Upgrading older Powermax 30 to Duramax LT torch?

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Hi everybody,I have an older Powermax 30 (not the 30XP).   My question revolves around the torch.    I'm interested in upgrading the torch to use the latest Duramax LT consumables.  Primarily for improved performance for drag cutting.   Although the Powermax 30 is "ok for drag cutting" that doesn't mean it works terribly well at it.The whole Duramax LT torch assembly is pretty expensive ($300).    Can i upgrade just the "Main Body" portion ($95) and then use the duramax consumables?    According to the images i see online, they appear to be similar.    I hesitate to spend almost $100 just to try it.    I was hoping somebody else has tried it first.Is there anything different in the power supply to use the Duramax LT torch?Duramax LT "Main Body"http://www.hypermaxonline.com/Hypert...nt_p_1008.htmlregular 30 torch "Main Body"http://www.davidharriesstore.co.uk/HYP.228112/
Reply:The pilot arc current ramp up and the power supply load voltage ratings make the newer torch (that is used in the Powermax30XP) incompatible with the older technology Powermax30. There is no recommended torch upgrade for the Powermax30.The Duramax LT torch and consumables require higher load voltages for all thicknesses....this higher load voltage would like overwork the older Powermax30 power supply that would likely result in a reduced duty cycle and overheating.  The different air flow and current upramp profiles that are designed for the Duramax LT torch are not possible on the older Powermax30, likely these different profiles would cause shorter consumable life and possibly excess misfiring of the torch. Newer, different technology was developed to make the 30XP more efficient and more powerful.....to take advantage of a better power supply design, newer torch and consumables were designed as well.  I am quite sure that the Duramax LT torch could be adapted to the original Powermax30 power supply, however it is unlikely that any advantages would be worth the effort.     Jim Colt    Hypertherm Jim Colt    Hypertherm

Originally Posted by mike944

Hi everybody,I have an older Powermax 30 (not the 30XP).   My question revolves around the torch.    I'm interested in upgrading the torch to use the latest Duramax LT consumables.  Primarily for improved performance for drag cutting.   Although the Powermax 30 is "ok for drag cutting" that doesn't mean it works terribly well at it.The whole Duramax LT torch assembly is pretty expensive ($300).    Can i upgrade just the "Main Body" portion ($95) and then use the duramax consumables?    According to the images i see online, they appear to be similar.    I hesitate to spend almost $100 just to try it.    I was hoping somebody else has tried it first.Is there anything different in the power supply to use the Duramax LT torch?Duramax LT "Main Body"http://www.hypermaxonline.com/Hypert...nt_p_1008.htmlregular 30 torch "Main Body"http://www.davidharriesstore.co.uk/HYP.228112/
Reply:If you use it alot and have the funds just get the newer 30xp or 45 amp machine. The 30xp is a beast. I blew through some old 1/4" steel coal fired furnace in minutes with the 30xp. the furnace was way to big to move as it sat so I had to cut it up to get it on the truck. Even with water pouring out of every air fitting I had on my lines because my generator and compressor were running in the bed of my truck on a 100 degree day it still went through it like it was nothing.
Reply:

Originally Posted by jimcolt

The pilot arc current ramp up and the power supply load voltage ratings make the newer torch (that is used in the Powermax30XP) incompatible with the older technology Powermax30. There is no recommended torch upgrade for the Powermax30.The Duramax LT torch and consumables require higher load voltages for all thicknesses....this higher load voltage would like overwork the older Powermax30 power supply that would likely result in a reduced duty cycle and overheating.  The different air flow and current upramp profiles that are designed for the Duramax LT torch are not possible on the older Powermax30, likely these different profiles would cause shorter consumable life and possibly excess misfiring of the torch. Newer, different technology was developed to make the 30XP more efficient and more powerful.....to take advantage of a better power supply design, newer torch and consumables were designed as well.  I am quite sure that the Duramax LT torch could be adapted to the original Powermax30 power supply, however it is unlikely that any advantages would be worth the effort.     Jim Colt    Hypertherm Jim Colt    Hypertherm
Reply:

Originally Posted by mike944

Not the answer I was hoping for, but at least it's an accurate answer!Thanks for taking the time to give a detailed technical explanation.Thing is, I don't use it a lot.    However, part of that is because it's hard to get good straight clean-edged cuts.     I've been using a wood strip as a straightedge.  Sized just right, it holds the torch off the metal just enough to work.I've been working with thicker metal in the last few years (much more heavy equipment repair) and I was thinking about upgrading to a 45XP, but as a hobbyist/homeowner/farmer, it's hard to justify an expensive purchase like that it when I'm not using it for a business to make money with.   I have a lot of other things I could use that money on.