Asking Advice on 4 Plasma Cutters

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It's amazing what one can learn in a day after browsing this forum.  I have 4 options on a plasma cutter in my area and need some advice on which one would be the best option.  I'm looking for reliability, simplicity, and serviceability, I have no plasma experience to judge from, all my cutting was done with oxy/acetylene.  I will be running the cutter on 220v, cutting mostly 1/4 steel and aluminum but going up to 1/2 inch on occasion, usually smaller pieces, so slower cutting speed doesn't matter.  I'm more in the hobbyist class, not a production fab shop but more than the occasional use.  I have two options that can be ordered and their biggest plus from what I can tell is that they are new, I have two from Craigs's List that are older technology and are used but good machines.  I know the arguments on Chinese vs other and I've included the HF one because it has gotten good comment here.  I know its my money but I value the input from people that have experience working with these rigs so if it was your money which one would you prefer?Harbor Freight Plasma Cutter – China – New – up to ½” – $649.99Pro – inexpensive and available consumables, good reviews, replacement partsCon – Chinese madeThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 – Mexico – New – up to 5/8 – $940.00Pro – Good reviews, many options, not China made, name brand company?Con – Consumable life?Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 51 – Mexico - Used – up to ¾ - $1,000Pro - Good reviews, Greater cut thickness, not China made, name brand company?Con – older technology, Used, Less Options, Consumable life?, CL offer – may not be availableHypertherm Powermax 380 – American – Used – up to 3/8 - $600Pro - Good reviews, American made, name brand company, good consumable life, good support?Con – older technology, Used, Less Options, CL offer it is available
Reply:Isn't the cut master 42 made in China? Their torches and consumables are made in Mexico.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleIsn't the cut master 42 made in China? Their torches and consumables are made in Mexico.
Reply:Ace,  how long would it take toy to save another $300-400 for a Hypertherm 30xp.     The ESAB 875 I have is a good reliable machine was popular for many years and this can often be had for around $750 used.  (60 amp) Also the smaller models are good too.George is the Chinese plasma expert here.   (Mechanic 416)    much good info from him.    Recommend buying a used machine from him too if he has one that meets your needs.    He has good rep here for standing behind his products.Last edited by soutthpaw; 03-27-2015 at 11:20 AM.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:Of these four choices I suppose I would pick the Cutmaster42, however from what I know, and how often I cut with plasma....I know that within 2 or 3 years the additional cost of consumable usage with the CM42 vs a Powermax30XP would make the 42 more expensive. Kind of a "time payment plan".I put some notes in red below.Jim Colt  HyperthermHarbor Freight Plasma Cutter – China – New – up to ½” – $649.99Pro – inexpensive and available consumables, good reviews, replacement partsCon – Chinese madeThe Harbor Freight unit is a high frequency start system with a copy of older US torch designs. Probably not a good choice if you ever want to install it on a CNC (high frequency) and don't expect good consumable life. Over time (if you use it) it will cost you more in consumables than a new major brand system.Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 – Mexico – New – up to 5/8 – $940.00Pro – Good reviews, many options, not China made, name brand company?Con – Consumable life?This unit is made in China, however compared to some of the Chinese imports it is well made. Uses a Mexican made Victor (Thermal Dynamics) torch. Consumable life is not very good from reports on this and other forums. Has similar cutting power to a Hypertherm Powermax30XP (wattage, cut speeds, etc.)Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 51 – Mexico - Used – up to ¾ - $1,000Pro - Good reviews, Greater cut thickness, not China made, name brand company?Con – older technology, Used, Less Options, Consumable life?, CL offer – may not be availableAmerican made, was a great system in its day. You may want to check on parts availability, consumable life is marginal by todays standards.Hypertherm Powermax 380 – American – Used – up to 3/8 - $600Pro - Good reviews, American made, name brand company, good consumable life, good support?Con – older technology, Used, Less Options, CL offer it is availableOlder technology chopper (not an inverter) that was built by Miller and labeled Hypertherm. cuts about 1/2 the thickness of a new Powermax30XP, at slower speeds and with shorter consumable life. Some internal components may be hard to find (circuit boards, etc.)Last edited by jimcolt; 03-27-2015 at 12:22 PM.
Reply:I have the money, got a bonus at work but have other things to spend it on too.  There is a 30xp, Mfg refurb unit on ebay for $1,279.00 with $20.00 shipping, but new from Welders Supply it's $1,285.00 with free shipping, so new is the better deal but is the Powermax worth it?  ESAB 1300 plasmarc is $2,900 new from Welders Supply, waay out of my budget, and don't see any used around here.  ESAB 875 on ebay for around $2,000 still way to high.Cutmaster may be made in China, I see different opinions on this but it's a Victor product and the reviews I've seen on this site praise it highly so am willing to consider it.So it may boil down to Powermax 30xp for $1,285.00 orCutmaster 42 for $940.00that's a difference of $345, I can see spending that much extra for a quality machine, but is the Hypertherm that much better quality?  What about options?  I don't know enough yet to know what options I might want or are available.  Which machine gives me the better choice to expand/upgrade?  Can a Plasma cutter gouge?  I could see that as being useful in what I do.
Reply:The smallest Plasma cutter that has available gouging consumables is the Hypertherm Powermax45. It takes a high load voltage and at least 45 amps, as well as specially designed consumables to do decent gouging. You can usually find new Powermax45's online in the $1600 range, suggested list price is around $2200. If you can get a factory refurbed 30XP (should have the same warranty as new if it really was factory refurbed!) for under $1300 you better go for it....because the next person that looks at it will buy it.I am not aware that there have been any refurbished 30XP's. Generally they would be an "out of box" failure that would go back to Hypertherm, the unit will be repaired (usually something came apart during shipping), run through a tougher than normal final test, then through the burn in process (as all of our products do)....and it is sold at an additional discount through our distributors with a full warranty.Jim Colt  Hypertherm
Reply:Yes, the Hypertherm is worth it!   I have the PM45 and it is an amazing machine.   I cut 1/2" steel on my table just fine, and I have used it for gouging too, and it worked great.   Consumable life is phenomenal.   I bought it used about three years ago, and it was 4 months old, for $1200.
Reply:Thanks Jim, I don't really trust ebay sellers to represent their product truthfully, after all they want to sell it don't they, the better deal is new anyway.  Good info on the gouging, not really a must, I can always use the Lincoln and carbon rods for that.  But is has me thinking about the 45 vs the 30xp now.
Reply:Just a note: The Harbor Freight plasma cutters made today are NOT HF start they are all blow back units the same as the Hypertherm.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:without a doubt, go for a newer Hypertherm, in the long run it will be cheaper and reliable and you will be very happy with any of there units...saving a few bucks in the beginning will cost many times over in the end..Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:Hypertherm is Made in the U.S.A. if that's important to 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:Thanks Mechanic...I was wondering if they had gone to the blowback style torch. Is it a Trafimet?Jim colt Originally Posted by mechanic416Just a note: The Harbor Freight plasma cutters made today are NOT HF start they are all blow back units the same as the Hypertherm.
Reply:The Harbor Freight 95136 (blue) uses the Trafimet S45 torch (Made in Italy) and was made from 2000 till today ( now they call it the 60767 painted black and gold ).The new 62204 Harbor Freight just came out with is using the PT40 torch (copy of the Trafimet S45) they call it (back striking) but is still a blowback torch.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:I ended up on Pirate 4x4 and found a spirited discussion on the cutmaster 42 vs the powermax 30.  I think I'm sold on the powermax just on the consumable life, now I'm thinking about the 30xp vs the 45, I know in this realm, as in others, more power is better, I have the funds and this is a one shot deal so I could justify the 45, never have to upgrade.  Other than duty cycle and gouging capability are their other advantages to going to the larger machine?  Portability is not a concern, CFM may be, depending on how hungry the unit is, but I can always add a larger or additional tank to the compressor.
Reply:Got a cutmaster 42.  Bought it of the shelf for a specific job. I have no reference, however it does seem to go through consumable rapidly. Not sure how much is pilot error .  It does cut impressively and restarts rapidly. I usecdrag tips and cut smaller than 1/4" in typically. Got it in January, listed it for sale last week.  Would probably go hypertherm if I were not in a rush.
Reply:Hypertherm 45, you answered your own question above. A no brainer and I believe it is the number 1 seller too. http://www.weldersupply.com/P/307/Hy...Powermax45Plas   $ 1625.00 FREE SHIP. Order it and you'll be a happy camper. One time purchase
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleIsn't the cut master 42 made in China? Their torches and consumables are made in Mexico.
Reply:Ok, bit the bullet and ordered a PM 45 from Welder Supply, I expect I won't be disappointed, but I hope I didn't overbuy.  I guess now I need to see about using it and the options that are available for it.
Reply:Originally Posted by AcemcgyverOk, bit the bullet and ordered a PM 45 from Welder Supply, I expect I won't be disappointed, but I hope I didn't overbuy.  I guess now I need to see about using it and the options that are available for it.
Reply:To get consumable life out of the cutmaster 42, have to run a standoff, and use the 9-0094 tips only. 9-0093 tips are drag only, where you can use the 94 tips for both. Huge difference between the two.. I like the SL-40 torch, because it does have 9-0091 20-35 drag tips for best performance on 120 volt input.. Cut quality is excellent setup right. Consumable life is night, and day with the correct setup.. This is .500 ,.190,.125.. A cutmaster 52, or Hypertherm 45 will be a much better machine for .500..  I like the excellent low bevel cut on the SL-42 torch.. Attached ImagesEsab/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:Many thanks for everyone's input, I was really having a hard time choosing between the cutmaster 42 and the powermax 30xp, and then the 42.  I really learned a lot from all the replies and research.  I don't have any experience with plasma to know the things that can be done to extend the consumables life.  I figured the cutmaster could be configured to be easier on consumables but I'm to new to this to know how.  Figured I was safer spending the extra I had on one that would do that out of the box.  For my needs I may have overbought, but the thing about overbuying is that you never have to worry about not having the capability that you need.
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XConsumables are made in USA (Victor)
Reply:And, just for an FYI to everyone, Thermal Dynamics was sold and it became Victor Technologies awhile back (3-4 years ago)Now, I have heard that ESAB bought it from Victor Technologies and in turn, sold it to Profax.I have NO proof, just what I have been told.  But the bottom line is, if true, getting parts is going to be a nightmare just as when ITW bought out Hobart and then sold off part of the line.So beware.  If anyone knows differently, please correct me.
Reply:I think you mean Colfax.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal DealerOriginally Posted by GambleMaybe they used to be but now it's Mexico
Reply:Colfax is the investment group that bought Esab a number of years ago, and last year bought Victor. It makes sense that they will blend their plasma product lines as they had a few units that were similar in power and performance. I suspect we will see the Esab name on the hand held plasma system product line, and likely will see the Thermal Dynamics / Victor names on the products designed for CNC mechanized cutting applications. I suspect there may be a little confusion for a while as the blend the product lines and mix and match torches and power supplies.  Esab and Victor/Thermal Dynamics both have a line of high end industrial plasma cutters up to 1000 Amps capacity, just like Hypertherm does. It will be interesting to see how the "bean counters" disassemble and re-invent those products so there is not too much overlap! Currently the combined products come from all around the world, with very little being produced in the USA.Jim Colt Originally Posted by AGWAnd, just for an FYI to everyone, Thermal Dynamics was sold and it became Victor Technologies awhile back (3-4 years ago)Now, I have heard that ESAB bought it from Victor Technologies and in turn, sold it to Profax.I have NO proof, just what I have been told.  But the bottom line is, if true, getting parts is going to be a nightmare just as when ITW bought out Hobart and then sold off part of the line.So beware.  If anyone knows differently, please correct me.
Reply:Acemcgyver,Thanks from all of the employee/owners (no investment bankers!) at Hypertherm for choosing the Powermax45. It is a tool that will still be running in your arsenal of tools for decades.  I was just talking with a production guy on the shop floor (where the Powermax45's are built), and he says we will pass the 100,000 mark with the Powermax45 later this year. It is (by a long shot) the best selling plasma cutter on the market.If you have any questions about the 45, feel free to contact me.Best regards, Jim Colt  Hypertherm Originally Posted by AcemcgyverMany thanks for everyone's input, I was really having a hard time choosing between the cutmaster 42 and the powermax 30xp, and then the 42.  I really learned a lot from all the replies and research.  I don't have any experience with plasma to know the things that can be done to extend the consumables life.  I figured the cutmaster could be configured to be easier on consumables but I'm to new to this to know how.  Figured I was safer spending the extra I had on one that would do that out of the box.  For my needs I may have overbought, but the thing about overbuying is that you never have to worry about not having the capability that you need.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleI think you mean Colfax.
Reply:Colfax,does sell stock. I can actually own that company, and feel good about supporting them. Unlike Hypertherm which I cannot own. Just depends how you look at things.The guys that Founded https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...=us&authuser=0 bought cofax.. They buy companies to built them up, not to turn for a quick buck.. The Esab Hand held Plasma line are some of the best built machines out. Cutting performance is awesome, they are somewhat taking a step back in outright performance, and consumable life with the one Torch.  Once the Esab guys blend their talents to the mix, it's going to get real interesting in the hand held plasma line.. (IMO)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:"Colfax does sell stock. I can actually own that company, and feel good about supporting them. Unlike Hypertherm which I cannot own."  You certainly have a point there. However the effects of every employee owner in a 100% ESOP company are numerous. When the workers are happy...it clearly shows in product quality, in customer support, and with workers going the extra distance to ensure that the products are supported and customers are satisfied. There are no mahogany offices or exorbitant CEO pay. We take the profits and turn it into research and development projects that continuously improve our technology. We have no layoffs, ever.In most public companies....the stockholders, even though they don't actually work to build and distribute the products....take a sizeable chunk of the profits. New product development is underfunded, workers are not nearly as excited about work, and the products and after sale support levels show it. When the economy takes a serious downturn the workers are the first to go. The R&D budget goes away as well.Jim Colt
Reply:Have a Hypertherm Powermax 65 running on a CNC table in our welding class. Does great work. Like the fact that it is made in USA by a company with a great reputation.
Reply:One thing about Esab using the one torch design. It allows more versatility to their system. I would of preferred They used the PT-37 for air CNC use, but not in the cards at this time.. Since I have both of of the top 1/3 phase machines made by both, I can make a direct comparison between them.. I like the A-120 for being able to run the SL-40- SL-60-SL-100- SL-100 machine- SL-100SV Torch, and even Radnor MC extensions on the unit. I have them all, but the standard SV-machine torch.. Deals, and deals on Ebay because it's the most used torch in the world.. Nice trade off..Not sure about employes being happy. Maybe the employees in some of the other countries are just as happy to have a job, compared to American workers. They might even take just as much pride into their work as anyone else on the planet.Last edited by Brand X; 03-28-2015 at 11:50 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:"Not sure about employes being happy. Maybe the employees in some of the other countries are just as happy to have a job, compared to American workers. They might even take just as much pride into their work as anyone else on the planet."I'm sure about it. Come take a tour of Hypertherm, talk to any employee.....you'll hear it immediately. I really does make an attitude difference if you don't have to worry about your paycheck or your retirement, or your benefits. There is almost no employee turnover.There is a rapidly growing trend for small to medium sized business to become employee owned in the U.S., and plenty of good reason for it.Jim
Reply:So if the economy really tanked, Hypertherm would go bankrupt instead of some of the owners cutting their pay or laying themselves off? Lincoln has an employee for life program but in the world wide recession a few years ago, they HAD to lay some employee's off. Never say never when it comes to the bottom line. Not sure what's going to happen with Esab and Victor under the same ownership. Might see good products go away just like Koike stopped making the Airco 10B radiagraph so they could sell their own designed machines. I know a shop up here that has about 18 10B's and several other's that wouldn't buy anything else regardless if they cost quite a bit more. They were the original radiagraph and the best on the market for 65 years. The major shops would still be buying them. Thermadyne buying the rights to a chunk of the Hobart line is another example. Hobart made some real top of the line machines.
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltI'm sure about it. Come take a tour of Hypertherm, talk to any employee.....you'll hear it immediately. I really does make an attitude difference if you don't have to worry about your paycheck or your retirement, or your benefits. There is almost no employee turnover.Jim
Reply:Well, any company could go under given the right circumstances. What Hypertherm did during the 2009 economic disaster: 1. Business dropped over 45% below the previous year., 2. Hypertherm slowed down its production accordingly. 3. R&D budget was almost doubled. 4. Production workers were put to work revamping all manufacturing facilities, designing newer, more efficient production equipment and procedures. 5. We did "fire" the independent groundskeeping crew for all of our facilities, replacing them with volunteers from our production departments. 6. We put production workers into R&D and product engineering groups.7. We moved some production people into administrative jobs as training for the future. 8. Our field sales cut costs (travel and Expenses) by learning to be more efficient. Etc, Etc. 9. We halted construction on our newest 160,000 square foot manufacturing plant.....the site preparation was done, ready (almost for concrete), this was resumed and finished in 2012/2013.When the economy started to recover.....we had 3 brand new products to introduce. We were running on all cylinders, did not have to hire and train people. We got back to the previous years sales in 1/2 the time forecasted, mostly due to market share (new products, on time deliveries of existing products. Our production lines were all upgraded and more efficient, our facilities were well manicured and landscaped.  We did not borrow any money to achieve all of this, in fact we were profitable through the entire downturn with the exception of one month. Having no debt certainly helps! Not one associate was laid off.Can you tell I am proud of my company!Jim Colt  Originally Posted by Welder DaveSo if the economy really tanked, Hypertherm would go bankrupt instead of some of the owners cutting their pay or laying themselves off? Lincoln has an employee for life program but in the world wide recession a few years ago, they HAD to lay some employee's off. Never say never when it comes to the bottom line. Not sure what's going to happen with Esab and Victor under the same ownership. Might see good products go away just like Koike stopped making the Airco 10B radiagraph so they could sell their own designed machines. I know a shop up here that has about 18 10B's and several other's that wouldn't buy anything else regardless if they cost quite a bit more. They were the original radiagraph and the best on the market for 65 years. The major shops would still be buying them. Thermadyne buying the rights to a chunk of the Hobart line is another example. Hobart made some real top of the line machines.
Reply:Hypertherm.  Designed, engineered, built, and produced in USA.  Relinquish any thoughts of substitution  Attached Images"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai  Relinquish any thoughts of substitution
Reply:^  There is NO more advanced, high-quality, and customer service supported Plasma Cutter in the world than Hypertherm.  You are misguided."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XAlso can be made in the US.. Right on the package I opened today.. Colfax is merging Victor with Esab Plasma's .. Looks like the Victor line will be the stop gap until new machines are out. ITW was forced to sell off all machines over 300 amps, because of antitrust issues nothing more. Sold off the 300 amp and above machines to Thermaldyne..https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/pres...cerns-stemming
Reply:Sounds like Thermal Dynamics will be the Consumer kind and ESAB will be the industrial/manufacturing line where they already have a very strong presenceTiger 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 jimcoltWell, any company could go under given the right circumstances. What Hypertherm did during the 2009 economic disaster: 1. Business dropped over 45% below the previous year., 2. Hypertherm slowed down its production accordingly. 3. R&D budget was almost doubled. 4. Production workers were put to work revamping all manufacturing facilities, designing newer, more efficient production equipment and procedures. 5. We did "fire" the independent groundskeeping crew for all of our facilities, replacing them with volunteers from our production departments. 6. We put production workers into R&D and product engineering groups.7. We moved some production people into administrative jobs as training for the future. 8. Our field sales cut costs (travel and Expenses) by learning to be more efficient. Etc, Etc. 9. We halted construction on our newest 160,000 square foot manufacturing plant.....the site preparation was done, ready (almost for concrete), this was resumed and finished in 2012/2013.When the economy started to recover.....we had 3 brand new products to introduce. We were running on all cylinders, did not have to hire and train people. We got back to the previous years sales in 1/2 the time forecasted, mostly due to market share (new products, on time deliveries of existing products. Our production lines were all upgraded and more efficient, our facilities were well manicured and landscaped.  We did not borrow any money to achieve all of this, in fact we were profitable through the entire downturn with the exception of one month. Having no debt certainly helps! Not one associate was laid off.Can you tell I am proud of my company!Jim Colt
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai^  There is NO more advanced, high-quality, and customer service supported Plasma Cutter in the world than Hypertherm.  You are misguided.
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XHave you used the other machines, and could you tell me the differences between them? My bet is zero real info into the subject..
Reply:Can you tell I am proud of my company!Very impressive Jim, and very rare in this day and age for a company to value it's employees above profit.  You have every right to be proud and are very fortunate to work for a company like this.  Speaking as one who has been laid off numerous times after committing years of effort to the company, I wish I could have found a company like this years ago.  It's good to know there are some still around.  Wasn't it someone at GE that said "People are our most important product?"  To bad there aren't more companies that understand this!
Reply:Hey Jim I have a question for you. Would you know who hires the reps in Canada specifically on the east coast? My reason for asking is when I went to my LWS shopping for a plasma cutter I was very interested to look at the Hypertherm based on the feedback here but was also considering Victor. When I arrived at my favorite LWS and inquired about the Hypertherm he informed me he didn't recommend it unless it was what I really wanted because of the rep. I didn't ask any further questions as to why so I got the Victor for a good deal.Lincoln 210 MPVictor Cutmaster 42
Reply:Our district sales managers (there are 4 in Canada) are hired by our regional managers, I know them all very well! Our distribution stores are set up by the District Sales Manager and go through annual training for sales, service and support of our products. Many of these stores also sell other brands, and some of the sales people are more familiar with one brand or another. We cannot force each sales person that works for the LWS to offer only our product. However.....if you go to a store that sells Hypertherm, and you tell them you want to buy a specific Hypertherm....then the salesperson normally would do so, just as they should sell you a Victor if that is what you wanted!  The reps in the stores do not work for Hypertherm, they work for the store.Jim Colt Originally Posted by Ti TruckerHey Jim I have a question for you. Would you know who hires the reps in Canada specifically on the east coast? My reason for asking is when I went to my LWS shopping for a plasma cutter I was very interested to look at the Hypertherm based on the feedback here but was also considering Victor. When I arrived at my favorite LWS and inquired about the Hypertherm he informed me he didn't recommend it unless it was what I really wanted because of the rep. I didn't ask any further questions as to why so I got the Victor for a good deal.
Reply:Jim Colt,I'll tell you what I think of Hypertherm USA.I just got off the phone with welders supply, then went on their site and ordered a spanky new Powermax45 for $1625 shipped...be here this Thursday.I might keep my 1.5 year old Powermax30 (non XP)or sell it to my neighbor or give it to my son when he gets his shop built.So, THAT is exactly how I feel about Hypertherm.Now Mr. Jim, please answer me a question or two.-Will my nifty Hypertherm deluxe circle cutter kit for my 30 fit the 45 torch?-How many tips and other extras does the 45 include?-Suggest best consumables kit by part number for me to use cutting, gouging, dragging, etcThanks Mr. Jim, and all you good folks up there in yankee land for all you got going on.P.S......Those guys at Harley threw in a few T shirts last week when I bought my new bike. Want my shipping addy? Last edited by wornoutoldwelder; 04-06-2015 at 12:55 PM.
Reply:Jim, and all the rest here; This is a portion of what I quoted recently in a thread about HTP TIG machines. I'm sorry when I described Hypertherm's masterful management that I included they manage their debt properly. Seeing as how you have no debt It's really rare today to see a company like Hypertherm who makes just ONE product, rise to the top and stay there ONLY because their product and customer service/support is simply the best....It takes masterful management for a company like them to manage their people, their risks, their debt, their R&D, their investments in new tech, their expansion, and a million other details, where just one slip can make them corporate vulture bait. HTP/Stel tend to specialize in inverter based products, and they are very good at it, sorta like Hypertherm is VERY good at all things plasma, and only plasma. HTP/Stel appears to invest lots in new inverter tech R&D, once again, sorta like how Hypertherm does with plasma tech. Big corps like Lincoln electric now a days buy up the innovators as soon as one of them slips and gets in a bind debt-wize, where they then profit from the ideas, risks and struggles those folks made.