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I'm looking to buy a small plasma to keep in my truck. Currently planning to get a TD Cutmaster 42 because of the low air consumption, price, and size. (Open to other suggestions) Now I'm trying to find a small compressor to go with it. I know a decent size gas powered would be best but I found the newer small 115v compressors have decent flow ratings and I should be able to run the compressor and plasma off my TB302. My question is would the small compressor with such small tanks be at all ideal? I wouldn't be cutting with it non stop all day but I'd like to have the setup work well when I need it.Here's the compressor I was looking at..2 horsepower, 135psi max at 3.2cfm, 4.3 CFM at 90psi, 115v 15amp.http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-P1IU...essor+ingersal
Reply:What size materials are thinking that you would be cutting? Because there are a couple of the lighter plasma cutter that have built in air. But are limited on how thick they cut.Klutch 220si mig , stick, and dc tigHobart 140 AHP ALPHA 200X 2016Lotos LTP5000DSmith O/P
Reply:I have a oxy/fuel set up on the truck so the plasma would be mainly for when I need a lot of quick clean cuts. I was originally going to get the Cutmaster 52 but I watched videos of people cutting up to 1" with the 42 so I think it will be plenty of machine for now, but I also don't want to go smaller than that. My main concern is what compressor to get. I want it to be as small as possible.
Reply:I run the PM30 at our shop on my twin tank compressor and it does fine. There's a possibility that longer cuts might cause a pressure drop because the compressor can't keep up, but you could mitigate that with an external reserve tank.
Reply:PM 45 on a 120v crap diaphram compressor works, but you end up waiting for the low pressure light sometimes. I'm saving up for a 15A belt drive. That POS Husky is the loudest thing in my shop.Last edited by Brazin; 04-29-2016 at 01:08 PM.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Since you mentioned the pm30 I was just looking at the PM30XP and it looks like a good machine. Anyone have any experience with the 30xp model? The CM42 has a higher amp output and at $300 cheaper I could have the Cutmaster and compressor for the price of the PM30XP. But if there's a reason to go for the hypertherm I would consider it.
Reply:Are you looking at the PM30AIR? Built in air compressor. Doesnt get much more compact overall than that.Eventual master of the obvious, practitioner of "stream of consciousness fabrication". P.S. I edit almost every post because because I'm posting from my phone and my fingers sometimes move faster than my brain.
Reply:From:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...s-Cutmaster-42"The 42 is made in China, most of the Cutmasters are made in Texas and some in Mexico. The Victor / Thermal Dynamics torches are produced in Mexico.....used to be built in West Lebanon NH.....jobs were displaced (laid off) and production was moved to China and Mexico. I know......I went to high school with many that were laid off after many years of loyal work for T-D!From a true power comparison....the Cutmaster42 and the (Hypertherm) Powermax30XP are very similar....even though the 42 produces 40 amps and the Powermax30XP produces 30 amps.....the 30XP has a much higher load voltage rating. and cutting power is voltage x amperage or wattage. Expect very similar cut speeds with both. The 30XP is built in Lebanon, NH, USA, and features shielded technology in the torch as well as Hypertherm's patented "conical flow technology.....providing dramatically longer consumable life and better performance when drag or template cutting. Further, the 30XP has an available set of Finecut consumables that produce a much narrower cut kerf for better detail.A little more expensive to purchase, built here, less expensive to operate! If you are looking for dramatically more power...look at the Powermax45.Jim Colt"SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by SedanmanAre you looking at the PM30AIR? Built in air compressor. Doesnt get much more compact overall than that.
Reply:Originally Posted by BrazinFrom:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...s-Cutmaster-42"The 42 is made in China, most of the Cutmasters are made in Texas and some in Mexico. The Victor / Thermal Dynamics torches are produced in Mexico.....used to be built in West Lebanon NH.....jobs were displaced (laid off) and production was moved to China and Mexico. I know......I went to high school with many that were laid off after many years of loyal work for T-D!From a true power comparison....the Cutmaster42 and the (Hypertherm) Powermax30XP are very similar....even though the 42 produces 40 amps and the Powermax30XP produces 30 amps.....the 30XP has a much higher load voltage rating. and cutting power is voltage x amperage or wattage. Expect very similar cut speeds with both. The 30XP is built in Lebanon, NH, USA, and features shielded technology in the torch as well as Hypertherm's patented "conical flow technology.....providing dramatically longer consumable life and better performance when drag or template cutting. Further, the 30XP has an available set of Finecut consumables that produce a much narrower cut kerf for better detail.A little more expensive to purchase, built here, less expensive to operate! If you are looking for dramatically more power...look at the Powermax45.Jim Colt"
Reply:I bought the powermax 30. The thickest I've needed to cut with it is 1/4" and it slices through it pretty easy. No issues from it either.
Reply:What worries me is the air consumption of the 30xp being too much for the small compressor I want making it less enjoyable to use.
Reply:I've been watching videos of the PM30XP and the Cutmaster42 and as much as I want to love the hypertherm the cut quality doesn't seem to compare at all. Videos of the Cutmaster42 cutting 5/8", 3/4", and 1" are just as clean as the 30XP cutting 1/4". Videos of the 30XP cutting 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8" cut quality is not clean in the least. I'm not sure what to do. The hypertherm consumables are definitely better but I want a plasma cutter to save time cleaning up the cuts after.
Reply:Originally Posted by mr.dgoldThis makes me lean towards the hypertherm but every thread I could find where someone used the hypertherm side by side with the thermal dynamics they all said the thermal dynamics was the better machine from the stand point of cut quality. Which put me back where I am now. along with less air consumtion for the cutmaster. Maybe I can find some comparison videos on youtube.
Reply:I will say the TD's are tough machines in the field and work very well on generators. My TD has the roll cage and that has saved it from drops and rolls many times.ESAB Rebels 215 and 235, ESAB HELIARC 281i, ESAB ET 301i, Hypertherm 85 and 45XP, Thermal Arc 185, TD 60i, HTP PRO PULSE 300
Reply:I've seen a lot of videos of people running the 110v compressors with small plasmas and don't seem to have any issues. I have a 100 gallon massive compressor at home and would buy a larger machine if it were for shop use but I want a set up I can fit in my tool box in the truck, compressor and plasma. I don't have room to take up half my truck bed with a gas compressor I'm going to rarely use. And while I agree the torch and tip design is better from hypertherm, I can just buy a $30 stand off that goes on the tip of the thermal dynamics and I can drag cut the same way. Honestly I'm looking for the reason to spend more on the hypertherm because I want to go american but I'm having trouble being sold on it. Does anyone have experience with a direct comparison of same size machines? And anyone use a small 110 compressor with their plasma? Earlier in the thread 2 said that had no problems with the small compressor I'm just looking for more info
Reply:Ive had the Hypertherm 30XP for a few years and love it. Never changed consumables yet but I dont use it much. Ive cut up to 3/8" and it was nice and clean. I recently got a Makita 5200 to run it because the cfm rating is 6.5cfm @ 90psi I believe, 5.2gal 3HP . Largest I could find for cheap. Its $299. Im very happy so far with both.http://m.homedepot.com/p/Makita-5-2-...5200/202713486
Reply:How portable do you want to be?I consider my big old miller 625 spectrum, 5hp gasoline powered air compressor and 7kw generator taking up my whole 4x8 trailer to be portable.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:While yes being able to move the set up does make it portable but I don't need a plasma cutter everyday. I want to fit it inside a job box in the bed of my truck along with every size hand tool made, welding consumables, extra cables, power tools. Welder in the bed, bed drawers, oxy/fuel set up, hose reel, cable reels, Argon cylinder and everything I need to do a job along with some materials. And a work surface off the back. That's what I'd like as my portable set up.
Reply:I have the Cutmaster 42. Running off my Emglo twin hot dog tanks, the compressor runs almost as much as if I were running an impact. Slices through 18ga like a box cutter through cardboard. I cut some brackets out of 1/2" and cut was fine. Hit some 1" for giggles. Travel speed is expectedly slow and I doubt I have the cfm in air to actually cut anything of value at 1". Machine is light and I like that torch is removable to help knock it down when putting it away.Hypertherm is far more prevalent here, but I use plasma so little I couldnt justify the extra $500. If it was intended to make me money, I wouldve gotten the Hypertherm 45.Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:I'm leaning towards the hypertherm to stay american, along with the Makita mac5200 compressor. I'm hoping it will work well together.
Reply:To the OP, if you get a new #000 or a #00 tip for your O/A torch w/ the oxygen pressure set for the thickness you're cutting and take care of it, it will cut as clean as a plas. MikeOl' Stonebreaker "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Originally Posted by mla2ofusTo the OP, if you get a new #000 or a #00 tip for your O/A torch w/ the oxygen pressure set for the thickness you're cutting and take care of it, it will cut as clean as a plas. Mike
Reply:PM 30 and MAC 5200 sounds like a winning setup, I've had that compressor recommended as a quieter unit. Belt drive isn't quite as compact.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:If the versatility of having a small 115/230 VAC plasma cutter and separate small 115VAC compressor (which has endless uses by itself) is appealing, then finding the right combination that meets your needs and budget becomes the challenge. If spending too much on the plasma cutter (even if it has a real or perceived higher value) means cutting back on the quality or specs of the compressor, then the end result may be disappointing performance. Plenty of advice here about the pros/cons of various models of cutters, so I will share my experience with a small compressor. A couple years ago I picked up a yard-sale Thomas Air-Pac compressor. It looks a lot like many of the small, twin-tank compressors on the market today. At the time, I didnt know anything about the brand, but it worked well and was cheap so it followed me home. Some online research uncovered a lot of info about the unit and made me feel a lot better about the purchase. The AIR-PAC is manufactured by Thomas Industries (Sheboygan Wisconsin). Thomas is a major manufacturer of compressor/vacuum pumps and invented/patented numerous components used in todays compressors. They were/are high quality compressors and, if the info I found is correct, as patents started to expire, lots of low cost, cheaply built copycat compressors suddenly appeared on the market. Most of these units cannot compare with the quality or performance of a Thomas.Mine is an older model but the current model Air-Pac Ultra (T-2820ST) produces 9 cfm (5 cfm at 100 psi). It is oil-less, continuous rated duty cycle, fast recovery and runs on a 15-amp circuit and extension cords. Starts in the coldest weather. Quietest compressor in its 2hp class. Oil less means it can be used on a slope (roofers/unlevel terrain). It is a quality piece of equipment. Buying a new may give you sticker shock. Check Craigslist and local sales and you can pick up a used unit for reasonable money. Refurb and replace anything necessary (parts and service are available) and it will last a lifetime.I use the AIR-PAC with a TD Cutmaster 42. The 42 requires 75 psi (5.2 bar) at 3.2 cfm (91 l/m). The AIR-PAC has no problems keeping up. We dont do much continuous cutting but I havent had any issues that I would attribute to the compressor. Other tools may come and go, but the Thomas Air-PAC is a lifetime keeper.As a general comment, an issue I read about occasiionally from guys using small compressors with plasmas is moisture control. A small tank compressor running continuously will not have time to cool the air and precipitate out moisture. Invest in robust water/moisture control.Finding balance in the set up is the hardest part. I started looking at a wheel barrel type gas powered compressor which has more than enough air but then I'm looking at $600+ used and $900+ new. But that much air is overkill for such a small plasma so then I started thinking I should just get a bigger plasma. There's no end in sight. If I get the smaller plasma then I want to also go as small as I can with the compressor for the smallest overall set up I can.
Reply:Originally Posted by njs552I've had the opposite experience. I used a Thermal Dynamics (60 amp I think) next to a Hypertherm 900, and the kerf on the Hypertherm was about 1/2 the width at the same amperage. That was primarily because you can actually cut faster with the hypertherm at a lower amperage since their consumables and power supplies are designed better.
Reply:Originally Posted by mr.dgoldFinding balance in the set up is the hardest part. I started looking at a wheel barrel type gas powered compressor which has more than enough air but then I'm looking at $600+ used and $900+ new. But that much air is overkill for such a small plasma so then I started thinking I should just get a bigger plasma. There's no end in sight. If I get the smaller plasma then I want to also go as small as I can with the compressor for the smallest overall set up I can.
Reply:This past week I used my TB 302 with a plasma torch and a 2hp electric compressor . Both were run off my TB at the same time. I was cutting for about 2 hrs. My plasma is a 60 amp but when I need to run the compressor too I turn it down to about 48 amps. I never ran out of air or had any other problem . I could tell when to compressor kicked in because I would here the TB adjust to the extra load but it did no effect the plasma arc at all. With this combo the TB is maxed out. I also run a K2000 air arc torch with the 2hp compressor . I have run it for hrs at a time with no problems. If I had days of doing either I would get a gas compressor instead but if you only use them for a few hrs at a time the electric compressor does the job with no draw backs. I am running a 120v compressor. If I were to do it again I would get an electric compressor just like it but convert it to 240v so the load is balanced when runing it with the plasma. If I had a 240v I could probably up the amps a little on the plasma but I do not think it could go to 60 amps. I think it would max the TB at about 52-54 amps. My TB has 12.5kw available for power.
Reply:The Powermax30XP has two sets of consumables. The "standard" set uses Hypertherms shielded conical flow technology, which provides these advantages: 1. Drag cutting without double arcing the nozzle.....the shield electrically insulates the nozzle from coming in contact with the material. Longer nozzle life, smoother drag cutting. 2. The conical flow technology uses the combined shape (conical!) of the face of the nozzle with the inside of the shield in order to utilize the shield (secondary) air flow to impinge (squeeze) the arc as it exits the nozzle orifice....this increases the energy density which provides for cleaner cuts....and cools the hottest part of the nozzle more efficiently....further adding to nozzle life.The Finecut consumables are non shielded. These are primarily used if you want to cut thinner materials with a narrower kerf and at slower (more reasonable) speeds. Two advantages with the fine cut consumables.....lower air consumption (right around 3.0 scfm, less than the CM42) and it allows us to run higher load voltages at lower amperage....particularly beneficial when you must operate on 120 volt input power. This unit....when on 120 volt input will cut thicker and faster than the CM42 based on the power supply and the consumable design.When you look at the true power output of the Powermax30XP you will see on the spec sheet that it can produce 30 amps at 125 load volts. Multiply 30 x 125 and you get 3750 watts of cutting power....coupled to the advantage of conical flow nozzle technology....which gices you a power boost through clever torch and consumable design as well. The CM42 produces 40 amps at 96 load volts.....which is 3840 watts.....which is 2% more cutting power, but no conical flow power boost. These two units have very similar power, the Hypertherm is made in USA and will provide about 4x nozzle life...and has more cutting power in the 120 volt input mode.Compressor size does not matter. As long as the compressor can produce 85 psi or higher...the Powermax30XP will cut metal at it's specified ratings, if the compressor cannot keep up with the plasma flow....eventually the pressure will drop below 85 psi...the plasma will shut off the arc. If you use the Finecut consumables, the air flow requirements will be similar or slightly lower than the CM42. With the standard shielded consumbles...the conical flow requires slightly higher flow, however the advantage is dramatically longer consumable life. A worthwhile advantage that you will find valuable the more you use the system. The post about videos with the CM42 cutting 3/4" and 1" material.....you can do the same with the Powermax30XP. Neither of these systems should be bought for doing this as it is extremely slow, exceeds the duty cycle ratings....and while it won't hurt either one to cut that thick for very short periods....it is simply not the right system. If you want a video of me severing a piece of 1" in my shop with the PM30xp....I'll go do so...just ask. I'll even run it on my little nail gun compressor that only produces about 3.2cfm if you would like.I suggest trying both of them out...side by side. Buy the one that works best for what you will use it for. Bring your own compressor for the test!Best regards, Jim Colt (One of the over 1500 employee owners of Hypertherm!) Originally Posted by mr.dgoldI've seen a lot of videos of people running the 110v compressors with small plasmas and don't seem to have any issues. I have a 100 gallon massive compressor at home and would buy a larger machine if it were for shop use but I want a set up I can fit in my tool box in the truck, compressor and plasma. I don't have room to take up half my truck bed with a gas compressor I'm going to rarely use. And while I agree the torch and tip design is better from hypertherm, I can just buy a $30 stand off that goes on the tip of the thermal dynamics and I can drag cut the same way. Honestly I'm looking for the reason to spend more on the hypertherm because I want to go american but I'm having trouble being sold on it. Does anyone have experience with a direct comparison of same size machines? And anyone use a small 110 compressor with their plasma? Earlier in the thread 2 said that had no problems with the small compressor I'm just looking for more info
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltThe Powermax30XP has two sets of consumables. The "standard" set uses Hypertherms shielded conical flow technology, which provides these advantages: 1. Drag cutting without double arcing the nozzle.....the shield electrically insulates the nozzle from coming in contact with the material. Longer nozzle life, smoother drag cutting. 2. The conical flow technology uses the combined shape (conical!) of the face of the nozzle with the inside of the shield in order to utilize the shield (secondary) air flow to impinge (squeeze) the arc as it exits the nozzle orifice....this increases the energy density which provides for cleaner cuts....and cools the hottest part of the nozzle more efficiently....further adding to nozzle life.The Finecut consumables are non shielded. These are primarily used if you want to cut thinner materials with a narrower kerf and at slower (more reasonable) speeds. Two advantages with the fine cut consumables.....lower air consumption (right around 3.0 scfm, less than the CM42) and it allows us to run higher load voltages at lower amperage....particularly beneficial when you must operate on 120 volt input power. This unit....when on 120 volt input will cut thicker and faster than the CM42 based on the power supply and the consumable design.When you look at the true power output of the Powermax30XP you will see on the spec sheet that it can produce 30 amps at 125 load volts. Multiply 30 x 125 and you get 3750 watts of cutting power....coupled to the advantage of conical flow nozzle technology....which gices you a power boost through clever torch and consumable design as well. The CM42 produces 40 amps at 96 load volts.....which is 3840 watts.....which is 2% more cutting power, but no conical flow power boost. These two units have very similar power, the Hypertherm is made in USA and will provide about 4x nozzle life...and has more cutting power in the 120 volt input mode.Compressor size does not matter. As long as the compressor can produce 85 psi or higher...the Powermax30XP will cut metal at it's specified ratings, if the compressor cannot keep up with the plasma flow....eventually the pressure will drop below 85 psi...the plasma will shut off the arc. If you use the Finecut consumables, the air flow requirements will be similar or slightly lower than the CM42. With the standard shielded consumbles...the conical flow requires slightly higher flow, however the advantage is dramatically longer consumable life. A worthwhile advantage that you will find valuable the more you use the system. The post about videos with the CM42 cutting 3/4" and 1" material.....you can do the same with the Powermax30XP. Neither of these systems should be bought for doing this as it is extremely slow, exceeds the duty cycle ratings....and while it won't hurt either one to cut that thick for very short periods....it is simply not the right system. If you want a video of me severing a piece of 1" in my shop with the PM30xp....I'll go do so...just ask. I'll even run it on my little nail gun compressor that only produces about 3.2cfm if you would like.I suggest trying both of them out...side by side. Buy the one that works best for what you will use it for. Bring your own compressor for the test!Best regards, Jim Colt (One of the over 1500 employee owners of Hypertherm!)
Reply:I'm not quite as knowledgeable as Jim, but my larger PM45 can cut about 4 feet with a smaller compressor than that Makita.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:The 20-35 amp nozzles on the Cutmaster work excellent on 120 volts..Excellent SS setup.. Most people think they are 20 amp nozzles only, but they work at full output on 120 volts. It will use less air then any of the comparable machines. I like the torch so much, that I use it on my new Cutmaster 52.. Consumables are super cheap on E-bay if you are patient. (factory) Great view of the arc with the exposed tip design. Give up something to get something.. (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:I tried the 20-35 consumable's out with my Sl-40 torch.. It's awesome with it's air use.. I have a small 13 amp low cfm compressor that was doing a good job keeping up.. Cut about 4 feet of .250 without waiting much at all. Just enough to move the metal, and cut some more..This is not much of a compressor either. meaning 3 CHM at 90 psi.. cutting at over 4000 ft makes it less of a machine too.. Like I said before the Thermal is the best there is with it's use of air.. I thinK I paid about $130 to my door for this little thing.. get more compressor if you buy a different brand plasma. Just showing what the Victor brings to the table.. I bought it to run the cutmaster on 120 volts, and use the other leg for air 13 amps was the key. (6000 watt quality MQ Generator) It did run fine at 35 amps output on 240, and the compressor. It would cut .500 pretty decent too (little bit I tried.) Impressive setup really.. http://www.cpohitachitools.com/hitac...hi-compressorsLast edited by Brand X; 05-02-2016 at 02:19 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:Is there a non drag tip made for the hypertherm 30xp torch? I though it might be nice to have when following odd lines or something artistic. But I'm sold on the hypertherm because every search I've done for info on them, Jim is helping out people on every forum out there. It seems like he is a member to every forum that someone ever mentioned metal working. I don't know how he does it.
Reply:If you don't want to drag the torch....then just lift it off the material. All Hypertherm torches up to 200 amps have drag consumables because it makes cutting easier....but nothing says you have to drag the torch on the material. Jim Colt Hypertherm Originally Posted by mr.dgoldIs there a non drag tip made for the hypertherm 30xp torch? I though it might be nice to have when following odd lines or something artistic. But I'm sold on the hypertherm because every search I've done for info on them, Jim is helping out people on every forum out there. It seems like he is a member to every forum that someone ever mentioned metal working. I don't know how he does it.
Reply:Guess that was a dumb question. Thanks jim |
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发表于 2021-8-31 22:07:53