Another ? about plasma cutters

admin

I am trying to decide what size unit to buy and thought that someone with more experience could answer my only concern. We are currently looking at the powermax 45 and cutmaster 52, but I am concerned about the cut quality on smaller metal below 1/4" since the minimum current is 20amps.  I have an oxy fuel torch that I can cut thicker material with, so would I be better off going with a machine like the powermax 30?  Most of my work is done in 1/8" - 1/2" steel.  I work with aluminum and stainless occasionally.  Thanks for the help in advance.There is no failure...only feedback
Reply:Bigger is always better, but the two you are looking at will both do the job.  I'm kind of partial to Hyperterm since I have one that has performed flawlessly for about 5 years now.  Just make sure that the air is clean and dry and capable of supporting the volume and pressure requirements and all will be well.  Most poor edge quality issues arise from travel speed errors by the operator.  Moving too slow will get a dross build up no matter which unit you are using.  If you will look at the Hyperterm site you can get an introduction to Plasma cutting and how to determine you feeds and speed to aleviate these issues from the beginning.  That info is free and well worth the time to learn it early on.  I have a cnc table that I run my Power Max 1000 on and it does some amazing things, so what you want to dio is readily possible and fairly easy to impliment.  Good luck and have fun doing the rest of your research before you buy.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:Originally Posted by RbeckettBigger is always better, but the two you are looking at will both do the job.  I'm kind of partial to Hyperterm since I have one that has performed flawlessly for about 5 years now.  Just make sure that the air is clean and dry and capable of supporting the volume and pressure requirements and all will be well.  Most poor edge quality issues arise from travel speed errors by the operator.  Moving too slow will get a dross build up no matter which unit you are using.  If you will look at the Hyperterm site you can get an introduction to Plasma cutting and how to determine you feeds and speed to aleviate these issues from the beginning.  That info is free and well worth the time to learn it early on.  I have a cnc table that I run my Power Max 1000 on and it does some amazing things, so what you want to dio is readily possible and fairly easy to impliment.  Good luck and have fun doing the rest of your research before you buy.Bob
Reply:Hey Aaron,From experience, I use the TD Cutmaster52 & there are no issues cutting sheetmetal at all. Even with 16ga(.062) I cut at 30A & only go down to 25A if cutting 18ga & less. Your speed consistency will produce the cleanest edge with only a tiny dross at the bottom that is easily removed. All my cuts have been very clean, including alum., although I do grind the alum. edges if they're going to be welded.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Guys, thanks for the input.  Now I am between the powermax45 and powermax65.  I like the finecut torch tips for the 65, but it is about $700 more.  I want to go ever kill a bit so that I'm not pushing the machine to it's limits all the time.  But my financial officer is making the call so I'll let you know what I end up with.Thanks again!AaronThere is no failure...only feedback
Reply:I just ordered the Powermax 65 today, it should be here by Friday or Monday.  I'm so stoked to try it out.  My first project with it is to cut up a truck to take to the scrap yard.There is no failure...only feedback