Need a Plasma Cutter for School

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I teach Autobody in a high school.  I am looking for something that will cut 1/2 to 5/8" without a problem.  We do a lot of other projects besides working sheet metal.  I have a Cutmaster 39 for that.What do you recommend?  I can buy Miller products with no problem and was thinking about a Spectrum 875, because it should do anything we ever need it to do.  I am also looking at the Powermax 45.   I should be able to get other brands approved, even if it would have to come from a non-approved vendor for a one time purchase.Thank you.Last edited by Crabo; 12-27-2012 at 12:59 AM.
Reply:If you buy the spectrum make sure you get the 875 auto-line model. I have had almost none into my shop for repairs. But before you buy, try to get some side by side demonstrations. Of as many different units as you can get. Look at features, cut quality and resistance to students messing it up.
Reply:I'd go Hypertherm hands down. We have 2 in the weld shop at the tech school, a PM 1250 and a newer PM 1650. Not sure what the auto body shop has for their Hypertherm. I know the other tech school in the area also has Hypertherms in both the weld shop ( PM 45 and PM 1000) and the Auto shop ( PM 30 IIRC)They hold up very well to the abuse the day kids dish out and customer service is top notch if you have any issues.Biggest issue usually is having clean dry air for the units to avoid  unneeded consumable wear. The air you use to spray good top quality automotive paints with is good enough. Some shops don't run "clean" air to all the bays, only to the spray booth. Keep this in mind when setting up your plasma. Oil from oilers and moisture will quickly kill the consumables on any plasma.Jim Colt here can tell you if HT runs any deals thru their dealers for schools. I know the tech school got a deal on the new PM 1650, but I don't know if the deal they worked out was thru HT or thru the supplier.Last edited by DSW; 12-27-2012 at 04:45 AM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:The Powermax 45 is a great choice for hand cutting in that thickness range....Hypertherm offers educational discounts (through its authorized distributors) as well.Jim Colt Originally Posted by CraboI teach Autobody in a high school.  I am looking for something that will cut 1/2 to 5/8" without a problem.  We do a lot of other projects besides working sheet metal.  I have a Cutmaster 39 for that.What do you recommend?  I can buy Miller products with no problem and was thinking about a Spectrum 875, because it should do anything we ever need it to do.  I am also looking at the Powermax 45.   I should be able to get other brands approved, even if it would have to come from a non-approved vendor for a one time purchase.Thank you.