plasma cutters

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been looking at plasma cutters and i like the idea of the Lincoln Tomahawk 375 with built in compressor. even though i like the color Blue better. So just wanting to here from people who have one or have used one thanks.
Reply:pretty much anyone who know will tell you that Hypertherm is the way to go.    wonder why most plasmas don't have built in compressors?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:Air compressors are energy hogs......so if the plasma and the air compressor are mounted in a common unit...and share one power input.....then the plasma system output power will be dramatically lower than one that uses a separate compressor.  Most of the 120 volt plasma's with internal compressors...produce a maximum output power of about 12 amps....which will allow for 1/8" steel cutting at a reasonable speed...but can barely sever 1/4" steel. These systems are primarily designed for portable use for sheet metal (HVAC and roofing) applications.The other issue with internal compressors......to keep weight and cost down, oiless compressors are used. Under high duty conditions they will not last long, and produce a fair amount of moisture during humid weather....which affects torch consumable life.For less money you can buy a good quality 120/240 volt plasma (such as a Hypertherm Powermax30) that will plug into any compressor...and can cut 1/4" steel at reasonable speeds and can sever 1/2" steel.....a much better deal. The Powermax 30 will run off almost any small compressor.Hypertherm stopped producing its small Powermax190C with an internal compressor a few years ago for the above reasons.Jim Colt    Hypertherm
Reply:I have a Powermax 30 that is a champ.  One of the best tools I have purchased.
Reply:i have both a hypertherm and thermal dynamics and wouldn't think of getting any other make plasma.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Originally Posted by kazlxI have a Powermax 30 that is a champ.  One of the best tools I have purchased.
Reply:Hypertherm PowerMax 45 here. No regrets at all!!!! Works great by hand and also in my Torchmate 2x2.
Reply:In the plasma cutting world there are 3 names that stand out above all others, Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics and ESAB. At this time, I wouldnt spend my $$ on anything else.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:thanks for all the info i will look into the hypertherm and see what will work for me. I want to be able to power it from my bobcat 225, and a seperate compressor or at the house as well . thanks again
Reply:On the Hypertherm site when you look at the individual Powermax plasma systems...each has a listing telling what size generator (Watts) that they will operate at for normal cutting...as well as for cutting thick material (stretched arc).  Be sure to size the plasma system for what your maximum cut need is....always better to have a bigger tool!Jim Colt Originally Posted by weldjetthanks for all the info i will look into the hypertherm and see what will work for me. I want to be able to power it from my bobcat 225, and a seperate compressor or at the house as well . thanks again
Reply:I was planning on buying a lincoln plasma, but after reading much of the reviews here, I'm sold on the Hypertherm, to fit my needs I will be going with the Powermax45, I'm just a hobbyist, I'm also sure the lincoln plasmas are not built in the USA, maybe italy.Hypertherm is built in the USA, and after watching the way they test their products, all I have to say is wow! I'm sold!Lincoln Invertec 205-T AC/DCMiller Coolmate 1Hypertherm Powermax45