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Hey guys,I've finally decided to buy a Hypertherm plasma cutter and wanted some input on what cutter is going to best suit my needs. I started looking at the 30 Air since all I have right now is a twin tank compressor, but I realized that my compressor puts out 4.9 CFM @ 90psi. That would put me safely in the 30XP which is good since it's a bit cheaper, but then I started looking at the 45XP. That would require a new compressor and I just don't have room at my current house for one.My first two projects are going to be smokers built out of 3/8" wall pipe and 1/4" for the rest of the parts. I seem to build a lot of bbqs for people. Once I find a new house I'm probably going to be building a saw mill, trailer and architectural elements for the house and property. My question is if I'm going to be cutting 3/8" regularly and 1/2" sometimes will the 30Xp be a solid performer long term? Will the 45XP work with my smaller gallon/CFM in the short term (4-6 months) until I move and buy a larger compressor? I guess I'm looking for input from 30XP owners the most to see if the small capacity was a regret.
Reply:Keep in mind the 45XP can cut thicker material at a faster pace. Not to mention the ability to turn it into a CNC cutting machine as well as the gouging abilities. If you can swing it, the 45 is the one to get.Last edited by N2 Welding; 04-14-2018 at 11:57 AM.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo. Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:go for the 45xp you will be glad you did, as your projects grow and the need to cut thicker material the 45 will work great and your gona be buying a bigger compressor any way...
Reply:1. You can run the 45xp on your compressor. You will likely (I'm guessing because I don't know the size of the tanks or the pressure rating) be able to cut for 30 to 45 seconds with the 45 amp shielded nozzle, and probably a minute or more with the Finecut nozzle before the pressure drops below 90 psi....and you will then need to wait for the compressor to cycle.2. If you (in the future) need to "be cutting 3/8" regularly and 1/2" sometimes" I suspect you will not be very happy with the 30XP. You will love the 45XP on those materials. I have both the 30XP and the 45XP (well, and an original 45, and a 65 and an 85!).Spend a few more bucks for the 45 XP! Jim Colt Hypertherm
Originally Posted by fasttruck860
Hey guys,I've finally decided to buy a Hypertherm plasma cutter and wanted some input on what cutter is going to best suit my needs. I started looking at the 30 Air since all I have right now is a twin tank compressor, but I realized that my compressor puts out 4.9 CFM @ 90psi. That would put me safely in the 30XP which is good since it's a bit cheaper, but then I started looking at the 45XP. That would require a new compressor and I just don't have room at my current house for one.My first two projects are going to be smokers built out of 3/8" wall pipe and 1/4" for the rest of the parts. I seem to build a lot of bbqs for people. Once I find a new house I'm probably going to be building a saw mill, trailer and architectural elements for the house and property. My question is if I'm going to be cutting 3/8" regularly and 1/2" sometimes will the 30Xp be a solid performer long term? Will the 45XP work with my smaller gallon/CFM in the short term (4-6 months) until I move and buy a larger compressor? I guess I'm looking for input from 30XP owners the most to see if the small capacity was a regret.
Reply:It's probably around $400 to $500 more for the 45. The available options are worth the extra dollars. Yes, it's a lot more money but you only want to do this once right.
Reply:The extra cost isn't such a big deal since originally I was looking at the 30 Air, the 45XP isn't much more. There's quite a few different packages of the 45, the cheaper ones list as no CPC port. Is that a CNC function item? I don't picture myself setting up CNC, but I guess anything is possible.
Reply:I agree with Jim. If I were more of a portable user I would have went the 30 and probably the 30 air. Dual voltage with air is an installers dream machine.Messing with BBQ's can get heavy and then you sometimes get to play with trailers, trailer hitches and the like. Go heavier.
Reply:I have the 30XP and it will cut 3/8" good enough for my needs. But I don't often cut 3/8". If I needed to cut 3/8" "regularly" I would want the 45XP. If you can swing the 45XP, do so. I have a 4.2 CFM rated twin tank portable compressor to run my 30XP. It gets me by fine for the cutting I do, but if I had the room I'd be buying a larger one. Yours will likely work for the 45XP, but prepare for the possiblity of wanting a larger compressor before too long.
Reply:I was in the same predicament as you.After considering everything, I decided to go with the 45xp. In the past I have always bought a piece of equipment with just a bit more capability than I needed and that mindset has served me well. During my research it appears the cut quality is better on the 45xp.Does anyone know what tips the 45xp comes with? I want the fine cut and can’t find any listing on the sites sell in the 45xp.
Reply:I think you will find the 30XP can cut just as nice or better then a 45XP depending on cut thickness. Meaning each will have it's strong points.. Remember you have a couple of 30 amp nozzles available for the 30XP, and 45 amp only nozzles for the 45XP.. The torch is smaller on the 30XP too.. Even the nozzle style on the 30 air will have advantages over the others too.. (IMO) Not a slam dunk for the 45XP depending what you are using it for.. If the 45XP was perfect, then there would not be a 30 air or 30 XP.. Just saying from a 45xp owner.. Nice machine, and does way better on 3/4 ms then the smaller units..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:If a hand held 45xp is purchased it ships with a complete set of 45 amp shielded consumables in the torch along with 1 extra nozzle and 1 extra electrode. Here are the basic cutting choices for the hand torch. Note that there is no part called a tip.....Hypertherm uses the correct engineering terms for each part so there is less confusion (some plasma manufacturers call an electrode a tip, other call a nozzle a tip). The real reason we have a 30XP and a 45XP is not because one is superior to the other......rather it is to provide an affordable dual voltage system (30XP) as well as an entry level machine that has a good thickness range and the easy ability to work on cnc machines (45xp). Both have similar cut quality on thin materials, the 45XP has a huge advantage on thick materials. Jim Colt Hypertherm
Originally Posted by Dazman
I was in the same predicament as you.After considering everything, I decided to go with the 45xp. In the past I have always bought a piece of equipment with just a bit more capability than I needed and that mindset has served me well. During my research it appears the cut quality is better on the 45xp.Does anyone know what tips the 45xp comes with? I want the fine cut and cant find any listing on the sites sell in the 45xp.
Reply:Well, I think I'm going to buy the 45XP since I will definitely cut 1/2" or thicker on occasion. I'll get by for a while with my current compressor until I move into a larger house/shop . I don't need portability since this machine won't leave the shop and I hate buying a tool and then regretting not getting the more capable option if my needs are in between the two. Thanks the advice everyone and the technical input Jim.
Reply:Good choice. The last thing to consider is resale if you even want or need to sell. The 45XP will definitely have more options for buyers when it's for sale as it is capable of CNC connections.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo. Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:
Originally Posted by jimcolt
If a hand held 45xp is purchased it ships with a complete set of 45 amp shielded consumables in the torch along with 1 extra nozzle and 1 extra electrode. Here are the basic cutting choices for the hand torch. Note that there is no part called a tip.....Hypertherm uses the correct engineering terms for each part so there is less confusion (some plasma manufacturers call an electrode a tip, other call a nozzle a tip). The real reason we have a 30XP and a 45XP is not because one is superior to the other......rather it is to provide an affordable dual voltage system (30XP) as well as an entry level machine that has a good thickness range and the easy ability to work on cnc machines (45xp). Both have similar cut quality on thin materials, the 45XP has a huge advantage on thick materials. Jim Colt Hypertherm
Reply:
Originally Posted by fasttruck860
Well, I think I'm going to buy the 45XP since I will definitely cut 1/2" or thicker on occasion. I'll get by for a while with my current compressor until I move into a larger house/shop . I don't need portability since this machine won't leave the shop and I hate buying a tool and then regretting not getting the more capable option if my needs are in between the two. Thanks the advice everyone and the technical input Jim.
Reply:No, use the mechanized shield for Finecut (220948) which extends past the nozzle....drag cut all day! Jim Colt Hypertherm
Originally Posted by N2 Welding
Good choice. The last thing to consider is resale if you even want or need to sell. The 45XP will definitely have more options for buyers when it's for sale as it is capable of CNC connections.
Reply:
Originally Posted by jimcolt
No, use the mechanized shield for Finecut (220948) which extends past the nozzle....drag cut all day! Jim Colt Hypertherm
Reply:No, as I mentioned in a previous post the 45XP (hand torch version) comes with a full set of 45 amp shielded parts as well as one spare electrode and nozzle for the same. If you want to get other consumables for Finecut or gouging, or extended cutting then you will need to order them in addition to the standard system. Jim Colt
Originally Posted by Dazman
Jim, I take it that comes with the 45xp?Thanks
Reply:I downloaded the manual and now I see you that you can only start with the drag cutting.
Reply:Not sure what you mean by that. All Hypertherm Powermax torches can stand off cut or drag cut. If you use the drag cut consumables (shield) you will get longer life out of the nozzle and electrode...and easier cutting with a template or guide. Some people prefer to hold the torch a distance from the material (standoff)...that can be done as well. You do not have to touch the material to start the torch as it fires a pilot arc in the air....if you are within about 1/4" of the material and the work clamp is connected, the arc will transfer and increase power and start cutting. Jim Colt Hypertherm
Reply:Sorry, I meant that it comes with the drag cut shield. I also went to the Hypermax site and it shows all consumables, i.e., torch type, nozzle, shield deflector, etc. It all makes sense now and I know all the parts I need for fine or flush cutting.Picked up my 45XP today!Last edited by Dazman; 04-16-2018 at 07:27 PM.
Reply:For air supply you could always plumb in an expansion tank i.e. 10 gallon air pig would buy you some cut time.
Reply:
Originally Posted by flushcut
For air supply you could always plumb in an expansion tank i.e. 10 gallon air pig would buy you some cut time.
Reply:
Originally Posted by fasttruck860
I plan on picking up a cheap tank off craigslist if I can find one to hold me over for a bit.
Reply:
Originally Posted by flushcut
For air supply you could always plumb in an expansion tank i.e. 10 gallon air pig would buy you some cut time.The Powermax 45 is by far the best value you'll find in a plasma cutter, period. The machine will straight up knock your socks off. As someone who builds smokers as well I would say go with the 45. That being said the Powermax 30 will do everything you're trying to do, but I guarantee you will be buying a 45 later on down the road. Just spend the extra $$ and get a 45 now with a decent compressor. You will not be disappointed, I promise!ESAB Powercut 1600/ Hypertherm 30XP + 45XP/ Lincoln Powermig 255/ Jet Band SawCheck out my plasma cutter reviews also!Current Project: 175 Gallon Reverse Flow BBQ Smoker!
Reply:
Originally Posted by JMDWelds
The Powermax 45 is by far the best value you'll find in a plasma cutter, period. The machine will straight up knock your socks off. As someone who builds smokers as well I would say go with the 45. That being said the Powermax 30 will do everything you're trying to do, but I guarantee you will be buying a 45 later on down the road. Just spend the extra $$ and get a 45 now with a decent compressor. You will not be disappointed, I promise!
Reply:Hmmm...a 45XP DV Air w/ filter and I'll sell my left elbow to get one.
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Reply:
Originally Posted by Oscar
Hmmm...a 45XP DV Air w/ filter and I'll sell my left elbow to get one.
Reply:One problem with a 45XP dual voltage would be the torch config. I sure would not want to be stuck with that size club/cable/ front end design on my 120 volt plasma cutter.. It would kill some of the best features I want in a 120 volt unit.. In fact the 30 air has a better nozzle layout,and more like the older standard Powermax 30.. I found a much better torch/cable layout in a new in box/old stock machine I setup for portable work..45 xp will stay on the cart, and the Thermal dynamics will get the 120 volt work. Saved about $1000.00 over a new model 120/240 unit. I can use a small Rolair JC-10 compressor with this combo no problem.. Meaning only 7 amps of 120 volt power to deal with..That puts it in portable as far as the generator goes too..
My main point is.... what works for one person, is a deal killer for the next guy.
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Reply:Personally I would love to see a dual voltage 45 amp plasma with a built in air compressor for $2500. In reality I think the price would end up in the $3500 or so range if it had the same amount of power and duty cycle as the current 45XP produces.....about 6.5 kW (Kilowatts) of cutting power. When you get to that power level you need more air flow, which of course means a bigger compressor. Same with duty cycle, bigger compressor and better cooling efficiency, bigger IGBT switching transistors, bigger output inductors, etc. etc. I'm sure that one of the low cost import companies could build one and sell it in the $2500 or lower price range, however it would have a knock off low cost torch, lower duty cycle, less than stellar warranty coverage, difficulty repairing and finding parts. Hypertherm continuously surveys the entire world market to ensure the plasma cutters we are working on in our R&D labs are the right products for industry......so far we see little demand for plasma's with built in compressors that cost any more than our current Powermax30Air does. I did get to cut with a "backpack" plasma cutter....battery powered with a high pressure portable air tank in our advanced engineering labs. I think the biggest market for that may be for cutting open ATM machines! Jim Colt
Reply:$3500 would still be a plenty fair dealio. You figure what a generator and a decent medium portable compressor, plus the cost of a PM45 is and the $3500 doesn't hurt bad at all.I suppose the bean counters at Hypertherm could sort out the reality/feasibility of it all.
Reply:in all fairness a 45 air or 45xp air what ever it could be named would no longer be portable. Air compressors are not light "well not when coupled to a plasma cutter" and if they are they are not very reliable.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo. Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:I could see military or rescue applications for a backpack version.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:
Originally Posted by fasttruck860
Hey guys,I've finally decided to buy a Hypertherm plasma cutter and wanted some input on what cutter is going to best suit my needs. I started looking at the 30 Air since all I have right now is a twin tank compressor, but I realized that my compressor puts out 4.9 CFM @ 90psi. That would put me safely in the 30XP which is good since it's a bit cheaper, but then I started looking at the 45XP. That would require a new compressor and I just don't have room at my current house for one.My first two projects are going to be smokers built out of 3/8" wall pipe and 1/4" for the rest of the parts. I seem to build a lot of bbqs for people. Once I find a new house I'm probably going to be building a saw mill, trailer and architectural elements for the house and property. My question is if I'm going to be cutting 3/8" regularly and 1/2" sometimes will the 30Xp be a solid performer long term? Will the 45XP work with my smaller gallon/CFM in the short term (4-6 months) until I move and buy a larger compressor? I guess I'm looking for input from 30XP owners the most to see if the small capacity was a regret.
Reply:I just skimmed the tread so forgive me if I missed something. I have a 45XP that I replaced an older PM1000 with. I find it to be an excellent machine and I would not consider a 30air for myself....not worth the decrease in cut speed/capacity for me. As for your air requirements, I used to run 2 cheap (small) air compressors from a big box store, pigtailed together with an air tee, to run my PM1000. I was rarely waiting for the compressors when doing general hand cutting. Could be an option for you to add a cheap compressor in parallel with what you have - even if its just temporary. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:
Originally Posted by N2 Welding
in all fairness a 45 air or 45xp air what ever it could be named would no longer be portable. Air compressors are not light "well not when coupled to a plasma cutter" and if they are they are not very reliable.
Reply:I have a Cobalt oil less air compressor POS with a 40 gallon or bigger tank. In any case it's a pure POS through and through. If it was not for the tank it would be pretty light but still a POS. Did I mention it's a POS.
Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo. Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:The bigger problem is that our VOC program (voice of the customer.....essentially continuous survey of end user wants, needs, budgets, etc) tells us that a few would sell, but not nearly enough to justify design and production of a 45 amp 6 kW plasma with dual voltage and an onboard compressor. It would be noble to offer one I suppose, but not profitable! Jim Colt
Originally Posted by Bonzoo
$3500 would still be a plenty fair dealio. You figure what a generator and a decent medium portable compressor, plus the cost of a PM45 is and the $3500 doesn't hurt bad at all.I suppose the bean counters at Hypertherm could sort out the reality/feasibility of it all.
Reply:
Originally Posted by jimcolt
The bigger problem is that our VOC program (voice of the customer.....essentially continuous survey of end user wants, needs, budgets, etc) tells us that a few would sell, but not nearly enough to justify design and production of a 45 amp 6 kW plasma with dual voltage and an onboard compressor. It would be noble to offer one I suppose, but not profitable! Jim Colt
Reply:Working on logic, not a poll, The buyer of a 45 amp plasma will have a source of air. Even a small compressor will feed a big plasma if not used continuously. In my teens, I did spare time body work with a 1 HP compressor. I had a series of extra tanks for reserve. Sandblasting, or DA work would eventually deplete air supply, some waiting did happen. I supplemented it with a three HP, I was in heaven!A facility I often do electrical work for just bought an on board compressor Hypertherm. I don't understand why. They have two air compressors 25 & 30 HP. Air is piped throughout the plant. The purchasing individual brags he got a tremendous price " 'cause he knows" an employee. I looked up his price, it is available from several companies.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared. |
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发表于 2021-9-1 23:17:13