Hypertherm 30xp vs used Hobart 40i GEN 1

admin

The title says it. Those are my options. But here's the details...I'm coming from a Harbor Freight Titanium that I got on an open box sale 60% off. Already sold it for what I paid. I generally cut 16ga to 3/8, but I'd like the ability to cut 1/2 if needed. I'm all hobby use only, but you never know what future projects require. I don't do CNC and have no current way to even set up a table - even if it was free. I always hear people say buy bigger than you think you need, and I REALLY wish I could.My air power consists of 5cfm @ 90 psi from 225psi 15 gallon tank. The compressor is rated as continuous use.  My air situation CAN"T change. There's no way to add another 240v outlet to my shop, and I honestly can't add a large tank inside or outside for multiple reasons.  I REALLY wanted a Hypertherm 45xp, but after hours of reading, I'm seeing I don't have the air to support it. That could change... but that would be several years down the road when we move. I looked at the current Hobart 40i GEN 2, but it also has the same air requirements. I've poured over specs and reviews.I'm looking at the Hypertherm 30xp, but I'm afraid it'll end up too small. I've found a used 2021 Hobart 40i gen 1 locally that's made 2 cuts. They want $1200 (might take less). I have friends that know the sellers. It looks brand new. But unless someone else can tell me different, the Hobart warranty won't apply to me as the second hand owner.Which would you buy in this situation?JLast edited by jrigal; 2 Weeks Ago at 02:04 AM.
Reply:

Originally Posted by jrigal

The title says it. Those are my options. But here's the details...I'm coming from a Harbor Freight Titanium that I got on an open box sale 60% off. Already sold it for what I paid. I generally cut 16ga to 3/8, but I'd like the ability to cut 1/2 if needed. I'm all hobby use only, but you never know what future projects require. I don't do CNC and have no current way to even set up a table - even if it was free. I always hear people say buy bigger than you think you need, and I REALLY wish I could.My air power consists of 5cfm @ 90 psi from 225psi 15 gallon tank. The compressor is rated as continuous use.  My air situation CAN"T change. There's no way to add another 240v outlet to my shop, and I honestly can't add a large tank inside or outside for multiple reasons.  I REALLY wanted a Hypertherm 45xp, but after hours of reading, I'm seeing I don't have the air to support it. That could change... but that would be several years down the road when we move. I looked at the current Hobart 40i GEN 2, but it also has the same air requirements. I've poured over specs and reviews.I'm looking at the Hypertherm 30xp, but I'm afraid it'll end up too small. I've found a used 2021 Hobart 40i gen 1 locally that's made 2 cuts. They want $1200 (might take less). I have friends that know the sellers. It looks brand new. But unless someone else can tell me different, the Hobart warranty won't apply to me as the second hand owner.Which would you buy?J
Reply:Also, if you get an additional tank for that compressorBE CAREFUL!!!I think most air receiver tanks are rated for 200 PSI (working pressure, tested to 600 PSI).Sent from my Lincoln Buzzbox using Tapatalk
Reply:The 30xp can cut 3/8" no problem.   1/2" is more of a severance cut since you will get more dross due to the slower cutting speed.   So if that's ok with you, then it will work just fine.  It only need 4 scfm @ 80psi, so you have enough air flow.  Just make sure it's clean and dry and it will extend the life of the electrodes.  Once you need to cleanly cut 1/2" and not severance, then you'd need to step up everythingLast edited by Oscar; 2 Weeks Ago at 07:54 PM.

1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig!



Reply:Ok the hypertherm is a good cutter to get.  ThanksRetired Old GuyHobart 210Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 Tombstone Evolution 14” Saw
Reply:

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

If you want a Hypertherm 45 and you have a 15 gallon 225PSI, 5CFM @ 90 PSI compressor and you don't usually cut over 3/8 AND you are cutting by hand, not doing massive stuff with a CNCYou will be fine. I own a 50A plasma cutter and regularly cut over 3/8" steel with it. The internal regulator on the plasma cutter is set high enough to get a clean cut on 5/8". I never mess with it, I just change amperage (not best practice? Works for me, though). I am using a Porter Cable 6 gallon pancake air compressor most of the time. My 3 phase compressor isn't hooked up right now, my engine drive is WAYYYYY overkill for running a plasma cutter, and the compressor I loaned the compressor I usually use for the plasma cutter to a friend of mine. The Porter Cable OBVIOUSLY isn't able to keep up, but I'm able to make a few FEET of cut on 3/8" without any issue. I have literally never had an issue with that PC 6 gallon putting out enough air for the plasma cutter. If I was trying to make a 5 minute long continuous cut in 1/2" plate, THEN I'd need to get the "proper" CFM output from the pumpSent from my Lincoln Buzzbox using Tapatalk
Reply:

Originally Posted by jrigal

But unless someone else can tell me different, the Hobart warranty won't apply to me as the second hand owner.Which would you buy in this situation?J
Reply:

Originally Posted by jrigal

I thought I read that even on lower amp cutting, the air requirement stays the same?