was an opportunity I could not pass up. I do intend on getting a beefier all purpose air delivery system, when space and time allows. I currently am under my parents wing as I go through welding school, and my equipment occupies a corner of our garage. A larger compressor would require more real estate, require that I run another 240V circuit, and demand a hefty upfront purchase cost that at the moment I cannot immediately satisfy. At the moment I just need an air supply that will work primarily for the cutter, and maybe a die grinder, when I move into a shop and have the space, more financial resources, and more capabilities a heftier option will be purchased for sure.
Reply:One point about filtering air. All well, and good to use the factory filter, but...... if your compressor pumps a bit of oil with the air, the factory filtration will do  squat about having so many air issues would of wished you bought ebay China machine. (so you can crush it with your car, and feel kind of good about it)  

A little extra filter is good insurance, as long as it still flows enough cfm for the cutter. You can keep the regulated compressor input air pressure up towards the recommended upper level, and the 45XP will not starve for air..(meaning don't just set the input air pressure to 90 psi, and think it's all good) Push the purge button on the front, and watch if the cutting PSI is steady, and up where it should be..You have fine cut consumables,  Just use those for Sheet metal detail type of work,  You will forget about standard 30 xp lower amp nozzles pretty quick. Look at the cut chart, and the kerf setting they provide. Run then a bit lower amps as needed, because you don't have to stick with 45 amps all the time..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:

Originally Posted by Brand X

One point about filtering air. All well, and good to use the factory filter, but...... if your compressor pumps a bit of oil with the air, the factory filtration will do  squat about having so many air issues would of wished you bought ebay China machine. (so you can crush it with your car, and feel kind of good about it)  

A little extra filter is good insurance, as long as it still flows enough cfm for the cutter. You can keep the regulated compressor input air pressure up towards the recommended upper level, and the 45XP will not starve for air..(meaning don't just set the input air pressure to 90 psi, and think it's all good) Push the purge button on the front, and watch if the cutting PSI is steady, and up where it should be..You have fine cut consumables,  Just use those for Sheet metal detail type of work,  You will forget about standard 30 xp lower amp nozzles pretty quick. Look at the cut chart, and the kerf setting they provide. Run then a bit lower amps as needed, because you don't have to stick with 45 amps all the time..
Reply:This is a really good price for what it is.. Although with your oil less compressor,you took the oil mist out of the equation. Little water you can handle, little oil,not good..https://www.ebay.com/itm/La-Man-Extr....c100505.m3226Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i