ARRGH want a plasma cutter but which one

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first let me say i've never even had my grubby hands on one, second let me say i WILL NOT spend my money on a chinese machine so there's no need to discuss them in this threadi'd like to spend nothing but that's not going to happen. the first machine i had my eye on was the miller 625 xtreme which falls in the $1500-1600 range with a 12' torch and no goodies. for something like this i prefer to get a consumables assortment with the machine.i like the 625 dual voltage option and that it includes the adapter pigtails, it comes with a case but not sure exactly how much of a benefit that really is. the 12' torch is on the short side but given the weight/size of the machine i don't see moving it around as a big dealso i would like a machine with similar capabilities and pricing but am now wondering about  hypertherm (powermax 45?), thermal dynamics (cutmaster 52?) and maybe even ESAB. thermal dynamics has a deal now where you get a certificate for a free small stick welder with the purchase of a 52. both the TD 52 and HT 45 have 20' torchesi know there are a lot of considerations such as torch ergonomics/build quality, consumables life etc.so what are the opinions on this? i'd really like to stay below $1600 for a new machine with possibly a consumables kit (other than what they normally ship with).
Reply:Me too....
Reply:I would go for the Powermax 45 or 30.  Consumables with the unit is not a big deal, you can order a selection when you order the machine.
Reply:I have the powermax 30.  It's a great machine if its capabilities match your needs.
Reply:yes i'm aware of the torch change on the millers, was this the only thing that makes you say you would have gone with the HT over the miller or are there other issues?i guess in reality none of those being mentioned is really "bad" just different pros and cons. i'm trying to sift through that to see which one would suit me best because it's money i don't really have to spend and i don't want to make the wrong choicei like the longer torch on the TD (the free welder is a plus) and HT machines while i think the dual voltage of the millers is a plus...decisions decisions
Reply:a lot of the TD stuff is made in china...  Hypertherm is tough to beat.ESAB makes some nice plasma machines tooTiger 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:thanks for your input it is appreciated, and i CAN fully understand the torch/cable issues you mention that would tick me off too. this is definitely one of my personal "pet peeve" items. i absolutely despise having to wrestle with hoses/cords of any type. i picked up a CK superflex TIG torch for this very reason. i'm no seasoned pro but when you're trying to make fine/critical hand movements with any tool and you have to fight with a cord or cable it makes me curse it might be petty but i don't like the cheesy looking jumper cable type ground clamp on the HT though something inside me is telling me it might be the best of the bunch even though i'm partial to millers stuffi'm really on the fence with this one
Reply:jamesc,Hypertherm is the closest thing you are going to get for what you want.7A749,Your 375 is a lot better built then the new ones, yours has a Hypertherm torch. The new Millers have Trafimet torch's made in Italy or China. (Trafimet has a plant in both country's)Hobart is a re badged Miller made in the same plant with a Trafimet torchThermal Dynamics are now made in Japan with torches made in MexicoLincolns are made some were over seas nowSo when you say you want a name brand made here in the USA Hypertherm is as close as it gets.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawa lot of the TD stuff is made in china...  Hypertherm is tough to beat.ESAB makes some nice plasma machines too
Reply:GRRR just when i'm leaning towards the HT am i now to understand the HT is going to have a torch cable that's stiff as a frozen snake? i mean if HT was making torches for miller and the miller torch is a problem. i'm really wanting a torch handle/cable that's pliable and easy to maneuver because some of my intended uses will be in cramped confined areas where a stiff lead is going to be an issueis this the ICE torch and is it the same between the older miller and what's currently being used in the HT?
Reply:The Powermax 45 is a great machine. Don't forget that the Powermax45 and up can use the "FineCut" consumables which are amazing. I use them on my Powermax1250 and can say enough good things about them. Mostly about cut quality and lifespan. Just remember to add the "Ohmic ring" to get about 1/32" standoff from the nozzle and you have perfection.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:remember i've never even held one of these so i have zero experience to go on and know nothing of the consumable variations etc.i have seen mention of the "fine cut" consumables and initially got the impression they were only available for the 65 and above machine but you're saying they are available for the 45? this does interest me because (i assume) you can get better finish with these?poking around i ran across this by Jim Colt who's name i've seen pop up a lot with regards to plasma equipment (he works for hypertherm) and it leads me to believe the conical flow is as good or superior to the fine cut stuff?There are no FineCut parts for the Powermax45.....fine cut parts were developed for the Powermax600, 1000, 1250 and 1650 before the new "conical flow" technology (that your Powermax45 uses) was developed. The conical flow allows for the same cut quality on thin materials as FineCut, but with the same consumables that you cut the thicker materials with. Just turn the power down to 30-45 amps, adjust speed to minimize dross, and adjust torch height to .060 and the standard consumables will cut as good, yet last dramatically longer as compared to FineCut. The 30 Amp parts that are available for the Powermax30 will work in the Powermax45....however in my experience I see no advantage.The newest Hypertherm units, the Powermax65 and Powermax85 will have 45 amp conical flow (as well as 65 and 85) and will be offered with Fine Cut consumables as well....while our process engineers don't think the FineCuts are as good as the 45 amp conical flow....we are making them available due to demand from our customers.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamesci think i'm starting to get a "plasma cutter shoppers" headache
Reply:I had a Miller non extreme 375 before my HT.  it worked fine, but that dammmmmmmm ICE27 torch drove me crazy.  Like Steve said above, the gosh darn thing wouldnt straighten out and was do damn annoying.  Ya think tey woulda fixed that?I bought the PM45 via eBay and IIRC it was $1500 and came with a bunch of consumables.  the torch can be disconnected from the machine and is a flexible hose without the stupid memory of the Miller hose.  The hose nozzle is much nicer than the Miller one as well.  The tip tapers more so you can see where you're cutting alot easier.  I don't remember about the miller, but the PM45 torches diameters are exactly a standard measurement-so you can draw a line say 1/4" from what you wanna cut and use a guide to drag it against to get a perfect cut where you wanted it.  Also, the standard torch has a drag tip, the Miller did not.Don't forget to add a prefilter for the air input.  Here's a pic of my setup...http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ypertherm+cartLast edited by Drf255; 11-25-2012 at 05:37 AM.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Mechanic.....I'm pretty sure the newer Miller torches are made by ThermaCut in a Chekoslovakian plant......they switched from the American made Hypertherm torches to reduce costs (don't have to pay American workers!) Jim Originally Posted by mechanic416jamesc,Hypertherm is the closest thing you are going to get for what you want.7A749,Your 375 is a lot better built then the new ones, yours has a Hypertherm torch. The new Millers have Trafimet torch's made in Italy or China. (Trafimet has a plant in both country's)Hobart is a re badged Miller made in the same plant with a Trafimet torchThermal Dynamics are now made in Japan with torches made in MexicoLincolns are made some were over seas nowSo when you say you want a name brand made here in the USA Hypertherm is as close as it gets.
Reply:The Powermax45 does not have the "FineCut" consumables....rather it has the 45 amp shielded "conical flow" (a wide cutting range from one set of consumables)....and also offers a set of 30 amp non shielded consumables if you are looking for a narrower kerf on thinner materials (like the FineCut as used on the 65, 85 and 105 machines).Conical flow uses a specially designed nozzle and shield that adds a second constriction on the arc.....improving edge squareness as well as increasing nozzle life (better orifice cooling). No other system will match the combination of cut quality and consumable life in a 45 amp system like the Powermax45....and the 65, 85 and 105 take consumable life to even better levels.Jim Colt  Originally Posted by jamescremember i've never even held one of these so i have zero experience to go on and know nothing of the consumable variations etc.i have seen mention of the "fine cut" consumables and initially got the impression they were only available for the 65 and above machine but you're saying they are available for the 45? this does interest me because (i assume) you can get better finish with these?poking around i ran across this by Jim Colt who's name i've seen pop up a lot with regards to plasma equipment (he works for hypertherm) and it leads me to believe the conical flow is as good or superior to the fine cut stuff?i think i'm starting to get a "plasma cutter shoppers" headache
Reply:Hypertherm produced torches for Miller for many years.....but the torch was a special design for Miller. Different internal components, leads, etc., to meet Millers specs. The torches on similar sized Hypertherm systems look similar.....but have different (proprietary) consumables and leads...and produce different performance.I have Hypertherm Powermax30, Powermax45 and Powermax 85 in my home shop....often here in NH the temp in my shop is in the 20's (like right now!).....on these newer systems the leads are a bit stiffer in cold weather....but much more manageable than some of the older leads for earlier system designs.Jim Colt Originally Posted by jamescGRRR just when i'm leaning towards the HT am i now to understand the HT is going to have a torch cable that's stiff as a frozen snake? i mean if HT was making torches for miller and the miller torch is a problem. i'm really wanting a torch handle/cable that's pliable and easy to maneuver because some of my intended uses will be in cramped confined areas where a stiff lead is going to be an issueis this the ICE torch and is it the same between the older miller and what's currently being used in the HT?
Reply:The Thermal one torch is still the leader in flexibility. My friend dislikes his 50 ft Hypertherm cable stiffness, at least compared to the one torch he uses. Just not as nice when you throw the cable over your shoulder to cut things. It just does not bend as easy.  The Hypertherm, and Esab have the same style of cable on their bigger machines. Still better then the cables Hypertherm, and Hypertherm made Miller/Hobart cables of old. Those sucked bad when they got old, and cold..Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Can those be purchased for field install on my machine?Got a PM from Mechanic416 & he can do a replacement torch very similar to the new miller one. Waiting to get a little more info on it. For under $400 I may give it a shot. The 375 isn't a bad unit, the torch just sucks the big one.Have to do some research on it.
Reply:Another one here for Hypertherm."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:As far as flexability of the cable,  I removed the old chewed up rubber cable cover from my ESAB and replaced it with a Denim cover from ebay. Works well and much more flexible.  Used the same covers for my spoolgun and GoWeld cables too. Attached ImagesTiger 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:how hard was it to remove the rubber cover ? did it just peel off with a little cutting ?
Reply:I have a TD Cutskill, which was abou € 1000,- and I like it a lot because it's is very small so I can take it to a job if I want, and the torch it comes with is designed for use with small compressors, which is also handy on a job site. In the shop it performs very well; cuts up 6 mm ( 1/4 inch ) very easy.Though I must say after all the stories about Hypertherm I'd go with them if this one dies; but still it's a nice machine.Regards, Peterwww.petermoll.nl
Reply:The new Duramax torches from Hypertherm have the most flexible leads, bar none. They are adaptable to most earlier Hypertherm systems with 40 amps and higher output...that are designed for "blowback starting"The dramatically longer consumable life with Hypertherm systems is due to a few technical advancements from Hypertherm...patented. 1.The Conical Flow technology (on the Powermax45, 65, 85 and 105 as well as all Duramax torch upgrades) splits the air flow into a high energy density plasma jet....and a constricting secondary flow that surrounds the arc and constricts it a second time...this based on the design and shape (conical) of the nozzle and shield combination. This secondary flow increases energy density and stiffens the arc (better angularity, less dross, narrower kerf) and also directly cools the nozzle orifice (longer nozzle life).2. Shield technology...invented by Hypertherm in the mid 1980's....this technology isolates the nozzle from the workpiece...eliminating double arcing that rapidly erodes the nozzle orifice. The patent has since expired....yet many other manufacturers still do not use this technology....maybe they like to sell more consumables!3. Coordinated current and air pressure ramp up and ramp downs that minimize the thermal and chemical shock to the consumables. Imagine what happes when the electrode and nozzle bore (at room temperature) is exposed to a 25,000 degree plasma arc in the time frame of a few miliseconds! Using the microprocessor controlled inverter based power supply and air flow control to soften this thermal (and chemical due to the oxygen content of air) shock goes a long way towards increasing consumable life.In regards to inverter power supplies and Miller. Miller never built any inverter power supplies for Hypertherm....in fact Hypertherm had the very first inverter plasma on the market back in the 80's (T-D was next with their Stak-Pak)....revolutionizing plasma cutting by making it more portabl and affordable. Hypertherm's inverter technology is all in ouse designed and built, (Hanover, NH USA), as are the Hypertherm torches and consumables. Hypertherm sells more plasma systems than any other company. Originally Posted by Brand X I think hypertherm just built their own little inverter, because So Miller ditched Hypertherm as their torch maker.  My friend, with his Hyper 85 were comparing consumables to the new Esab,and Hypertherm. I noticed it on the Esab first, and started to look at the Hypertherm. There is a step machined into the Esab, and Hypertherm nozzles. We think it's one reason the tips last much longer then the Thermal-arc. No step on the new Millers either.  He is going to get a micro milling bit, and experiment on some Thermal one tips.. I could not see the step on the hypertherm nozzles but he said it was there. (Poor light for me to see anything)  He did say it was recessed farther inside the nozzle then the Esab. There are differences for sure, but Esab has a few tricks too.Call thermal-arc, bet you will find a (SL-60) adapter for your machine. (Non ATC style. ) although able to adapt that too. https://www.thermadyne.com/thermaldy...?prodID=7-5200
Reply:Originally Posted by Bigrich954rrhow hard was it to remove the rubber cover ? did it just peel off with a little cutting ?Jim,I was taking to my friend and the torch cable is less flexible then then the One torch he uses. Since he hand cuts with all different machine, I tend to believe him. I looked at and compared his cable and agree with him. I am sure he has much more hand cutting with a 85 machine in the last month then, you have in your whole life. Thousands of feet of cut. Not counting all his CNC work.  He dislikes the stiff cable when he puts it up over his shoulder like he does with the one torch. You cable is almost exactly the same as the Esab style.  About same flexibility.My friend does not work for Hypertherm, but only uses them. He is as unbiased as it gets. He does not sit around and make this stuff up. :rolleyes Esab has patents too, and their new system is excellent to use. They know a heck of a lot about plasma also. I am super impressed overall. That's comparing them to the 85 machine. That Maxstar inverter info was from one of the top Miller reps. Wonder why the relationship  has now ended with Miller. Something more to it then is being told here.  .Last edited by Brand X; 11-26-2012 at 10:22 AM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawIt was easy, on this machine it was not molded to the hose just basically a rubber version of what is on there now, just slit it with a gut hook knife.   The covers I used r from "3 shop river" on ebay got 3 of them delivered for about $34..
Reply:guys i've been all but set on the hypertherm 45 but (and this is today the 26th ONLY) i can get a miller spectrum extreme 625 with the 12' torch for $1344 delivered to my house.this is $225 cheaper than i can get the 45 at the best price i can find itthoughts? remember this is today only, i wish i could get the same deal on a 45 i'd buy it right nowman i don't know what to do
Reply:There is NO subistute for the Hypertherm powermax 45. Best machine on the market! Period!Plus you have Jim Colt here, who has always been there to answer any question that arise. I purchased my Powermax 45 a couple of years ago, and run it on a Torchmate. I use the handtorch,and it cuts flawlessly. I will never own another brand of plasma.Miller Synchrowave 180 SDLincoln PowerMig 255Hypertherm Powermax 45Torchmate 2x2Victor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by jamescguys i've been all but set on the hypertherm 45 but (and this is today the 26th ONLY) i can get a miller spectrum extreme 625 with the 12' torch for $1344 delivered to my house.this is $225 cheaper than i can get the 45 at the best price i can find itthoughts? remember this is today only, i wish i could get the same deal on a 45 i'd buy it right nowman i don't know what to do
Reply:Originally Posted by jamesci think i'm starting to get a "plasma cutter shoppers" headache
Reply:Brandx,I have not seen the latest 1 Torch.....so I could be wrong on the cable flexibility. I suppose there are different revs and different amperage ratings as well. The Duramax torch (rated for over 105 amps, 100% duty) is the most flexible one ever produced by Hypertherm. I do know that flexibility under adverse (cold) conditions was part of the design process.....and as well...it had to hold up to 6 years (simulated in a reliability lab) robotic high duty cycle use......so there is (of course) a balancing act between extreme flexibility and reliability. I suspect you cannot have the best of both in one torch lead.As far as the amount of hand cutting I have done in my life....I would dare to guess it is measured in miles...not feet. I do not do hand cutting for a living....and I suspect there are many out there that cut many more miles per year than I do!I happen to like the Esab systems as well. Esab, T-D (actually Victor Technologies) and Hypertherm are the leaders in plasma cutting innovation...and always have been. Unfortunately the the only ones that are still  completely made in the USA are Hypertherm....if that matters. It does to me. Jim Colt Originally Posted by Brand XJim,I was taking to my friend and the torch cable is less flexible then then the One torch he uses. Since he hand cuts with all different machine, I tend to believe him. I looked at and compared his cable and agree with him. I am sure he has much more hand cutting with a 85 machine in the last month then, you have in your whole life. Thousands of feet of cut. Not counting all his CNC work.  He dislikes the stiff cable when he puts it up over his shoulder like he does with the one torch. You cable is almost exactly the same as the Esab style.  About same flexibility.My friend does not work for Hypertherm, but only uses them. He is as unbiased as it gets. He does not sit around and make this stuff up. :rolleyes Esab has patents too, and their new system is excellent to use. They know a heck of a lot about plasma also. I am super impressed overall. That's comparing them to the 85 machine. That Maxstar inverter info was from one of the top Miller reps. Wonder why the relationship  has now ended with Miller. Something more to it then is being told here.  .
Reply:guys i do appreciate the input. this is really irritating me for two reasons...first money IS a great concern for me at this point in time where before it wouldn't have really been factored into the decision i would just go for the best equipment in a given price range. second i'm working on a project right now that i could use the machine.i'm pretty much sold on the 45, the only real (price aside) thing i favor for the miller is the dual voltage capability though the 45 comes with 8' more of torch. the best price i've found so far on the 45 is $1569 (i called it's in stock) and the same place has the consumables kit for $124. regardless which way i go i do want to get the additional consumables at time of purchase.
Reply:Originally Posted by copesouthpaw, how long does it take for his stuff to get to you?  I ordered a plasma torch head from him a week ago.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamescguys i do appreciate the input. this is really irritating me for two reasons...first money IS a great concern for me at this point in time where before it wouldn't have really been factored into the decision i would just go for the best equipment in a given price range. second i'm working on a project right now that i could use the machine.i'm pretty much sold on the 45, the only real (price aside) thing i favor for the miller is the dual voltage capability though the 45 comes with 8' more of torch. the best price i've found so far on the 45 is $1569 (i called it's in stock) and the same place has the consumables kit for $124. regardless which way i go i do want to get the additional consumables at time of purchase.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamescguys i do appreciate the input. this is really irritating me for two reasons...first money IS a great concern for me at this point in time where before it wouldn't have really been factored into the decision i would just go for the best equipment in a given price range. second i'm working on a project right now that i could use the machine.i'm pretty much sold on the 45, the only real (price aside) thing i favor for the miller is the dual voltage capability though the 45 comes with 8' more of torch. the best price i've found so far on the 45 is $1569 (i called it's in stock) and the same place has the consumables kit for $124. regardless which way i go i do want to get the additional consumables at time of purchase.
Reply:The suggested list price on a hand torch version on the Powermax45 is over $2200. At the price of $1569....there certainly is no profit (trust me on this) for the distributor. The Hypertherm systems have more features, more power (Killowatts), better performance (severance thickness, cut speed, consumable life) and have the industries best reputation for reliability as well as support as compared to similar amperage competitive units.. They are not marketed as the low cost alternative to other brands....rather.....they cost more to build and perform better. Over time it will pay you back in consumable savings, in reliability, and with better cut quality (less labor spent doing secondary operations on your parts).You can save a couple hundred bucks on most of the other brands....but you are not getting the same product!Jim Originally Posted by jamescguys i do appreciate the input. this is really irritating me for two reasons...first money IS a great concern for me at this point in time where before it wouldn't have really been factored into the decision i would just go for the best equipment in a given price range. second i'm working on a project right now that i could use the machine.i'm pretty much sold on the 45, the only real (price aside) thing i favor for the miller is the dual voltage capability though the 45 comes with 8' more of torch. the best price i've found so far on the 45 is $1569 (i called it's in stock) and the same place has the consumables kit for $124. regardless which way i go i do want to get the additional consumables at time of purchase.
Reply:Jim i have tried repeatedly to download files from the Hypertherm site with no success using both IE and Firefox, is it me or what?can you explain the exact contents the 45 ships with, i see it is supposed to have spare consumables with it but there's no description as to what they are. i see they list both 30 & 45 amp consumables and i will want to be cutting a large variation in thickness while maintaining best cut finish. can you give input on the different consumable performance and at what point the lower amperage/consumables will really impact cut finish?
Reply:The torch stiffness is not a issue for me, but my friend just offered it as something he did not care for. We both agree the Thermal one torch is long in the tooth, and needs a upgrade pretty quick. He now owns my Thermal 151 (hand, and machine torch) along with his 1125 Esab with a one torch,,A hypertherm 85 /hand and machine torch Also had cutmaster 82 in his shop from a friend   We pretty much know what the strengths, and weakness  of each machine. Very little with either the new Esab, (more weight might be one) a few minor things with his 85 on the table. The 151 is still a great power unit, we were cutting 5/8 on a 60 amp circuit at 100 amp with zero problems. Kerf is wider but speed is the same. Not bad for a 8 year old unit, and even older designed torch setup.  I have not seen you address the little step in the nozzle. The Esab, and Hypertherm have them. Does it keep the tip round longer?? Something is helping them. I could not see the Hypertherm step, but my friend says it's there, but tucked farther up in the nozzle. No such thing with the Thermal, or Miller machines.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:The base system (powermax45 with hand torch) comes with 1 spare electrode and 1 spare nozzle.....the torch is loaded with a set of consumables (retaining cap, shield, nozzle, electrode and swirl ring).....it will take you days or weeks to use up the first set (nozzle and electrode)....then you will have a spare. Your local distributor can order (many keep the parts in stock) the parts....which will ship from Hypertherm the same day they are ordered.There are consumable kits for the system as well....listed on the site. The 30 amp parts are all different. For hand cutting....I generally see no need for any consumables except the standard 45 amp shielded consumables. They do an incredible job from 28 gauge to over 1". The 30 amp parts are good if you have a cnc machine and are doing detailed cuts that require narrower kerf width. These are the exact same consumables as used in the Powermax 30 torch.Jim Colt  Originally Posted by jamescJim i have tried repeatedly to download files from the Hypertherm site with no success using both IE and Firefox, is it me or what?can you explain the exact contents the 45 ships with, i see it is supposed to have spare consumables with it but there's no description as to what they are. i see they list both 30 & 45 amp consumables and i will want to be cutting a large variation in thickness while maintaining best cut finish. can you give input on the different consumable performance and at what point the lower amperage/consumables will really impact cut finish?
Reply:Hypertherm introduced the step nozzle (smaller bore on the inside and a wider orifice near the exit to relieve pressure.....and reduce heat damage on the exit orifice) on its oxygen industrial systems in the 1980's. Some of Hypertherms air plasma systems use the step...however with the new conical flow (Powermax45, 65, 85 and 105) the step is no longer needed to get decent nozzle life...as the secondary flow both increases arc density and increases cooling on the exit orifice. Jim Originally Posted by Brand XThe torch stiffness is not a issue for me, but my friend just offered it as something he did not care for. We both agree the Thermal one torch is long in the tooth, and needs a upgrade pretty quick. He now owns my Thermal 151 (hand, and machine torch) along with his 1125 Esab with a one torch,,A hypertherm 85 /hand and machine torch Also had cutmaster 82 in his shop from a friend   We pretty much know what the strengths, and weakness  of each machine. Very little with either the new Esab, (more weight might be one) a few minor things with his 85 on the table. The 151 is still a great power unit, we were cutting 5/8 on a 60 amp circuit at 100 amp with zero problems. Kerf is wider but speed is the same. Not bad for a 8 year old unit, and even older designed torch setup.  I have not seen you address the little step in the nozzle. The Esab, and Hypertherm have them. Does it keep the tip round longer?? Something is helping them. I could not see the Hypertherm step, but my friend says it's there, but tucked farther up in the nozzle. No such thing with the Thermal, or Miller machines.
Reply:I just tried downloading with Internet Explorer.....no issues. Tell me what you need and I'll fugure out how to get it for you!Jim[QUOTE=jamesc;1860471]Jim i have tried repeatedly to download files from the Hypertherm site with no success using both IE and Firefox, is it me or what?QUOTE]
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawbetween 1 and 2 weeks.  it will usually arrive US mail and require a signature.   I have probably done half a dozen orders from them.    Remember its going through the US Snail mail .  I have had 1st class mail take over a week to get to CO from CA...
Reply:I am a HyperTherm fan.  I have never owned or even used a plasma cutter, but have been called upon to repair my then employer's Hypertherm.I called Hypertherm and was amazed at how they assisted me with trouble shooting the problem and making the needed repairs.  They made me look good in the eyes of my employer.In fact, they did this more than once during the 5 years I worked for that company.   I am retired now, puttering in my home shop, but I guess I will always be a Hypertherm fan.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:well it will be here tomorrow and i hope i never have to call them for troubleshooting