Plasma Cutter advice needed.

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what do you  think1 Riland cut 60 for about $14002 this princes auto one for about $1130these are the 2 i was looking at. i have my own compressor and can go 110/240, but i would prefer the 240 volt one. i am more interested in the cut 60 but i am not sure. any one have any other suggestions? oh and btw my limit is $1500 Canadian
Reply:Hypertherm Powermax 30 is $1300 Canadian.  The Powermax 45 is $1700.  Check the Hypertherm forum near the bottom.
Reply:thanks for the info, but i was wondering if anyone owns or uses either one of the above machines. i am kina leaning toward the riland cut 60. it can cut up to 1" and severs 1.5". i know about the hypertherm but i want to cut over 1/2 inch and not spend about $1800.
Reply:The Powermax 45 will sever 1.5" much better than the Riland unit....even thought the factory (Hypertherm) says it is a 1-1/4" severance machine. With the Hypertherm....you can even do this with the torch gdragging on the plate, as it uses shielded torch technology. If the Riland torch tip touches the plate for a second or two at full power....you will be replacing the tip.There are many cases when buying tools....that if you pay a couple hundred more up front, you will save many times more than that over time. The Hypertherm unit is american made, will provide 6 to 10 times the consumable life, will cut faster, cleanner, and can drag cut. And is backed up by a company that will support the product for years to come.Regardless of the machine you choose, we are here to help you make it work as well as it can!Jim
Reply:Hi Trevornnewell I Would recommend you do a keyword search of using the Search Forumbox using the Riland & Princes Auto names. The Princes Auto is one I have never seen a post about. Riland has had some threads & posts about their welders.If you decide to buy Hypertherm you will be happy with their performance.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:after much thought and much more advice i finally made a decision.Powermax 30 is the winner.  cost 1431 tax in canadiani am so glad that i bought this one. cuts like a dream. any one have any advice or things i should know about this unit?
Reply:jimcolt is your know it all resource for Hypertherm units with 30+years working for them.  I am not sure what the consumables cost but try ebay..  I ordered a bunch of consumables really cheap that way.   you will probably kill a few tips and nozzles pretty quick as it has a learning curve to it.   my first 3 nozzles and tips lasted a total of about 10-15 mins   my 4th tip and nozzle have 45 minutes of cutting on them and look almost like new.   The drag cut option will prob help on the hypertherm...    I did a bit of drag cutting but found I do better with the stand off cut... porbably from so many years of OA cutting and welding where you don't touch the tip to the work...  though I did try drag cutting on sheet metal and it was great,  very fast and cleanTiger 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:Originally Posted by soutthpawjimcolt is your know it all resource for Hypertherm units with 30+years working for them.  I am not sure what the consumables cost but try ebay..  I ordered a bunch of consumables really cheap that way.   you will probably kill a few tips and nozzles pretty quick as it has a learning curve to it.   my first 3 nozzles and tips lasted a total of about 10-15 mins   my 4th tip and nozzle have 45 minutes of cutting on them and look almost like new.   The drag cut option will prob help on the hypertherm...    I did a bit of drag cutting but found I do better with the stand off cut... porbably from so many years of OA cutting and welding where you don't touch the tip to the work...  though I did try drag cutting on sheet metal and it was great,  very fast and clean
Reply:I will try out a hypertherm if i get the chance    However Being I bought my ESAB used for a steal I wasn't picky or knowledgeable about different brands at the time...   I was cutting double wall truck frame initially and kept blowing back into the nozzles...   also doing piercing for bolt holes.   But with input from the nice folks here I have pretty much got it figured out nowTiger 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