Used Hypertherm Powermax 600 question..

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Hi guys.Been lurking here on the forums for a bit reading and trying to educate myself a bit.I would like to get everyones opinions on something here. I came across a deal and would love some input.I found a used Hypertherm  Powermax 600. The unit looks like it is in pretty good shape, has a few dings on the stickers here and there but overall decent. It has like a 25 ft power cord on it too. It will be run off a 220v feed. Run into a subpanel off a 50 amp breaker fed from 6 ga wire..The unit is being sold by a used tool place.  The owner said he bought it and had to replace the gun on the unit because it went bad. It has a thermal dynamics gun on the unit. He said before the unit is put up for sale they check it out and make sure it works 100% and he guarantees it. He is guessing the unit is about 8 yrs old..There is a yellow sticker on the back of the unit stating the unit was "Tested in 1-05" I am wondering if that was the mfg date of the unit? I have the serial number also. The serial starts with a "04" That mean it was mfg in 2004?I can pick up the unit for $550.00. The guy is holding it for me till Monday.As far as my welding experience. Not alot  but wanting to learn more. I have played with stick welding a bit and have a mig machine also. This Hypertherm is kinda just a toy. My main use is just around the home ect. So it wont get any major use. I wont use it for anything over 1/4. I want to use it for a few projects. I have a 6x8 trailer i want to put a gate on and make bars for my garage windows ect...2nd question I have is I have a 6 hp 33 gallon air compressor. It is a craftsman labeled unit. It will pump up to 120 psi and on the side of the compressor it is rated at 8.6 sfcm @40 psi and 6.4 sfcm @ 90 psi. Max psi is 135. I can blow out my sprinkler lines in the winter with no problems same with my pool. The compressor seems to keep up just fine. I am thinking it will work fine with this hypertherm.Will this compressor run this Hypertherm? The guy was stating that the Hypertherm needs to have about 70 psi to cut? What is the outlook here? Does that mean once the tank psi drops below 70 psi that the plasma will shut off till the psi raises above 70?Thanks for the input..PS: Any tips on hiding this from the wife  Attached ImagesLast edited by Viper65; 07-12-2009 at 02:51 PM.
Reply:What time does he open up tomorrow?  I'm on the look out foa a bigger HT unit and for a PM 600 in that condition at $550 I'd be there before he put the key in the door.  Per Jim Colt of Hypertherm, there were some 50,000 (IIRC) PM 600s built so they'll be providing support for them for a long time.  Check with him in the 'Other Manufacturers' section if you have any questions.You're good to go on the compresser too.Nice find.Oh yeah - and it has the optional gun disconnect that adds value to the unit too.One more thing - Welcome to the forum.Now if I were Sam, this would have been three, now four, posts.Last edited by duaneb55; 07-12-2009 at 02:56 PM.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Very nice unit. Looks like it was well kept. Jim Colt of Hypertherm could answer all of you questions.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:Viper,That's a great deal on the Hypertherm Powermax600......I'd be at the door when the shop opens! Your compressor will operate it it just fine.....however it will run pretty much continuously due to the cfm rating and the tank size. For occasional use as you say...it will likely be fine. If the pressure drops too low...the Powermax will stop the arc...and won't allow it to fire until pressure is adequate.....I think the pressure switch cuts out at around 45 to 50 psi....this is to protect the torch and consumables from damage due to low air pressure.The downside is the T-D torch....shorter consumable life and it has a "start cardridge" (designed to sidestep Hypertherm's patents!) that is expensive to replace. The nozzle in the torch is of a non shielded design.....which will cause very short nozzle life with drag cutting....unless you are using it at low current (under 30 amps or so) and on thin materials. If you put a Hypertherm torch back on you'll be much happier......and I'm not just saying that because I work for Hypertherm....!The more you use this system.....the more you will use it. You will be looking for things to cut!Best regards, and good luck!JimLast edited by jimcolt; 07-13-2009 at 07:35 AM.