Hypertherm 30 vs 45

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I've committed to buying a Hypertherm manual plasma.  The big question is 30 vs 45.  I don't cut heavy plate nor do a foresee any in my future.I don't plan to build a plasma table, so the need for a machine torch isn't there either.  What I want to cut is sheet metal to about 3/16".  Aluminum and mild.Thoughts?TIA.
Reply:I have a Hypertherm 30 that I got used at a good price. I usually cut 1/4" and 3/8",I've cut 1/2" steel with it . I wish I waited and bought a 45 for the extra amps.If you have the room in your shop and the extra money, I would buy the 45 for those rare occasions when you need to cut something thick.
Reply:You can never have too much machine.  If you get a 45 then you can also cut thinner stuff faster just by running more amps..Tiger 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:I have a Powermax30, a 45 and an 85. I would definitely use the 45 on 3/16" before I would use the 30. The 30 does a great job, but cuts at about 1/2 the speed of the 45 .....the 45 also will provide longer consumable life.I use the 30 when I have the need for extreme portability....or when only limited power is available.Jim Colt
Reply:I just watched your video, Jim.  Thanks for the info.  I wish they were a little closer in price....
Reply:What's your location ? Here's my local suppliers site, the 45 is $1595.00 / 30 is $1050.00.http://www.weldersupply.com/products...tting+Machines
Reply:Local prices are about $1720 for the 45 and around $1100 for the 30.  Shipping costs eat up any savings ordering online, but I appreciate it.  S.
Reply:Along the lines of what Jim said,  a factor commonly left out of the equation is productivity.  I've owned both of those machines and on 3/16, the PM45 will be far more productive.MillerMatic 252, HTP 221 w/cooler, Hypertherm PM45, Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC"I'd like to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible"
Reply:Originally Posted by SethLocal prices are about $1720 for the 45 and around $1100 for the 30.  Shipping costs eat up any savings ordering online, but I appreciate it.  S.
Reply:I got my 45 for around $1500 w free shipping on eBay.  They tossed in close to 16 sets of factory HT tips and electrodes for the price too.  Go with the 45 if you can.  You will inevitably be faced with the need to cut something thicker than usual for a project.  I needed to cut 1-1/4" (?1-1/2") round bar for a project and my 45 actually did it with little problem.  Still amazed on that one.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I only have the 45 so I can't compare but ordering over the net you get free shipping and probably no sales tax, so that saves a bit of coin.I'm very happy with the 45.
Reply:I picked up a 30 off the net for $1025 no tax or shippingback in Feb.  I'm a hobby guy so production is not an issue.  Great mchine.  Cuts up to 1/4" as fast as I need.  3/8 nice , but a little slower.  Couldn't justify  $500 more for the 45, but not sorry for what i got.
Reply:The Powermax 45 has a gouge and extruded metal settings, while the Powermax 30 does not.  I find the gouge function extremely handy.