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I have been thinking about getting a plasma cutter for awhile now and just haven't gotten one due to buying other stuff. Anyway I have been watching some you tube video's and for some reason I have been stuck on the Hypertherm 45xp. A little more then I wanted to spend but I think it will be worth it in the end. Not only does it cut but it can mark and gouge. I'm just wondering if they use a different torch or you just change out the consumables? How well will the Hypertherm 45xp cut 18 and 16 gauge for me? Also can you tell me what you think about it after you have used it compared to other stuff you have used?
Reply:

Originally Posted by skipnay

I have been thinking about getting a plasma cutter for awhile now and just haven't gotten one due to buying other stuff. Anyway I have been watching some you tube video's and for some reason I have been stuck on the Hypertherm 45xp. A little more then I wanted to spend but I think it will be worth it in the end. Not only does it cut but it can mark and gouge. I'm just wondering if they use a different torch or you just change out the consumables? How well will the Hypertherm 45xp cut 18 and 16 gauge for me? Also can you tell me what you think about it after you have used it compared to other stuff you have used?
Reply:To change from cutting to marking you change: the nozzle (special marking nozzle designed to produce a mark, not a cut), set the front panel mode switch to "gouge/mark" position (this sets the pilot arc current and air pressure to produce the best mark), then start marking. For best results refer to the multiple pages suggesting standoff height and speed as well as amperage and gas selection. You can use regular compressed ir....or for the finest marks you can use argon (you need a cylinder and regulator and hose to replace the air connection).The 45XP has the ability to use Finecut consumables for best results on materials that are 10 gauge (about 1/8") and thinner. The manual provides suggested amperage settings as well as cut speed and standoff height if you are machine cutting. Hand cutting is easy as the torch is designed to drag directly on the material being cut when using the shielded consumables.The 45 amp shielded consumables are the best "all around" parts....they will cut anything from 26 gauge to over 1" (severance) with piercing ability to 1/2" and production cut speeds on 5/8".I have been using a Powermax45 XP on my cnc machine at my home shop since late August (it is one of the pre-production Alpha proto-types)....as I work for Hypertherm. Jim Colt Hypertherm

Originally Posted by skipnay

I have been thinking about getting a plasma cutter for awhile now and just haven't gotten one due to buying other stuff. Anyway I have been watching some you tube video's and for some reason I have been stuck on the Hypertherm 45xp. A little more then I wanted to spend but I think it will be worth it in the end. Not only does it cut but it can mark and gouge. I'm just wondering if they use a different torch or you just change out the consumables? How well will the Hypertherm 45xp cut 18 and 16 gauge for me? Also can you tell me what you think about it after you have used it compared to other stuff you have used?
Reply:deletedLast edited by dragoneggs; 12-26-2016 at 07:22 PM.
Reply:The marking aspect of the 45xp, does it have a limit range and if so what is it? I assume you can probably mark any thick thickness. But how thin can you mark on it? I seen some youtube video's but that seems like it is 3/32 to 1/8 inch thick. I really am sorry to ask so many questions but I would like to know.
Reply:The key to marking thin sheet is the ability of your machines speed. I put light marks (light enough so sanding made them go away) of 26 ga steel using argon at 400 ipm. Just like with cutting thin sheet....you ned good motion, acceleration and height control. Don't expect plasma marking to replace scribe marking (using a pneumatic carbide tip marker)....as the scribe marker can mark at low speeds with better definition. alpha numeric (lettering) with most cnc machines and plasma marking will have letters in the 1/2" height range or larger. Jim Colt Hypertherm

Originally Posted by skipnay

The marking aspect of the 45xp, does it have a limit range and if so what is it? I assume you can probably mark any thick thickness. But how thin can you mark on it? I seen some youtube video's but that seems like it is 3/32 to 1/8 inch thick. I really am sorry to ask so many questions but I would like to know.
Reply:Good question. I would think it can mark pretty thin material. Marking should be possible as long as heat won't distort the material being worked on. It would be amazing if it could mark on Aluminum foil but don't gold your breath for that.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo. Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:I'm really waiting for my checks to come in so I can go and buy this... I was going to buy the 30 because I figured that is all I will ever need. But with this having the marking ability I kinda figured it was just better to save up a little more and just buy the 45XP....
Reply:Hypertherm Powermax 45XP Owner's ManualYep, I want one too, lol. Can't decide between it or a 30XP.

1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig!

HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:My local supplier WELDERS SUPPLY , only shows a $560.00 difference between the two. You gotta figure going from 15' leads on the 30XP and the 45 has 20' leads. Factor in the capacities and the 11 torches available on the 45, it seems like a no brainer to me .XP 45http://www.weldersupply.com/P/1638/HyperthermPowermaxXPHandP
Reply:As soon as I get a truck I will be getting the 45xp with both hand and machine torch.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo. Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:

Originally Posted by N2 Welding

As soon as I get a truck I will be getting the 45xp with both hand and machine torch.
Reply:Happy New Year Bob...Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo. Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:

Originally Posted by BD1

My local supplier WELDERS SUPPLY , only shows a $560.00 difference between the two. You gotta figure going from 15' leads on the 30XP and the 45 has 20' leads. Factor in the capacities and the 11 torches available on the 45, it seems like a no brainer to me .XP 45http://www.weldersupply.com/P/1638/HyperthermPowermaxXPHandP
Reply:

Originally Posted by Oscar

While, all true, I hardly ever cut more than 3/8". The occasional 1/2",which if I have to, I usually grab the oxy-acet torch. Damn hard choices!
Reply:

Originally Posted by BD1

Do this, get a piece of paper and write advantages on one side and disadvantages on the other. Then just fill it in.

Subconsciously YOUR BRAIN will tell you that there are many more advantages to getting the 45 XP. Just try it ! You'll be gettin the 45



Reply:

Originally Posted by BD1

Do this, get a piece of paper and write advantages on one side and disadvantages on the other. Then just fill it in.

Subconsciously YOUR BRAIN will tell you that there are many more advantages to getting the 45 XP. Just try it ! You'll be gettin the 45



Reply:I've had mine for a couple weeks now and have only ever used the Thermodynamics 52 so that's all I can compare it to. 1st, I think it's easier to use - there are only two settings (gouge/mark and cut), it regulates pressure automatically depending on the process you use and I like the drag tip.Other features I didn't know about when I bought it but now I do and am glad it is the one I bought...HyAccess consumables that fit the torch (I haven't bought them yet but plan to) and different tips for gouging vs. cutting. I've actually used the gouging feature more than the cutting and I think it will be something that I'll be using a fair bit. To me the 45xp is a no brainer (if you can cough up the extra cash).
Reply:I'm interested to try the fine cut consumables on thin sheet metal

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Reply:Well I got my 45xp on Tuesday. I just missed the Hypertherm rep. dang on it, nothing for the little guy. I managed to get mine for the same price as welders supply has on there site. I had to pay tax for mine but I got it from the local welding store that know me by my name and is always helping me out. I haven't had a chance to get it out of the box and try it yet. I wish it came in a plastic box like the 30xp has. I bought this mostly for cutting but also for the marking. I can't wait to try it out. If this didn't have marking capability I would've just bought the 30xp and been done with it. I did buy extra consumables for the marking. I didn't get any other ones. I hope they come with it!!!
Reply:

Originally Posted by skipnay

Well I got my 45xp on Tuesday. I just missed the Hypertherm rep. dang on it, nothing for the little guy. I managed to get mine for the same price as welders supply has on there site. I had to pay tax for mine but I got it from the local welding store that know me by my name and is always helping me out. I haven't had a chance to get it out of the box and try it yet. I wish it came in a plastic box like the 30xp has. I bought this mostly for cutting but also for the marking. I can't wait to try it out. If this didn't have marking capability I would've just bought the 30xp and been done with it. I did buy extra consumables for the marking. I didn't get any other ones. I hope they come with it!!!
Reply:I sold my 30xp to get the 45xp. It cuts alot cleaner and faster and thicker. I noticed a big difference in cut quality and Im thinking the filter is the reason. I just ordered a arclight dynamics table so had to order the kit to add the cpc and voltage divider stuff. I cut 1/2" tonight and it did awesome.

Reply:I am guessing It's a whole lot smoother to pull at 23 ipm (45 amps) then it is to pull at 8-10 ipm.. (30 amps)Last edited by Brand X; 01-18-2017 at 02:02 AM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:This is the first time Ive cut 1/2". I really noticed on the 1/4" which was the first few test pieces I did.
Reply:

Originally Posted by scramblerj

This is the first time Ive cut 1/2". I really noticed on the 1/4" which was the first few test pieces I did.If you operate a plasma cutter at the correct amperage, cut speed and cut height there rarely is any material warpage. Warpage is caused by cutting too slow, with the torch too high, or with too much power. Read the operators manual and operate the plasma as suggested and you will get good results. Jim Colt Hypertherm

Originally Posted by cloudman

did it warp the 1/2" plate? It looks like not in the photo. Do plasma cutters warp material?
Reply:

Originally Posted by cloudman

did it warp the 1/2" plate? It looks like not in the photo. Do plasma cutters warp material?
Reply:Perhaps you could mark the material in 1" increments or in increments for seconds to get a grasp on cut travel speed when cutting by hand. It would be an easy way to make accurate travel speeds. Possibly have a audible tone beep, buzz or ding for every mark on the material to keep your travel speed in sink. Just thinking out loud.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo. Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:Yeah I always wondered how people marked their ipm. Ive never really needed to, just slowed down if it blew back and wasnt cutting all the way.
Reply:I have had a Powermax 45 for a couple years now. I cut 1/4" 3003 aluminum almost exclusively and it works GREAT! I use a Motorgard filter in line with a 5hp 2 stage (22cfm) compressor and have had no issues. I repair aluminum fixtures for a local manufacturing plant and each one will have betweeen 100 to 300 inches of cutting. I made some templates out of 3/16" aluminum to use as a guide to cut out the defects and create the patches I weld in. I thought about getting the Powermax 65 but didn't want to spend the extra money at the time. I might upgrade someday, but for now I will keep the 45.
Reply:I got one recently. It's awesome. Looks cool, works great, haven't had a problem with it. (Granted I've had it for less than a month) Cuts real fast and smooth.

Get one.Hobart Handler 190Hypertherm Powermax 45XPLincoln Ranger 305G EFI
Reply:I too was torn between the 30XP and the 45XP. The material I am cutting is mostly thin sheet metal to 3/8...However, as suggested by BD1 on the forum, I weighted the pros and cons of each machine and decided to go with the 45XP...It's a little more $ that I was going to spend, but the capabilities far exceed the extra money spent...Thanks to all posts...:-)
Reply:The 45 is an amazing machine for the price. You won't find anything better. Only consider the 30xp if you need a mobile unit that can also run on 110v. If not, get the 45. The couple hundred bucks is worth it.ESAB Powercut 1600/ Hypertherm 30XP + 45XP/ Lincoln Powermig 255/ Jet Band SawCheck out my plasma cutter reviews also!Current Project: 175 Gallon Reverse Flow BBQ Smoker!
Reply:Just ordered the Powermax 45 xp. What consumables does it come with? Hope it comes with the gouging nozzle.
Reply:I recently got a 45XP and I am quite happy with how it performs. I haven't used it a lot but it seems like a great cutter.Miller Multimatic 215
Reply:Did it come with the gouging tip?
Reply:Judging speed of cut with plasma is done by watching UNDER the cut. The angle of the sprayHere's my guy at the correct velocity on 3/16 @40 amps. Pulling toward his beer holder, spray blowing a little bit away from his boots.Warpage comes from heat.If you get warp you need a machine with more ascz or a different technique.

Last edited by Bonzoo; 06-22-2017 at 05:15 AM.
Reply:

Originally Posted by solarj

Did it come with the gouging tip?
Reply:The 45 XP comes with a gouging nozzle and shield, there is no part called a tip.jim Colt

Originally Posted by solarj

Did it come with the gouging tip? |
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