Which plasma cutter should i get? (Brand Wise)

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I need a small plasma cutter manily for sheet metal or projects 1/8 or less. I like the ones with the built in air compressor since i only have a 10 gallon and i dont want it running all the time. I noticed Miller, Thermal Dynamics, Hobart, and esab all have a built in compressor model. Im leaning towards the miller 125c. Any thoughts? ThanksYa gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:I'm extremely pleased with my Hypertherm PowerMax30. They have a built in compressor model the 190C I believe. Jim Colt is on here he works for Hypertherm and can offer some decision making assistance, but the Hypertherm is a stand out to me. I used to have a Miller Spectrum 3080 and I prefer the Hypertherm because I get better consumable life out of it.Also, one perk that means the most to me. When you call Hypertherms tech support, a guy answers on the first ring. No phone maze to click through and get the wrong person.If you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:i have the miller 375 works great
Reply:Even though Hypertherm produces a compressor model (Powermax190)....you may want to steer clear from these units. The Hypertherm unit is designed to operate off 120 volt power.....meaning the power draw from the compressor and the plasma have to share.....this only allows about 12 Amps of plasma cutting power....it will cut 1/8"...but it is relatively slow.Since you already have a compressor...take a look at the Powermax30 (30 amps output, can operate on 120 volts or 240 volts)...and has an incredible amount of power in a small efficient package. It will run fine with your compressor.Best regards,  Jim Colt
Reply:just got millers 2009 catalog theres a new 625 x-treme and a 875 x-treme625 x rated 5/8 max7/8 and 23lbs825 x rated 7/8 max 1-1/4 and 61lbs
Reply:Hypertherm or Thermal Dynamics you can't go wrong with either but I lean towards Thermal Dynamics because of the roll bar and one torch system.
Reply:Okay,  I like the oddball.  But for the money, performance and Quality,  look at HTP products.  Their machines are simple and well built.  They have quite a large following.  You deal directly with the company.   Their prices are extremely competitive and their consumables are well priced.  They have several machines in your price range.  They are all inverter based.  They also offer a complete line of welding systems, including one of the nices Inverter tigs on the market.Oh yeah, here is the link directly to their site.  http://www.usaweld.com/products/plas...ters/index.htmEsab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Hypertherm, have a 600. It has been problem free. And its made here in america, so the money stays here.Good judgement comes from experience.Experience comes from bad judgement.
Reply:My only recommendation would be to not under buy. It has been my experience that the marketing material tends to overstate optimal cut capabilities.
Reply:Hypertherm, based on owning and using both the PM 600 and the PM 1250, tends to understate their machine capabilities.Do a search on hypertherm.  I think the poster Specter (I think) feels the same way about the new PM 45 he just purchased.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Well put folks. I have a Hypertherm Powermax 45 for my farm/shop use. If you go to the Other Manufacturers forum you'll see several posts about the Hypertherms. I mysellf have tested my HTP45 to over 50% above capacity and I posted the results for all to see. For your use I would have to agree with Jim about the PowerMax 30 meeting all your existing requirements. But remember when selecting equipment always anticipate for future requirements as well! That way you'll not find yourself having to sell the existing unit to purchase a more powerful one.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:Hey, WelderShane.I bought a used Miller 125C and quickly put it on eBay. It was my first plasma cutter and I thought it would do what I wanted, which was up to 1/8". I had problems with it cutting cleanly in even lighter sheet metal, some of which could be my lack of experience. I replaced it with the Miller 375 and have never been sorry that I did. I kind of wish I had gotten the 375 Extreme for just a little more. I used more consumables on the 125c in the 2 weeks I used it than I have on the 375 in over 6 months use.I use a small dual cylinder air compressor with good results, but I'm not welding professionally. Just match the CFM requirement for the plasma cutter to the air compressor and you should be fine.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com