Used Hypertherm 900 vs new Thermal Dynamics 42

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I am looking for a decent plasma cutter and I've come across a used Hypertherm for around the same price as a new TD 42. I know the new unit will have a warranty, but the Hypertherm 900 has seen very little use and is a 55 amp vs 40 amp unit. This is my first plasma cutter, so I'm just learning the ins and outs of these machines. It's just going to be used in my home garage where the majority of the cutting I do is 1/4" but some 3/8". Looking for some opinions from people with more experience in plasma cutters.Last edited by Mattamd_xp; 03-25-2011 at 11:56 PM.
Reply:I was employed as a Maintenance Tech for an industrial shop that had a Hypertherm.  I never used it, but I was tasked with fixing it whenever it failed.  The Hypertherm tech assistance was very good and helpful. All they asked was the serial number of the unit. My employer acted as if I was a whiz because I could fix the plasma cutter when needed. If I were to someday buy plasma cutter, I will certainly remember how they paitently talked me through the problems.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:The new TD 42 requires very little air. Nice feature if you dont have a large capacity air supply.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:The Hypertherm 900 was always a very reliable plasma, and certainly will have a lot more power as compared to the Cutmaster 42. The 42 is rated at 40 amps, but when you look at its killowatt output, it actually is more in line with 30 amp plasma systems such as the Hypertherm Powermax30....from a cut thickness and speed perspective. The 42 is also imported...not produced in T-D's U.S. factory.The 900 though is an older product....I would guess that it is more than 10 years old. While the original Powermax900 torch is a good torch, the system performs better if it has the RT60 upgrade torch...which brings it cutting capability close to the capability of a Powermax1000.I think I would base my decision on the following criteria:1. How much cutting power/speed do I need? (The 900 has more power, will cut 5/8" all day long).2. Where do I want my money to go? (I am on a US made product crusade!)3. Is warranty an issue? (the 42 would have the advantage here!)Due to its vintage...perhaps you can get the price down lower on the 900....Or, google for a new Hypertherm Powermax30 (equivalent to the 42 from a power / cutting performance perspective, made in America, and similar or lower price).Jim Originally Posted by Mattamd_xpI am looking for a decent plasma cutter and I've come across a used Hypertherm for around the same price as a new TD 42. I know the new unit will have a warranty, but the Hypertherm 900 has seen very little use and is a 55 amp vs 40 amp unit. This is my first plasma cutter, so I'm just learning the ins and outs of these machines. It's just going to be used in my home garage where the majority of the cutting I do is 1/4" but some 3/8". Looking for some opinions from people with more experience in plasma cutters.
Reply:Thanks for the input. The seller of the 900 is pretty firm on his price so I think I'm going to keep my eyes open for a better deal on a used system. The TD 42 would probably work for what I want to do now, but I want to be able to expand the use of it in the future and I would quickly get beyond it's max capacity.
Reply:The TD 42 will run on 120v as well as 230v.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I've had a powermax 30 for about 3 years with absolutely no issues. The only thing is now I want to be able to do better quality cuts in thicker material. I have severed 1/2" mild steel but to say the least the results are a bit poor. 3/8" not much better, 1/4" is fine as long as I take my time. I am only running it on 110 (it will do 220) Now I am thinking I want a larger machine. Just an fyi  that once you get one you will want a bigger one so get the bigger one first! LOLhappy welding
Reply:Decided that I'm going to get a hypertherm new. Now trying to decide between the 30 and the 45. I have the compressor and power for either unit, but would be stretching my budget a bit to pick up a 45. Does the 30 have the ability to gouge? One of the main reasons I'm getting a plasma is to speed up cutting factory brackets off of Jeep frames and the best way to do that is grind/remove the factory welds and leave the frame itself untouched. I know the 45 is listed as able to do this, is the 30 able to do this as well? Not looking to buy a machine and be using it for something it would be struggling with. (I've done enough of that with cut-off tools and grinders...)
Reply:The Powermax30 is not designed, or not powerful enought to officially be ated for gouging by Hypertherm.....there is not a special gouging nozzle available. That being said, it will likely do a fine job for cutting off brackets with the standard cutting nozzle.The Powermax45 has both a cutting nozzle (thin arc for a narrow kerf) and a gouging nozzle (wide arc for melting and blowing away welds), and has enough power to remove welds with minumal impact on the base material.It is your budget that will probably help decide....I think both units will do the job, the 45 may do it better and quicker. Also think about what the future may bring...the plasma will be with you for a long time and you may need to sever that occasional heavy trailer hitch bracket, or cut some 1/2" or thicker materials...Jim Colt Originally Posted by Mattamd_xpDecided that I'm going to get a hypertherm new. Now trying to decide between the 30 and the 45. I have the compressor and power for either unit, but would be stretching my budget a bit to pick up a 45. Does the 30 have the ability to gouge? One of the main reasons I'm getting a plasma is to speed up cutting factory brackets off of Jeep frames and the best way to do that is grind/remove the factory welds and leave the frame itself untouched. I know the 45 is listed as able to do this, is the 30 able to do this as well? Not looking to buy a machine and be using it for something it would be struggling with. (I've done enough of that with cut-off tools and grinders...)
Reply:Originally Posted by dave_dj1I've had a powermax 30 for about 3 years with absolutely no issues. The only thing is now I want to be able to do better quality cuts in thicker material. I have severed 1/2" mild steel but to say the least the results are a bit poor. 3/8" not much better, 1/4" is fine as long as I take my time. I am only running it on 110 (it will do 220) Now I am thinking I want a larger machine. Just an fyi  that once you get one you will want a bigger one so get the bigger one first! LOLhappy welding
Reply:If you go with the 45, you won't be dissapointed, but don't buy anything smaller. If you should change your mind and go back to the 900, check the condition of the torch head and lead, as it will be expensive to replace. If it has been replaced already, you should be able to get a lot of use out of it. I have one that I think is fifteen years old, has had a lot of use, and I have never had any other problems with it.
Reply:Going to place an order for the 45 this afternoon. Seems like it's worth stretching the budget for this a little bit for a much more capable machine. Who knows, maybe there'll be a CNC plasma table in my futureEdit: Ordered one while on my lunch break! Couldn't wait once I made up my mind. Can't wait to get it in and start cutting stuff up!Last edited by Mattamd_xp; 04-13-2011 at 11:37 AM.
Reply:Thanks, from all the employee owners at Hypertherm for buying a Powermax45. We will make sure that the 45 will prove to be a wise choice for many years to come. Hide all your pieces of metal in the shop....as they may be victims of practice cutting....Jim Colt
Reply:can't wait to give this a try!Ordered Friday, received it today!