Plasma Consumables Question

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Just ordered up a new Hypertherm Powermax 30 plasma cutter. What consumables should I buy to have on hand?"Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:The ones made for your torch.
Reply:try going to the hypertherm home page.or wait till you get the unit the consumables are listed in the manual. Or post your question under the Other Manufacturers forum since Jim Colt of Hyertherm comes in occassionally.Last edited by specter; 12-29-2008 at 09:22 PM.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:bruceb,I just purchased a Hpertherm PM-45 and it came with an extra set of consumables (shielded cups)  These work great for drag cutting, along a guide.  I plan on ordering some "non-shielded" consumables for freehand cutting (where I want to see exactly where the cutline is) This is the second plasma cutter I have owned and it is real improvement over the last one!  My only complaint is the ground cable is to darn stiff!  Mine easily drag cuts clean 1/2" plate and I am sure it will do as advertised.One thing I did is to put a good moisture filter on the branch air line and another permanent secondary filter at the unit connector.  (dry air makes consumables last longer)Hope this helps,TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Hi Ya tr@gotorandall, Hope that you luv your your Powermax 45! Its one amazing plasma cutter. If you go to Other Manufacturers forum and look you'll see a couple of threads about the PowerMax 45. I have to say  they have the longest lasting consumables I have ever used. An their Torch Parts guide is excellent at showing what consumables make up the torch as well as part numbers (handy to have if searching the net).Tom.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:The cups with the small hole in the center go the most, then the electrode is next.They last 10x longer than my PT31 torch.Enjoy your new toyDavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Tom,Thanks,  I am loving it!  I forgot how little I used a torch when I had my old Powcon Plasma.  Nice not having hot slag fly all over the shop. I intend to build a cutting table with a comfinement trap soon.TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:bruceb,I ordered my original 'stock' of consumables for my Powermax 350 on-line from http://hypermax.org/.  You'll need nozzles and electrodes which are the items that wear with the nozzles more than the electrodes as David R pointed out.  You could start out with the standard 5 packs and go from there depending on how much you use the unit and how clean and dry your air supply is.  Moist, oily air wears nozzles out quicker so if you use the proper filters/dryers you'll find the nozzles and electrodes last a long time.I also ordered 'just in case', a 5 pack of retainer o-rings, a swirl ring and a retainer cap.  The PM30 doesn't show having an o-ring for the retainer cap but does have a deflector that my PM350 doesn't but you'll have to decide what you want to have on hand.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Hi Duanne hope that you had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year.. I use both a water separator and air dyer on my Hypertherm PowerMax 45. Yeah cost to setup properly but once done those expensive consumables will work better and last MUCH longer.TomCo-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:David - are you talking about an Esab PT31 torch?  Are you not getting good consumable life from yours?  Mine seem to last forever...  Just wondering.  Also, what machine do you have?  Mine is on a Powercut 1500 - the big one...
Reply:Originally Posted by brucebJust ordered up a new Hypertherm Powermax 30 plasma cutter. What consumables should I buy to have on hand?
Reply:OK...stupid question I think...What is the deflector used for? Says in the manual that it is optional."Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:Originally Posted by TubularFabDavid - are you talking about an Esab PT31 torch?  Are you not getting good consumable life from yours?  Mine seem to last forever...  Just wondering.  Also, what machine do you have?  Mine is on a Powercut 1500 - the big one...
Reply:David - I spoke too soon.  After walking over and actually looking at the consumable chart on my Esab I see it's a PT32 torch, which is a newer design.  I've been real impressed with how long the consumables last - I figured with the power this thing has I'd blast through tips in no time.  I use mine primarily following a straightedge with the amps all the way up going as fast as I can.  I can "rip" a strip of 1/4" steel 2 foot long off in about 6 seconds with a nice, clean cut.  90 amps can get some seriously fast cutting speeds!
Reply:Originally Posted by brucebOK...stupid question I think...What is the deflector used for? Says in the manual that it is optional.
Reply:Mondo,Thanks for that informative answer.Happy New years to everyone. Hope 2009 is better than 2008. Just had my Chevy P/U stolen out of my driveway last night  Fitting end to a crummy year."Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:Are FineCut consumables available for the Powermax 30?"Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:Originally Posted by brucebMondo,Thanks for that informative answer.Happy New years to everyone. Hope 2009 is better than 2008. Just had my Chevy P/U stolen out of my driveway last night  Fitting end to a crummy year.
Reply:Bruce,The Powermax30 tips (consumables) pretty much already ARE fine-cut tips, so there is no need for 'special' tips.IIRC, once you go up to the 60-amp Hypertherm uniits is where the optional fine-cut tips are available.  The Powermax30 and 45 use the 'fine-cut' as the 'regular' tips, so there is only one tip type for those machines.Like Mondo said/posted, the Hypertherm 860290.pdf chart/document lists the consumables for the Powermax30.  Typically the nozzle (aka 'tip') 'wears out' first, then the electrode.  The retaining cap and the swirl ring could get damaged, so having a spare one of each on hand means you're not out-of-business if you break or bugger one of those.  The consumable kit part number 850480 should cover you for a 'kit' of consumables.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:New Plasma cutter user question,As I said earlier in my post,  I have the new PM-45 and the consumables that came with it.  Do you guys use the drag Nozzle,(shielded) consumable and just lifted off the surface for "free hand cutting" or do you always change out to the optional "unshielded consumables?  Thanks,TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:The shielded parts are best to use in 99.999% of hand cutting applications....they last longer, can be dragged directly on the plate, cut faster, and are designed to be used with template cutting.....a piece of plywood, plastic, metal.....almost anything you can guide the torch with will work.You can also use the Powermax30 parts in the 45......the 30 parts produce the same high energy density as the FineCut consumables do in Hypertherms other systems.Jim Colt