Which plasma?

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I need to cut from 16 ga. up to 3/16" plate, with some short cuts in 1/4" angle and bar. I'm considering the Miller 375 extreme, and the Hypertherm Powermax 30. Does anyone have any recommendations?Thanks.
Reply:DO a search.This is a question that has been asked many times.  Almost once a week.There is a lot of info on this board that will answer your question without ask, all people need to do is use the search function.
Reply:Originally Posted by tpierceI need to cut from 16 ga. up to 3/16" plate, with some short cuts in 1/4" angle and bar. I'm considering the Miller 375 extreme, and the Hypertherm Powermax 30. Does anyone have any recommendations?Thanks.
Reply:Originally Posted by tpierceI need to cut from 16 ga. up to 3/16" plate, with some short cuts in 1/4" angle and bar. I'm considering the Miller 375 extreme, and the Hypertherm Powermax 30. Does anyone have any recommendations?Thanks.
Reply:Powermax 30 would be my choice.  I'm very happy with my Powermax 380.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I tend to prefer the Lincoln brand overall when it comes to the big 3.  But in this instance, If given the choice between the three (Lincoln, Miller, Hypertherm), I definitely would choose the Hypertherm Powermax 30.  Reasons: Power (capability), dual voltage (110-220), and price.  Although, the Lincoln and Miller are probably good machines, I feel they are overpriced compared to comparable units found from other manufacturers.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Thanks to everyone on here my garage is becoming a think of beauty. I went with the hypertherm myself. I liked that they are made here in the U.S.A.  works like a champ. No regretsLIVE BETTER WORK UNION! BUY AMERICAN!
Reply:Good choice I think you'll be more than happy with its performance and the life of the consumables.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:My powermax 30 is getting a good workout here [IMG][/IMG]This was posted on another aera... but that is 1/2 smacked the slag off and was clea.....and it pierced and gouged it  WOW and it's not rated for gouging..... but it digs good and the tips last .......and it goes down to 15 amps so it don't burn the paint on the roofing tin and does finer cuts on thinner stuff   so that's my choice hands down it''s  THE BEST  as they are the leader in innovation woo hooLincoln 225 Tombstone,Miller Big 20,Hobart 180,150' Argon,A/D hobart hood 22 Ton Log splitter,79 F350 dump eats 4.75 TONS and still turns cutters,grinders,And a  Hypertherm POWERMAX 30
Reply:your posts were not there a min ago... wow I didn't see your choice and posted that how  dummy Well congrats to you and your powermax just gotta keep from cutting everything up LOLLast edited by Tony D; 09-17-2009 at 02:09 PM.Lincoln 225 Tombstone,Miller Big 20,Hobart 180,150' Argon,A/D hobart hood 22 Ton Log splitter,79 F350 dump eats 4.75 TONS and still turns cutters,grinders,And a  Hypertherm POWERMAX 30
Reply:Posted this in the other thread too for anyone else that is looking:Current Airgas sale flyer:Hypertherm Powermax 30 -------------$1139Miller Spectrum 375 Extreme ---------$1348Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 39 ----$1089Edit/Delete MessageLast edited by MX727; 09-17-2009 at 03:58 PM.
Reply:Weldersource.com ebay store---------Hypertherm Powermax 30-------$1009.Weldersource.com ebay store---------Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 39-------$999Weldersource.com ebay store----------Lincoln ProCut 25------$1360Weldersource.com ebay store----------Miler 375 Xtreme--------$1245A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:I just pulled the trigger on a Miller 375 Extreme from Indiana Oxygen.  While I have 230V available, I like that it has the ability to use both 120V and 230V.  This feature matches my Miller 211 (which I also bought from Indiana Oxygen).  So after using Red for 16 years, I have completely converted to Blue.   I also got a good price, free shipping and no tax.Miller 211 MIGMiller 375 Extreme Plasma CutterMiller Maxstar 150 STL TIGOxy-Acetylene torch
Reply:Originally Posted by smawgmawWeldersource.com ebay store---------Hypertherm Powermax 30-------$1009.Weldersource.com ebay store---------Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 39-------$999Weldersource.com ebay store----------Lincoln ProCut 25------$1360Weldersource.com ebay store----------Miler 375 Xtreme--------$1245
Reply:Originally Posted by Combat JumpI just pulled the trigger on a Miller 375 Extreme from Indiana Oxygen.  While I have 230V available, I like that it has the ability to use both 120V and 230V.  This feature matches my Miller 211 (which I also bought from Indiana Oxygen).  So after using Red for 16 years, I have completely converted to Blue.   I also got a good price, free shipping and no tax.
Reply:Guys, I finally pulled the trigger on the Powermax 30. I was able to pick it up locally for $1025.00. They threw in shade 5 glasses, leather gloves, and a good air filter. I plan to fire it up over the weekend. Thanks for the input and comments.
Reply:Congrats.You can't go wrong with either a Hyperthem or thermodynamics plasma's. Both are the best one going. Good luck with your purchaseMiller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Ditto!  Either one of the above machines, TD or Hypertherm, have good quality for the price.  To me Lincoln and Miller are pricing themselves out of the market when compared to similiar capacity machines.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by smawgmawDitto!  Either one of the above machines, TD or Hypertherm, have good quality for the price.  To me Lincoln and Miller are pricing themselves out of the market when compared to similiar capacity machines.
Reply:I don't know about millers quality as I dont own one.....but Hypertherm did invent plasma cutting and are the leader in innovation ..so quality hmmmm hypertherm makes miller torches or did at least till the patents run out and can be copied now legally soooo that's my thoughts....Lincoln 225 Tombstone,Miller Big 20,Hobart 180,150' Argon,A/D hobart hood 22 Ton Log splitter,79 F350 dump eats 4.75 TONS and still turns cutters,grinders,And a  Hypertherm POWERMAX 30
Reply:Originally Posted by BillyNo not really, if you want quality you have to pay for it.
Reply:Ya can sit here and tell everybody not to buy the millers, but it seems like quite a few people still do, I purchased mine when miller had that special deal going this summer and it was between the hypertherm and miller, and because the 375 extreme had a case, air purifier, and the cutting guide, it ended up edging the hypertherm on price. Not that i have anything against hypertherm, but i have a hard time passing up a good deal on a good machine. Also smawgmaw, let me know when people stop buying lincolns and millers!Miller Dynasty 300dxSpeedglas 9002XMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeLincoln PowerMig 255xtLincoln PowerMig 140cMilwuakee Portaband
Reply:Originally Posted by sidthssYa can sit here and tell everybody not to buy the millers, but it seems like quite a few people still do, I purchased mine when miller had that special deal going this summer and it was between the hypertherm and miller, and because the 375 extreme had a case, air purifier, and the cutting guide, it ended up edging the hypertherm on price. Not that i have anything against hypertherm, but i have a hard time passing up a good deal on a good machine. Also smawgmaw, let me know when people stop buying lincolns and millers!
Reply:Obviously ya didnt understand it was a rhetorical question, because I dont ever see people not buying lincolns or millers, also I really dont care what you own, like you say, its my money....., but you also didnt understand when I told you that I paid less for my miller than for the PowerMax 30, set up the way I would like it. I never have considered any of the chinese junk and never will, never looked at any of the TD models, they may be good machines, but just not for me. To anyone else reading this thread, miller makes a good plasma cutter as well as hypertherm and others, but it all depends on what you want to spend, I would go with the miller or the hypertherm if I ever had to do it again.Miller Dynasty 300dxSpeedglas 9002XMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeLincoln PowerMig 255xtLincoln PowerMig 140cMilwuakee Portaband
Reply:Originally Posted by sidthssObviously ya didnt understand it was a rhetorical question, because I dont ever see people not buying lincolns or millers, also I really dont care what you own, like you say, its my money....., but you also didnt understand when I told you that I paid less for my miller than for the PowerMax 30, set up the way I would like it. I never have considered any of the chinese junk and never will, never looked at any of the TD models, they may be good machines, but just not for me. To anyone else reading this thread, miller makes a good plasma cutter as well as hypertherm and others, but it all depends on what you want to spend, I would go with the miller or the hypertherm if I ever had to do it again.I was posting my personal opinion, more of an "Im just saying," post. Do ya got a problem with me mentioning the cheap machines smaw?Miller Dynasty 300dxSpeedglas 9002XMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeLincoln PowerMig 255xtLincoln PowerMig 140cMilwuakee Portaband
Reply:I aint got no problem at all with you stating what your opinion is, only if it made sense. Matter of fact, I am the proud owner of two Chinese units.  Totally happy with them.  Great customer service and followup from the company I bought them from, good parts availablity, and a live person at the other end of the phone to talk to when I got questions.  And, yes, I would buy another from the same company.  I could have easily tried to promote Chinese units to the original poster of this thread but didnt.  Why?  Because he was interested in certain units.  Do I have to promote the Chinese units or company I bought them from?  No. Their quality and the company from which they come promotes themselves.  And since you stated that you dont own and would never own a "junk Chinese" machine, you cant honestly give an experienced opinion on something you absolutely know nothing about.  Thats what I have a problem with and others on this forum should have a problem with, BS opinions from someoone who doesnt have a clue to what they are talking about!  Opinions as such I toss in the worthless bin to be taken out with the rest of the trash. Yes, there are some "Chinese Junk" out there, but to lump all into a "worthless pile" is ignorance on the part of the person doing the "virtual evaluation".  Dont knock something until you try it.  Nobody is forcing anything on you that you dont want.  Im pretty sure no one on this forum has a problem with you buying Miller, Lincoln, Esab, Hypertherm, etc.  I dont and neither should anyone else.  You dont want "Chinese Junk", then dont buy it, nobody is forcing it on you.  But know what your talking about before you give an opinion.  Dont go around the world with blinders on believing that whatever you read or is told to you is the absolute truth without checking things out for yourself.  If you do, you are going to be a very misinformed individual which you appear to be now.  Please educate yourself not only on this issue but on others in this world, or continue to forever live in the fog in which you now reside.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:First off, get your panties out of a bunch, its my money, I work and sweat for it, so i spend it like I want to! It is my personal opinion and i can say whatever the h#ll I want to say. No I havent ever owned any of those machines, becuase of personal preference, from what I have seen, read, and tried it wasnt worth the risk to me. I would rather get a machine that if it does break, I have the comfort of going to the lws and having them fix it and not having to ship the machine to who knows where and not have a machine for that long period of time. For you to tell me that I go around the world beleiving everything I read and I have blinders on is ignorance on your part. Yeah, ill see what I can do about educating myself on other issues in this world and clearing up the fog that i am in, wait, you know so much about me that you know I have other foggy issues? But im sure your a perfect person who is open to all ideas and has no issues with anything, just so ya can stay out of the fog, right? Im done with this thread, so piss off jackass.Miller Dynasty 300dxSpeedglas 9002XMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeLincoln PowerMig 255xtLincoln PowerMig 140cMilwuakee Portaband
Reply:No, I am not perfect.  Never claimed to be.  And I dont know about your personal issues and dont care to.  Glad your done with this thread.  If all you can come up with is vulgar insults then maybe you should try and grow up in the mean time!   Bye! Bye! Bye! A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:I am going to take the first step here pertaining to this thread.  1.  To OP tpierce, sorry, didnt mean for your thread to turn into a circus.2.  To Combat Jump, I apologize for my post #15.  Even though it may appear to have been an insult, it wasnt meant to be.3.  To Billy, same thing, I apologize for my post #21.  Nothing was meant as an insult towards you in any way.4.  To any of the moderators who had to keep tabs on this thread so it didnt get out of hand, sorry guys.Im done here with apologies.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Well, if anyone is still reading about which plasma cutter to get, I have some more to add. I got my Miller 375 Extreme the same week I ordered it – again, no tax, and free shipping.  All the way from Indiana to California, which is pretty prompt. The price I paid was in the “ballpark” for what I consider a quality light duty plasma cutter - $1145.  That included a nice carry case.  As with other things in life that you might buy, I have found that in general, you get what you pay for.  I like the quality of my Miller 211, so I didn’t mind paying $136 more than a Hypertherm Powermax 30 for more Blue.   Another note, is that the Miller is very small for what it does – even comes with a shoulder strap.  Not that I will be carrying it around while cutting, but that might give you an idea how portable it is.  I used it today.  I welded up some legs for a work table.  Used the 375 for the cutting jobs.  It was like going through butter.  So, in sum, I did a lot of reading on this site before making my purchase.  Searched and read as much as I could find.  In the end, I considered what was important to me, and put down my cash.  I am happy trading my hard earned green for some hard working blue.  Miller 211 MIGMiller 375 Extreme Plasma CutterMiller Maxstar 150 STL TIGOxy-Acetylene torch
Reply:All the major brands make good plasma cutters. The Millers are a decent unit for sure. BUT, Hypertherm and Thermodynamics are the top machines going. I am not tryimg to put any machine down and I am sure several people have units that are working prefect everyday, but in my opinion, anyone looking to buy a plasma would be better off getting a Hypertherm or Thermodynamics.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:good thread.... i'm in the market for a plasma too.   with all the reserch i had done i was ready to buy the miller 375 extreme.   i went to the local AirCo. gas company to see what a deal they'd cut me and knowing they are an authorized  dealer/service store for miller i thought i'd find out first hand about the plasmas.. talking to the salesman there he said his first choice would be either a hypertherm 30 or the thermal dynamic 39  over the miller machine.  he said they get more miller machines in for repairs than the other two.. and if you talk to them about matching prices you WILL get a better deal.. i was quoted an even $1000.00 for the hypertherm and $1006.00 for the thermal dynamics.  i didn't even ask about the price for the miller..  i left there with my head spinning and not sure which one i'd get now.  i had all intentions of leaving there with the miller but after all the talking i did there i told him i'd be back, that i wanted to do some more research..  i think i'll probably go with the thermal dynamic 39
Reply:Though the powermax 30 is less than the spectrum 375 it also has a smaller cutting capacity so you have to figure that in when you are comparing prices
Reply:You may want to try the Powermax30 if you think it has a smaller cutting range than any other 120 volt plasma! Some manufacturers are a little looser with their brochure specifications. You will find that any Hypertherm product will easily exceed the specifications on the brochure! I'll stand behind that promise!Jim
Reply:I will back up Jim Colt's comment. The Hypertherm is far more powerful then it is rated, here is the proof. If you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:This isn't a Powermax 30.....but a Hypertherm Powermax45 severing through 1-1/4" of steel! Quite a bit beyond its rating.Jim Attached Images
Reply:my post #9 shows it too 1/2" like butter and 1" severance gouging and piercing it also woo hooLincoln 225 Tombstone,Miller Big 20,Hobart 180,150' Argon,A/D hobart hood 22 Ton Log splitter,79 F350 dump eats 4.75 TONS and still turns cutters,grinders,And a  Hypertherm POWERMAX 30
Reply:Originally Posted by 500HpSilveradoI will back up Jim Colt's comment. The Hypertherm is far more powerful then it is rated, here is the proof.
Reply:This is not the first time I hear "beyond its rating"...What that "rating" means then? Seems like an attempt to relief themselves from responsibility....
Reply:TPierce did you ever get the answer you were looking for  regarding the 375Extreme or the PowerMax 30? I for one would recommend the PowerMax 30 over the 375 Extreme because of the Power Max's ability to cut beyond what your requirements are. And of course the overall cost savings of the PowerMax over the 375 as far as performance, initial cost as well as cost of consumables, comparison of consumable life cycle, I have the PowerMax 45 and can tell you that I have exceeded its stated performance by 125% on a few occasions and posted the results here at Welding Web.All products made today no matter where made carry manufacturer's product ratings. Even  that bridge you might drive over or the house  you live in has product  ratings or standards. against which  they are made and operate. Perhaps Jim Colt of Hypertherm can best describe a rating. He has done it in several posts throughout the site.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:I cannot speak for other manufacturers (other than Hypertherm) but here is how Hypertherm ratings for hand held plasma are developed:There are three basic ratings for each of Hypertherms systems.... Recomended Thickness, Maximum Thickness, and Sever Thickness.Recommended is the maximum material thickness that allows the operator to move the torch at a minimum speed of 20 inches per minute.....while providing a good quality drop cut. Drop cut means the the part will drop free of the plate without additional manipulation of the torch.Maximum is the maximum material thickness that can be cut with a torch travel speed of at least 10 inches per minute. Expect a bit of dross....and extra manipulation to drop the cut piece from the plate.Sever rating is the maximum reasonable severance thickness that the plasma system will cut...expect heavy dross and slow cut speeds. This number can often be exceeded by a skilled operator.Hypertherm has detailed engineering test protocol that rates each system to the above specifications. Is this a safety net? Absolutely......Hypertherm's sales staff feels very comfortable with the ratings. Most of them can be exceeded!You can gaet a more detailed explanation from this link to the www.hypertherm.com site  .http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Product...ty_ratings.jspJim Colt
Reply:Specter, I did purchase the Powermax 30. I hope to try it out Saturday. I'll report back on my experiance and performance of the machine. Thanks for all the input, it was a great help.
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltYou may want to try the Powermax30 if you think it has a smaller cutting range than any other 120 volt plasma! Some manufacturers are a little looser with their brochure specifications. You will find that any Hypertherm product will easily exceed the specifications on the brochure! I'll stand behind that promise!Jim
Reply:U welcome tpierce glad I could help. Of course having one of the leading experts in Plasma come to answer a question never hurts.I sure hope that you'll like your PowerMax as much as I like my PowerMax 45. You'll find plenty of other PowerMax 30 owner's here at Welding Web. Also take that DVD thhat comes with it for a test drive before hand.The Hypertherm DVD is a great get to know your equipment tool.Between now and Saturday if you haven''t already done it drive around and pick up some scraps to practice on.  Drive around on trash days! Best thing to look for is metal bed frames! They cut up easy and fabricate into some of the best welding carts out there. If you go to the Projects forum or just do a keyword search of welding carts you'll find several out there with some great designs.Another good place to good look for some free steel is behind major department stores! But always be sure to ask the manager of the store before you drive off with anything.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:For What it's worth . . . The OEMs who put these automated systems together all seem to prefer Hypertherm. Check out this one:plasma cutiing beam drill line for structural steelSeveral of them will be at the Fabtech show in Chicago middle of November if you're in the neighborhood.www.fmafabtech.com
Reply:I have been working for the last few weeks to configure a demonstration machine that will be at the Fabtech show in Chicago. Hypertherm has developed a major breakthrough for our HPR line of industrial high definiton class of plasma systems. We will be demonstrating True Hole technology.....a combination of CAM software, cnc control, torch height control and some new plasma process technology that now allows us to cut holes on plate to over 1" thick with no taper, and virtually no ding or divot in the hole. This process is very easy to use as the MTC CAM software inputs a standard part drawing (such as a .dxf)....automatically recognizes holes and applies the correct lead ins, lead outs and modifies cnc algorithms which create speed changes further improving hole profiles. New plasma technology using proprietary shield gas mixes is also used to improve roundness and cylindricity of these holes. This type of plasma cut hole will meet AISC hole quality specifications in most cases.If you are able to go to the show...stop by the Hypertherm booth...I'd be happy to meet Welding Web members!Jim Colt
Reply:Originally Posted by tpierceI need to cut from 16 ga. up to 3/16" plate, with some short cuts in 1/4" angle and bar. I'm considering the Miller 375 extreme, and the Hypertherm Powermax 30. Does anyone have any recommendations?Thanks.
Reply:Powermax30 by Hypertherm is the best selling 120/240 volt plasma on the market.....the torch is designed for drag cutting without the typical nozzle sticking that you find with many torches in this power range.....the power supply is compact and reliable....and its made in the USA by a company that is owned by its employees....no layoffs ever! I am a little biased...being a 32 year employee!The 30 has adequate power to sever 1/2" when necessary....and has (by far) the best consumable life in the industry.....I think if you search this site for Powermax30 you will see a ton of posts!Jim Colt