which plasma cutter to buy and min compressor needed

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im running a miller 200 dx im looking for a plasma cutter whats a good one to buy ?i like the miller 625 but not the cost ?  are  cheaper ones worth it?for a aircompressor i will looking at dewalt 200 psi  4 gal tank  which i was hoping it will run the plasma  ? most my work is traveling so i need  to be able to run off 120 if i need to ?
Reply:HT Powermax 30.  Best around on 110.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:On the compressor, you'll need to get one with sufficient CFM rating to keep up with the plasma you choose. So, choose the plasma machine first, then get a compressor to match. If you choose a compressor that has a lower CFM rating than the plasma, you'll just have to wait for it when the pressure drops too low, a larger tank will make it run a bit longer until you have to wait, but will also take longer to fill.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:unless you have to and i mean have to use a plasma cutter.... get a OA set up.. less stuff to drag aroundMiller Pro 300 SS w/ cat Miller Bobcat 250Miller Diversion 165 Miller 211Miller Xtreme 375Miller 12vsMiller Dynasty 200 DX Miller Passport Plus w/ Spool GunMiller 30a spoolmaticLincoln AC225 Buzz Box VictorMathey Dearman - H&M
Reply:im looking for some thing that gives the best cuts which i was told a plasma cutter would be faster ? quieter?  cleaner cuts ? plus the plasma cutter would last longer ?
Reply:[QUOTE=Bigrich954rr;1650241]im looking for some thing that gives the best cuts which i was told a plasma cutter would be faster ? quieter?  cleaner cuts ? plus the plasma cutter would last longer ?[/QUOTEFaster? Yes. Once you're set up, each cut will go faster, but it will take some time to set up the compressor, plug it in etc. Quieter? No. The compressor will see to that.Cleaner cuts? Depends on skill level. But for the average guy plasma is much cleaner.Last longer? Sort of. When the O/A bottles are empty you'll have to fill them up again. But the gear will last a long long time with proper care, probably longer than the air compressor. Plus you'll need to change the the nozzle and electrode in the plasma torch once in a while.The biggest advantage of plasma is the ability to cut more than just steel. They will cut aluminum and stainless, torch will only cut steel. But the O/A has the advantages of being able to heat stuff for bending or preheating, and does not require electricity.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:What 4130 saidMiller Pro 300 SS w/ cat Miller Bobcat 250Miller Diversion 165 Miller 211Miller Xtreme 375Miller 12vsMiller Dynasty 200 DX Miller Passport Plus w/ Spool GunMiller 30a spoolmaticLincoln AC225 Buzz Box VictorMathey Dearman - H&M
Reply:If you have the coin to buy a 200DX then you probably can afford the best... Hypertherm 30 or 45 is the way to go...  I like ESAB too but they do not get a lot of press here...  Quality is great on both brandsTiger 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:what pierce thickness you looking at? thermal dynamics cutmaster42 is around $950. I dont think a 4 gallon compressor would be enough..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Originally Posted by brucerwhat pierce thickness you looking at? thermal dynamics cutmaster42 is around $950. I dont think a 4 gallon compressor would be enough..
Reply:Im willing to put out more money if i have to but i like to get away with the cheapest one i can buy. I dont think id ever cut anything more then  1/2 but its nice to know i could if i wanted to. also looking at it to cut out other people crappy welding so i can reweld some things so i guess im trying to carbon/air gouge with a plasma i was told it can be done.So thermal dyamics is better then a miller ?The only thing i need it to be able to do is run  off 120volts some times ?Last edited by Bigrich954rr; 10-09-2012 at 01:23 AM.
Reply:I wouldn't buy anything but a Thermal Dynamics, Hypertherm or Esab when it comes to plasma cutters. The little cut master 42 is very compact, dual voltage and requires very little air to operate.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeI wouldn't buy anything but a Thermal Dynamics, Hypertherm or Esab when it comes to plasma cutters. The little cut master 42 is very compact, dual voltage and requires very little air to operate.
Reply:Im looking to buy this and if i need more ill upgrade later. Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 Plasma Cutter 1-4200 looks
Reply:Power wise..the Cutmaster42 fits in between the Hypertherm Powermax30 (1/2" severance capability, runs on 120/240, made in USA by Hypertherm) and the Powermax45 (1" + severance, also made in USA). The 42 is built in China...its torch in Mexico.In regards to consumable life....the Hypertherm's will win hands down. Over time...the additional cost of the Powermax45 (over the Cutmaster42) will easily pay for itself with faster, better quality cuts and dramatically longer consumable life. Hypertherm is known for its high level of customer support and system reliability....consider these things when making your decision!Jim Colt Originally Posted by Bigrich954rrIm looking to buy this and if i need more ill upgrade later. Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 Plasma Cutter 1-4200 looks
Reply:The Powermax 45 will not run on 120v though and he wants that option. He obviously isnt using this plasma cutter on a cnc table.He only has a 4gal air compressor and the cutmaster 42 uses much less air to operate than the hypertherm units.The powermax 45 will set him back $1500-$1700 and the cutmaster 42 will set him back $900 or less.The cutmaster 42 comes with a 4yr warranty. The hypertherm units come with a 3 yr warranty.Lots to consider.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Thermal dynamics is the only unit to buy imo, but what do i know, i havent used mine in months, to much of a pain in the *** compared to the milwaukee circular saw.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:I have never owned or used a Plasma Cutter, but have been called upon when my then employer's (I am now retired) plasma cutter stopped working. I called Hypertherm,  with the model and serial number, they walked me through trouble shooting.I have promised myself that if I am ever buying a Plasma Cutter, I will buy a Hypertherm because of the excellent technical support and customer service they have given me on several occasions.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:One thing that no one else has mentioned, and something I found out after buying a plasma cutter, is they work best with dry air, and a filter.    There are several other posts on Weldingweb about air dryers, so I won't repeat it here.    Search on Air Dryer - not being a great linguist, not sure if it should be drier or dryer., but I know dryer found several posts.I found a cheap dessicant based one at the local Home Depot, since I only use the plasma cutter once or twice a month.
Reply:yea i havent figured out how to dry the air out yet but  i have time cause im still trying to drop the moeny for the plasma hard to open wallet
Reply:Here my list...Best = Hypertherm 30 or 45 (Build in USA)Top Challenger= Esab Powercut 400( Build in Poland) Then came Thermal arc...Lincoln...Miller...They all have good support so pick a deal...Miller MM211Esab Mini Arc 161LTSEsab Handy Plasma 380Duck tapeTy- rapKool-aid
Reply:The Hypertherm Powermax30 is closer to the Cutmaster 42. The 30 will operate on 120 or 240....on 120 volts it has more cutting power (speed and thickness) than the 42....on 240 the 42 has a slight edge. The 30 uses a similar amount of air compared to the 42......and when you buy a Powermax30 (usually are around $1000) your money stays in the USA....as they are built by employee/owners of Hypertherm in Hanover, NH, USA.The 45 is a far more powerful unit with higher duty cycle...is not a good comparison price wise or performance wise with the 42.Jim Colt Originally Posted by snoeproeThe Powermax 45 will not run on 120v though and he wants that option. He obviously isnt using this plasma cutter on a cnc table.He only has a 4gal air compressor and the cutmaster 42 uses much less air to operate than the hypertherm units.The powermax 45 will set him back $1500-$1700 and the cutmaster 42 will set him back $900 or less.The cutmaster 42 comes with a 4yr warranty. The hypertherm units come with a 3 yr warranty.Lots to consider.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldSkullHere my list...Best = Hypertherm 30 or 45 (Build in USA)Top Challenger= Esab Powercut 400( Build in Poland) Then came Thermal arc...Lincoln...Miller...They all have good support so pick a deal...
Reply:I usually dont wade in on who's better or what's the best but..... I'm American and I vote with my money.  Hypertherm is an American co with a no lay off policy and they re-invest in their product to insure it is the best there is.  When you compare energy density and quality of cut on a CNC table the extra power and cleaner edge relate into less additional work which means more profit.   The consumables on my PM 1000 G3 last exceptionally well and are available in different flavors for different needs.  Whats gonna happen if you need to ship a Polish machine back for warrannty work?  Thats right, your gonna pay dearly for that slow boat from Poland.  I just can't see any other choice besides Hypertherm when you consider all the variables and costs associated with owning one or the other.  Just my .02 YMMV.Wheelchair BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Hypertherm 30 is hands down the best machine on the market for a 110/240 machine.  Amp for Amp it cuts cleaner, faster and thicker than any other mach on the market. The consumables are usually carried by all LWS as well. Thermal would be my second choice but you can usually buy it cheaper.  The price comes down to capacity.ipm and quality.  What to you want most?  The dewalt compressor will work fine.Last edited by weldbay; 10-26-2012 at 03:14 PM.Originally Posted by RbeckettI usually dont wade in on who's better or what's the best but..... I'm American and I vote with my money.  Hypertherm is an American co with a no lay off policy and they re-invest in their product to insure it is the best there is.  When you compare energy density and quality of cut on a CNC table the extra power and cleaner edge relate into less additional work which means more profit.   The consumables on my PM 1000 G3 last exceptionally well and are available in different flavors for different needs.  Whats gonna happen if you need to ship a Polish machine back for warrannty work?  Thats right, your gonna pay dearly for that slow boat from Poland.  I just can't see any other choice besides Hypertherm when you consider all the variables and costs associated with owning one or the other.  Just my .02 YMMV.Wheelchair Bob
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XThe Esab will use the most air of the group, but them Polish machines sure are great quality. I would like to see a head to head cutting match between a Hypertherm 30 at 30 amps, and Esab at 30 amps. Since the PT-39 uses it's patented 0558005220 or long life 0558004875 electrode, I don't think it would ever wear one out..  One thing about the Esab, it's got the best trigger design of the group. No funky lever to flip up/etc..I have a feeling people are going to be shocked how powerful the Esab is using a 20/30 amp tip. I am looking for them now and have a feeling those as going to be killer CNC type tips for thin metal. (Since my Esab has a low-end of 15 amps)
Reply:Originally Posted by 85cj7boyIn case people aren't familiar with the consumables.  That Electrode is the same electrode used in the PT-38 torch on the Powercut 900-1600.  There is also the standard 3 year warranty with an optional 5 year warranty.  Lets not forget the 100 days and 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.  The Powercut 400 should have the air supply at 70 psi.  The Powercut 700 and up should be set at 80 psi.  I will PM BigRich the contact details for his local ESAB rep to line up a demo.  Also remember plasma cutters should be rated on power or watts not just amps.
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XDo you know of any on-line place for the 20-30 tips. Should be the fine cut version Esab styleI find the nozzles a very interesting design overall.  If you want to own part of the company, then buy some Stock. http://corporate.colfaxcorp.com/ Then it's better then being owned by USA employes ,because it's owned by you!!
Reply:Originally Posted by 85cj7boy20-30 A tip p/n is 0558011620 They are the same physical size as the higher amperage tips used in the PT-38.  Just a smaller orfice.This means you can use the 40 A drag nozzle as well.  0558007682
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XDo you know of any on-line place for the 20-30 tips. Should be the fine cut version Esab styleI find the nozzles a very interesting design overall.  If you want to own part of the company, then buy some Stock. http://corporate.colfaxcorp.com/ Then it's better then being owned by USA employes ,because it's owned by you!!
Reply:Hypertherm , Esab, Thermal Arc, Lincoln and Miller can all be repair in North America since they got services center, so the argument of "Sending the machine oversea" got no value and it's just speculation, they are all well established big corporation not small backyard shed selling imported crappy chicon stuff...Back on the subject of good plasma for the OP, the suggestions give from all posters are all valid option but they imply personal experience and taste no true comparison between all of them by an experimented welder not hired by any of those "Big names" I wish one shim in with a good shootout involving a Hypertherm 30 VS Esab Powercut 400 or a Hypertherm 45 VS Esab Powercut 700, until that happen I can't give an edge to Esab even if they are more present on my side of the fence then Hypertherm.Miller MM211Esab Mini Arc 161LTSEsab Handy Plasma 380Duck tapeTy- rapKool-aid