Time to buy a new plasma cutter. Looking for input.

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I currently have a Thermal Dynamics CM 42 its been a good machine but I'm looking for something with more grunt. I do like miller products but the 875 seems like alot more money for not much more power. For the same money you can get 100 amps from thermal dynamics or 80 for hypertherm. I've been impressed with the 42 but just looking for some input on these other machines. Thank you
Reply:More grunt = http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...olnElectric%29Lincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:Been using the heck out of a Longevity ForceCut 60I.  Not a problem in the 11 months that I have had the machine. Replaced my Hypotherm 380. The Longevity with cut 1 1/4 inch and costs less than half what I spent on the 380.  $990.00  with a 5 year parts and labor warranty.Just my 2 cents worth....From the desk of Kevin CaronTrying to be the best me I can!www.kevincaron.comAHP Alpha Tig 200x MillerMatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200
Reply:Spend the extra on a Hypertherm...and don't spend the extra time worrying about the warranty, as you will probably never have to use it.EDIT: I should add...Hypertherm will (most probably) also be around in five years still making American made plasma cutters instead of importing them from overseas.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:yea, what Roy said...
Reply:Yeah what Roy saidGet the HyperTherm and you won't be sorryBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by WyoRoySpend the extra on a Hypertherm...and don't spend the extra time worrying about the warranty, as you will probably never have to use it.EDIT: I should add...Hypertherm will (most probably) also be around in five years still making American made plasma cutters instead of importing them from overseas.
Reply:I have a CM 102 and a CM 151. Both have been rock solid although the fans are loud and run a lot on my new 102. I too am disappointed they moved production overseas.  I'll likely go hypertherm next time. I hear the consumables are cheaper... but I haven't confirmed that myself. I've done 800+ inches in 1" plate with my 151 on a set... so consumables aren't normally a gripe for me.
Reply:Based on my personal experience as an Industrial Maintenance Electrician; if I were to spend my own money to buy a plasma cutter, I would buy a Hypertherm.I had never before seen a pasma cutter, but I was told to repair the weldors plasma cutter.  I opened the instrucion book and called Hypertherm.  They graciously walked me through not just one but several repairs in the five years I worked there.  Customer support like that has made me 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:Another happy Hypertherm fan..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Ditto royMiller diversion 165Miller mig 211Hypertherm pm 30Milwaukee 6230 14 inch chop sawMd 45 mag drill (RIP; fell on its head)New MD 45! Thanks to the esposa!Finally got an O/A setup
Reply:Must be nice to be rich,,,From the desk of Kevin CaronTrying to be the best me I can!www.kevincaron.comAHP Alpha Tig 200x MillerMatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200
Reply:I have been pleased with my Thermal cm 52. It is made in USA but made in USA is not a deal breaker for me as I live in Canada.The Esab plasma cutters are very solid cutters as well. I love the Esab torches.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:++ for Hypertherm.Andy-------------------------Miller Bobcat 250 / Dynasty 200DXHobart HH 140Hypertherm PowerMax 380Kalamazoo 8C BandsawHowron Bender / Hossfeld #2 Bender
Reply:Originally Posted by kevinacaronMust be nice to be rich,,,
Reply:Well said wyoroy those facts and I can drive 40 miles in any director and find a dealer for my hyperthermMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Originally Posted by WyoRoyTain't bad. One tends to get that way by paying once for a machine that will last instead of multiples of machines that "might" not. Personally, I'd be more than willing to own a Thermadyne plasma cutter...good machine, excellent value, great warranty. In a few more years I wouldn't be at all averse to purchasing a Chinese manufactured unit once they have proven themselves with a brick and morter presence...if I had any sort of need for one. I own several non-U.S. manufactured tools, some better than what are available from U.S. manufacturers... so I'm no jingoist by any means...get your dictionary out if you need to look up the term.  Right now, with absolutely no support from the manufacturers in China, sold by importers here in the U.S. based in rented (I suspect) warehouses...who just may pull up stakes tomorrow (anybody remember the Riland story?), and spec'ed by an importer with little to no background in the design or componentry involved the risks of any cash outlay is no better than the lottery...some ya' win, most you lose. Sure the current offering is cheap...and that is no compliment.Now, if you were trying to imply that I, and any others here, paid too much for our plasma cutters, I would be more than willing to listen to your logic...if you can back it up with fact. I suspect that what you were really trying to accomplish was to justify your decision to save a few buck and are now whistling in the dark hoping you made the right choice. As for myself, I'd rather opt into a proven performer...you can take that to the bank.
Reply:Another vote for ESAB.  Do you have any LWS where u can demo the machines,    ESAB does have a 100 day satisfaction gaurantee .   Return within that time for full refund...   Not sure if it applies to Canada too.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:Originally Posted by kevinacaronMust be nice to be rich,,,
Reply:Originally Posted by NC4AB++ for Hypertherm.
Reply:Originally Posted by kevinacaronMust be nice to be rich,,,
Reply:Not a problem, I just find it amazing that guys will turn their nose up at a machine they have never tried. I was one of them! I tried Longevity and liked them. I will keep my opinions to myself and the experts can keep thumping their chests.From the desk of Kevin CaronTrying to be the best me I can!www.kevincaron.comAHP Alpha Tig 200x MillerMatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200
Reply:As Mick120 stated, the longer consumable life is a savings that continues on in lowering your cost for years.  Hypertherm will normally keep supplying parts for machines 10 years after discontinuation of a model, also. So, they just don't leave you hanging when a model is replaced. When I first got my 600, I had to cut a lot of expanded metal. It was very fast and very easy.  I was amazed then, and still am out how easy it makes hard work very easy. Good luck on your search.TxDoc's Photos Lincoln SP175 PlusLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln 250 LX Spool Gun Lincoln Precision Tig 225 Hypertherm 600 KMG 2x72 Belt GrinderBaldor 812RE Grinder
Reply:Originally Posted by kevinacaronNot a problem, I just find it amazing that guys will turn their nose up at a machine they have never tried. I was one of them! I tried Longevity and liked them. I will keep my opinions to myself and the experts can keep thumping their chests.
Reply:well said WYO ! im not a rich man myself . but i save money and buy quality tools, i have to , i make a living with them ! its too bad that the '' hobby people '' dont reallize what it means when your depending on a machine for food on the table. BTW i own and use a lincoln procut 55, and works very well for me .MM 251MM 135Lincoln Pro cut 55Bobcat 250Miller Thunderbolt ac/dcolder ac forneyJackson nexgen 3n13-Smith OP setups97 Dodge dieselMakita chopsawJet swivel head bandsawlincoln tig 300/30030a spoolgunpuma port. gas air comp.Hypertherm does really deliver a nice package and the accessories are pretty well put together. I really like the filter unit with the added cover. You can tell they really to hold themselves to a higher standard. Im thinking I will probably end up with the powermax 65 unless the lws can really through me a sweet deal on the 85 as I really can't spend much over 3k right now. I guess anything over an inch the old reliable torches are still just fine for. Again I really thank everyone for there input its nice to hear from the people using themOh and Wyo you are very well spoken. Jump in the race for president I will vote. About time we go someone with blue collar roots.Last edited by KD Welding; 08-04-2012 at 08:44 PM.
Reply:+1 for TD.  We have a Hypertherm as well, but it has had to be sent back to the shop a couple times for repairs, but Thermadyne hasn't skipped a beat.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120Only one choice, Hypertherm.It's the only plasma cutter I've used and, I've done that for a reason.....QUALITY.....Not only of cut but, consumable life, quality of build and, machine life expectancy.Edit: I also left out, duty cycles and reputation.
Reply:Originally Posted by sbchp355Oh and Wyo you are very well spoken. Jump in the race for president I will vote. About time we go someone with blue collar roots.
Reply:Then u probably should have said there is only one choice FOR YOU.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:Wow, guess its time to bow out of this thread before blood is spilt!Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:While I'm pretty sure that I do not want to get involved in most of this thread...as I have not seen much for real technical comparison type questions....except for this one: " For the same money you can get 100 amps from thermal dynamics or 80 for hypertherm".As I have said dozens of times...with a plasma system it is not amps that does the cutting...rather, it is Watts...or kilowatts. True....some of the T-D units are offered at prices close to the (similarly rated) Hypertherm units...yet show that they can produce as many as 20 amps more output.   Read the power supply specifications and see what the output kW rating is....Kw is basically the output amperage multiplied by the rated output voltage at full rated duty cycle. Often you will see the Hypertherm 80 amp units have a kW rating that is nearly identical to competitors 100 amp units.  A 15kW, 80 amp plasma will cut at the same thickness and speed as a 15kW, 100 amp machine.Most of the low cost imports do not even offer the specs of kW at a particular duty cycle and amperage. Generally the Hypertherm 40 and 45 amp plasma systems have a higher kW output rating as compared to 60 amp imports....and will cut as fast and as thick....and with dramatically longer consumable life.There is a market for low cost import plasma systems. They cut metal, and fit some peoples budget.....which works well for a small shop or occasional user.  If you like reliability, need the best possible cuts at the lowest operating cost...then you have to purchase better, more expensive equipment.Jim Colt Originally Posted by sbchp355I currently have a Thermal Dynamics CM 42 its been a good machine but I'm looking for something with more grunt. I do like miller products but the 875 seems like alot more money for not much more power. For the same money you can get 100 amps from thermal dynamics or 80 for hypertherm. I've been impressed with the 42 but just looking for some input on these other machines. Thank you
Reply:Jimcolt thank you for your input. I was not aware of the kw rating but like you said most other manufacturers don't put the kw rating on the spec sheet.
Reply:Yep we do bring this up in just about every "plasma advice thread"Watch some videos of someone cutting using a chicom plasma then using a quality brand.   The speed, material thickness and cut quality are far superior.    I would put a HT, or ESAB etc up for a side by side comparison to a chicom such as everlast, longevity etc any time...    Also just in case people were reading things into my posts that I never said.   I want to clear up I never said anything negative about the other quality brands.  If I was buying a new plasma myself, a HT is the first brand I would be going to demo at my local LWS along with the new ESAB'sTiger 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:jimcolt, very professional response. Oh,  Hypertherm  is what you want.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120??????????I figured that was a given.
Reply:This is the box that you may want the big brown truck to drop off at your place. Attached Images
Reply:I did a couple of gouges on some approx. 7/8" steel on a box blade the other day. The 65 blew through it almost instantly and then did a nice cleanup on the edges...so neat and easy ! Very powerful for it's size. I also like the extra reach of the 50' upgrade torch leads. My next story is basically just believable conjecture. A couple of guys at a local welding store were telling me about a Hypertherm (PM85 I think) that they had sold to a Railroad company. The feedback from the workers was apparently very positive and they had been using it to cut railroad track ! That's some heavy cutting...if true. Attached Images
Reply:That was shipped to the wrong address I'll PM you with the proper addressBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Not to go all brand happy here, but I bought a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101. It is an 80amp unit. It was what I wanted after months of research. I am a die hard Lincoln fan, but the Lincoln units available at the time just didn't make my sticker peck out. I did test drive the Esab and I was in love with it. But again, repair and parts availability was important to me. yes, I can order anything on the net, but I want it NOW. So I went with the TD. As far as which model? The CM 101 was about as big as I could afford. I always go big. Less buyers remorse that way. the  unit has a little knob that I can turn down to 20amps if needed. If you buy a 20amp unit, there is no knob to turn it up to 80. I know, my philosophy is getting old in that regard, but it never lets me down. I think the plasma cutters are pretty much like the welders, stick with a known entity like a name brand and the quality usually follows. For me, compatibility with a CNC system like the PlasmaCam or the TorchMate was important. So I considered that in my choice. So filter out people's replies and pull the info you want from them. disregard the fluff.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by BradTNThis is the box that you may want the big brown truck to drop off at your place.
Reply:Originally Posted by sbchp355Your getting a jelous look right now. I will keep you posted I can't buy any thing for two weeks as I'm getting married and have to right that check. How ever my very supportive wife to be has giving me the green light for the week after the wedding to sit down with my local lws and buy a plasma cutter and a mm252. He should be able to sharped his pencil and come up with a decent price for those two items. Hoping I can swing the powermax 85. Thanks very much everyone for all the good info.