Which plasma cutter for a plasma cam table.

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I recently purchased a plasma cam. Which plasma cutter would work the best? I see hypertherm makes one that marks , gouges, and cuts. This sounds like a nice feature. Do they play nice with the plasma cam, and are they easy to set up and run? Has anyone used one like this and what can you tell me? Thanks for your help.
Reply:Anything that's named Hypertherm, hands down. and yes they play well with tables, they are by far the preferred brand.RyanMiller Multimatic 200 tig/spool gun/wireless remoteMillermatic 350P, Bernard/XR Python gunsMiller Dynasty 350, Coolmate 3.5 & wireless remoteCK WF1 TIG wire feederMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeOptrel e684Miller Digital EliteMiller Weld-Mask
Reply:I have a Hypertherm PM45 on mine.   You just need to decide how thick you'll need to cut and pick the appropriate model.   Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Reply:I have a PM 65 on mine now, had the PM600 before that. Both worked flawlessly. The new PM65 has a plug and play cable that goes directly to the PCam.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Weld one

I recently purchased a plasma cam. Which plasma cutter would work the best?
Reply:I have owned Plasmacam machines for 17 years, have used all Hypertherm on them from the Powermax900, the Powermax1000 as well as the newer designs (Powermax45, 45XP, 65 and 85 systems. If you get the newer designs (Powermax45XP, 65 or 85) and they are equipped with a machine torch and the CPC interface port.....then you can simply plug in on both ends (with plug and play cable from www.pjmetalfab.com ) and mount the torch with a magnetic breakaway ( www.snapncut.com ) for the easies, best setup. Plasmacam machines come with a "universal interface cable that can connect to  any non-high frequency start plasma, and they come with a hand torch mount. The hand torch setup works ok, though it is a bit difficult to get the torch exactly perpendicular to the material.   Here is my current torch setup that I have been using for over 6 years....it is a Powermax85 mini machine torch, snapncut magnetic mount and plug and play interface cable on a Plasmacam DHC2 (4 x 4 table)....it has the advanced height control software upgrade for Ohmic plate sensing as well as auto voltage calibration (no experimenting with arc voltage and height). This is the same torch that can be used with the Powermax45xp, which is rated to pierce 1/2" and cuts extremely well with Finecut consumables down to 26 gauge materials....and has the ability to mark as well using either air or argon.   Jim Colt   Hypertherm



Originally Posted by Weld one

I recently purchased a plasma cam. Which plasma cutter would work the best? I see hypertherm makes one that marks , gouges, and cuts. This sounds like a nice feature. Do they play nice with the plasma cam, and are they easy to set up and run? Has anyone used one like this and what can you tell me? Thanks for your help.
Reply:JimDoes the 45xp have a card like the 65 where the amperage can be adjusted from the computer ?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Is there any advantage other than saving a few bucks to go with 45xp vs a 65?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:The 45 XP has an optional serial communication port, just as the Powermax65, 85, 105 and 125 systems do.  On cnc controls that have the ability to communicate using RS485 serial protocol you can set the amperage, air pressure, you can control the front panel mode switch and you can read the various error codes through this link.   Jim Colt   Hypertherm

Originally Posted by Gamble

JimDoes the 45xp have a card like the 65 where the amperage can be adjusted from the computer ?
Reply:The 45 XP has marking capability (marking needs very low amperage)...the XP can go down to 10 amps, the Powermax 65 has a minimum amperage of 20. The 45 XP has a front panel switch for convenience, and you do not need to recycle the power switch after changing consumables.  The 65 on the other hand can cut thicker materials and cut faster above 1/4".Jim Colt    Hypertherm

Originally Posted by hog guts

Is there any advantage other than saving a few bucks to go with 45xp vs a 65?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:

Originally Posted by jimcolt

The 45 XP has an optional serial communication port, just as the Powermax65, 85, 105 and 125 systems do.  On cnc controls that have the ability to communicate using RS485 serial protocol you can set the amperage, air pressure, you can control the front panel mode switch and you can read the various error codes through this link.   Jim Colt   Hypertherm
Reply:The upgrade kit for field installation of the serial port on a Powermax45 XP is part number 428654. Suggested list price for the kit is $197.00

Originally Posted by Gamble

Sweet. How much is the additional card?
Reply:Do the larger units come with the serial card installed or is it optional for all of them.  If they are all options sound like the 45xp is the best choice if most all work I would do on plasma table was < 1/2 inch.  65 could be insurance though if the need to cut thicker material arises.  Thanks for infoSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:The 65 Amp consumables are worth their weight in gold. When you need them..If you ever cut .750 MS then the 45 amps are really not enough. 65 cuts that thickness sweet..The two things the 45 added is what Thermal had for years. No need to recycle the machine on consumable changes, and a easy air purge without going into programming to get it.. I think the biggest advantage the 45XP has over a 65 is the weight..It's really light for portable work..I thought there was a package you can buy with them installed? Don't think it matters with the Plasmacam on the card anyway..No place to hook it up..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:There are system configurations for the Powermax45XP, 65, 85 and 105 that come with CPC port (necessary for use with a machine torch....so on versions with a machine torch this feature is standard). There are other versions available with a machine torch and both the CPC port and the Serial port. If you buy any of these systems with just the hand torch....they will not be equipped with either the CPC port or the serial port.....as there is no need for these when hand cutting. You can buy an upgrade kit for any of these machines to field install either the CPC port or Serial port...they come with clear instructions and the installation is easy.The CPC port has 3 interface signals that are necessary for CNC use with a machine torch;  Plasma Start, Arc Transferred, Divided arc voltage (adjustable with 5 ratios of 20:1, 21.1:1, 30:1, 40:1, and the default setting of 50:1). The Serial port is only useful on CNC machines that are designed to use this capability. It can allow the CNC machine software to adjust amperage, adjust air pressure, to set the mode switch settings and to read error codes from the power supply.Hope this helps.   Jim Colt   Hypertherm

Originally Posted by hog guts

Do the larger units come with the serial card installed or is it optional for all of them.  If they are all options sound like the 45xp is the best choice if most all work I would do on plasma table was < 1/2 inch.  65 could be insurance though if the need to cut thicker material arises.  Thanks for infoSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:I'm looking hard at pulling the trigger in an arc light table right now.  I'm leaning towards the 45xp machine they sell to package with the table.  Does anyone know if that table takes advantage of the additional features of either machine such that it would be worth buying one machine over the other without regard for their cutting thickness capabilities.  I cannot imagine ever cutting anything over 1/2 inch.  Almost everything I deal with is 1/4 or 1/8 aluminum and mild steel.  Just need to make final decision in the hypertherm.  Push me one way or the other please but tailor opinion on the metal type and thickness I just described not the 1 inch plate I may need to cut one day.  When that day comes I'll buy another machine....Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:I have the powermax 45 and most of my stuff is under 1/8". sometimes 3/16". hardly ever some 3/8". No issues so far. Love it.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Just so you know, the 65 will edge start and cut 1 inch @8 IPM  It will do a really nice job with 65 amp consumables.. Same with my 80 amp Victor.. (Both are the same output 9K) You would not have to buy another machine for cutting some thick stuff now, and again..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:I talked with plasma cam again and they said that I would need to open the cutter up and wire into the machine? Is there any plasma cutters that will just plug in and work? I am thinking about the xp45 because it has marking and gouging capabilities with a machine torch. How much would I have to do to make it work?Thanks
Reply:If you go back and read my earlier post on this thread (post #6 on 1/15)....you will see that you can Plug and Play with the Powermax45 XP if it has a machine torch and the optional CPC port. Order the cable from www.pjmetalfab.com  and start cutting. If you choose to install a hand torch version of the Powermax45XP (or any other hand torch plasma) then you will need to follow Plasmacam's directions for modifying the trigger switch circuitry. It is easy and they supply a video with clear instructions.   Jim Colt   Hypertherm

Originally Posted by Weld one

I talked with plasma cam again and they said that I would need to open the cutter up and wire into the machine? Is there any plasma cutters that will just plug in and work? I am thinking about the xp45 because it has marking and gouging capabilities with a machine torch. How much would I have to do to make it work?Thanks
Reply:Thanks I missed that.
Reply:Just wanted to say thanks for the great information.  I already have a Hypertherm 85 with 50ft hand torch.  Planning on getting machine torch and then get the field upgrades.  Glad to know I can add the controls needed.  Now to commit to a CNC table brand.   Is the mini machine torch for Hypertherm still available?  Or will I have to use the larger machine torch?
Reply:I tried the plasma cam with the Xp 45 it has the machine torch and pendant control. I bought the cable from pjmetalfab, changed the dip switches like the directions say. And can not get the computer to start the torch. Will it work this way or am I not getting it set right?
Reply:Usually when we hear that the plasma will not fire when connected to a Plasmacam....it is because the DIN plug that connects to the Plasmacam control box is not fully inserted. The plug pushes in hard.....and the rear shoulder of the plug is almost flush with the side of the control box. If not inserted fully the plug will not make the electrical connection.To fire the torch manually for testing: Be sure the plasma is powered up, has properly installed consumables, and has air pressure between 90 and 135 psi. Initialize the Plasmacam (home it to the left rear corner), then push the "Test" button on the control box, the torch should fire.The Plug and Play cable from PJ metal fab only has four connections, two are the start signal, two are arc voltage feedback. These cables are 100% tested on a test fixture then on a Plasmacam machine with live cuts to ensure the height control functions properly. If you need further help I am very familiar with this same setup as I have been using it for over 7 years. Contact me at [email protected]  Jim

Originally Posted by Weld one

I tried the plasma cam with the Xp 45 it has the machine torch and pendant control. I bought the cable from pjmetalfab, changed the dip switches like the directions say. And can not get the computer to start the torch. Will it work this way or am I not getting it set right?
Reply:Ok thanks.