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Hello Everyone,My name is Jamie and Im new to this forum and new to the exciting world of Plasma Cutting
. I have a simple question for all of the experts out there
Im currently using a friends Miller plasma cutter which works allot better than my grinder, but Im told that Thermal Dynamic is the Plasma cutter of choice since its in a class of its own
. Again not knowing much I did some research and found a Thermal Dynamics Plasma Cutter that would fit my needs its a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster Tue Series 52 with a Maximum Cut 1 1/8So am I on the right track? Or am I miss guided?Thank You and any feedback would be greatly appreciatedJamie
Reply:Jamie,There are a few hand held plasma system manufacturers out there. Thermal Dynamics and Esab are the oldest companies...both started producing plasma in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Hypertherm, the largest producer of plasma equipment....was founded in 1968. Hypertherm has the reputation as the technology leader.....and produces a full line of hand held as well as mechanized (industrial) plasma systems....these systems are known for their long consumable parts life and reliability.Depending on what you are planning to use your plasma system for......you should look at the Hypertherm Powermax units. The Powermax30 will sever up to 1/2" material, the Powermax45 to 1", the Powermax1000 severs up to 1-1/4". There also are the Powermax 1250 and 1650 for even heavier capability. These systems are not the least expensive to purchase, but due to their long consumable parts life and uncomparable reliability.....they prove to be the lowest cost to use. here is a link to a video about the Powermax systems: http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Informa...ermaxAdvantageJim Colt
Reply:Jim - Thank You for the information - really appreciate itI will check out the video now and look at the Powermax unit..So are the powermax a better brand than the thermal dynamics? Or a better overall system? Just want to make the right choiceThank You
Reply:Jamie,I would tend to be a little biased as I have been employed by Hypertherm for 31 years....however, I'm sure there will be posts on this subject from other plasma machine users....I suggest looking at all units that suit your needs....and base your purchase on feedback from other users as well as what works best for you. Many of the welding supply stores will let you try a Hypertherm unit....put the torch in your hand and cut some metal!best regards, Jim
Reply:Jim - I've been reading all night about Hypertherm and really like what I see and read...... would you have some rough cost for a powermax1000? and the cost for a cnc table (for automated jobs)Last question.... Is a Powermax1000 a bit better than the Cutmaster 52? not sure why Hyperthern has two classes running? can you explain so that I understand the difference between the two...Thank You Again for your help...
Reply:jamieh,Where is that Thermal Dynamics unit made? (I know but you should also)Hypertherm is made here in the good old USA.I have both the Powermax 600 and the Powermax 1250. Both are great. If I ever have to replace a plasma cutter, it will be with another Hypertherm.At the shop where I sometimes do some work, we have the 260A Hypertherm as the power supply for the CNC cutter. The unit has been virtually bulletproof.I DON'T work for Hypertherm. Just a very satisfied user of their equipment. Really nice to be able to pick up the phone and talk to a technician. Try that with Thermal. If setting up a table, put a call into Hypertherm and talk to them. I think you'll be impressed.Good Luck. Let us know what direction you go.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Jamie,The best thing to do for pricing is to just google "Powermax1000" and you will find a variety of prices listed. I can get you Hypertherm's suggested list price....although there are about 10 different prices depending on lead length, hand torch, mechanized, etc. Hypertherm does not make cnc cutting machines....but we work with virtually every manufacturer in the world....there are probably 300 manufacturers of these systems worldwide. The sizes, capabilities and prices are widespread....you can get a 4' x4' plasma cam machine for less than $10k, or you can buy a 40' x 350' Messer beveling machine for over a million dollars......Cutting table prices and performance are available for most needs. I can steer you towards particular machines if you let me know what you would like to cut, how large the plate size is, how high are your production needs, and what accuracies you are trying to achieve. On the Hypertherm web site we list OEM's (original equipment manufacturers) that manufacture cnc machines that we partner with....it is under the "contact us" tab near the top of the page.The Powermax1000 has more cutting capacity, and higher duty cycle as compared to the Cutmaster 52......while the new Powermax45 has a lower power output (45 Amps) it competes very favorably with the Cutmaster in terms of cut speed and cut thickness. I have both units.....and I have a PlasmaCam cnc in my home (hobby) shop. Both units will provide dramatically longer consumable life as compared to the Cutmaster. What do you plan to spend most of your time cutting? If it is 1/4" with occasional use above 1/2"....then the Powermax45 is probably the better choice. I have actually severed 1-1/2" with the 45!Jim Colt
Reply:DecisionsDecisionsFirst of all thank you for your replies – they are helping…So it’s between the PowerMax 1000 and the Cutmaster 52I’m a hobby plasma cutter / welder and want a Plasma cutter that does a great job, easy to use, works well, and not a science to run….I mostly deal with smaller stuff but occasionally work with ½ to ¾ materials….It would be great to test both then choose but I don’t think the store will let me But this forum and a few other are with Hyperterm (that’s the way I’m currently leading towards) and pray that the PowerMax 1000 will serve me well with no regrets….Again Thank You for all who took the time to help me out with this…Jamie
Reply:I have the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101. So far it has been a good unit.What I don't like is my level of expertise which is near nil with plasma cutters. So I tend to hose up the consumables faster than most people. It's a learned ability. I am sure if I used it more I would be better at it.But here is something to also consider....dry clean air. You gotta have it. No matter what brand you get I would recommend three things. A basic water separater, a dessicant dryer and a filter. I used a re-fillable dessicant dryer AND a dryer/filter. If you look at pictures of people's setups, you will see a black canister mounted to their unit or their cart. That is usually the container with a paper filter in it. Paper soaks up water quickly. If your air is wet you will go through more filters faster. Once the filter is wet, it's useless and you get water into your gun. This is where you will shout obscenities after hosing up your consumables or ruining the cut. It's not cheap to get clean dry air in most cases. But it is worth it. There are other options like refrigerated dryers.....and that is nice, but for most hobby users...a waste of money.I know that's not the question you asked, but be ready for that to be part of the price of either unit.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:I have two esab plasma's (one hand and one mounted on the pantograph table), a powcon plasma and a thermal dynamics plasma. 99% of the time I will grab for the thermal dynamics. you can drag it right on the piece to be cut with no ill effects. where the esab really doesn't like this AT ALL. The down side is that my thermal is a smaller unit only rated to 3/8" and my esab plasma will sever 1" with the hand torch.DRY AIR IS KING.Oh and my powcon unit works just like an LN-25 off an engine drive welder. just add air.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11It's not cheap to get clean dry air in most cases. But it is worth it. .
Reply:That is great advice and thank you for sharing it with us... I will try and get my air as dry as I can..Again Thank You for the extra advice - greatly appreciatedJamie
Reply:Daddy,Yep. You are right. When I sandblast I use refrigerated air. You get the dew point down quick and the water just seems to come right out of the air. That plus all my other regular methods. Plumbing can really help. Those 90degree bends cause water to separate too. If you get the chance, post up the link to that post you referenced!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:Not to stray from the original posters question too much, but here are a coule links I used recently as I just finished plumbing my garage for air. I used all copper (had some laying around to start with). I can post pics if anyones interested, but I took the advice from these two links mainly. Lots of drain points, sloped main line near the ceiling, drops off the TOP of the main line..etc.http://www.oldsmobility.com/air-compressor-piping.htmhttp://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/compressed-air/Oh, by the way, I just purchased the HT PM45. So far I love it, but I know there are planty out there to choose from - including the new 625 Xtreme and TD line.Miller Dynasty 200DXHypertherm PowerMax 45Victor OAIR CompressorLots of blacksmithing tools and other fun toys meant to creatively disfigure, reshape, manipulate and join metal.
Reply:Here are a few links: http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=23088http://www.tptools.com/StaticText/airline-piping-diagram.pdfFor the tp tools link, click on "tips/technical/FAQS" , and then select "airline hookup Metal Piping diagram"The only thing I did differently was to add a drip leg to the first vertical after the flex hose. The first link to my thread shows all that.
Reply:Great - thank you for all of the awesome info / links / and tips........Jamie
Reply:You will be very happy with either Hypertherm or thermal dynamics. I own a Thermal Dynamics 80 amp machine and have used a Thermal dynamics 60 amp cutter as well. Both are sturdy solid machines that will give you years of service. If your looking at CNC cutting then you need to remember that piercing plate takes more amps for thicker material (buy the biggest machine you can afford). Either manufacturer can work with a CNC table like plasma cam or torchmate etc. Whichever company has local a local shop for consumables would be a great choice.
Reply:Where is that Thermal Dynamics unit made? (I know but you should also)For those who don't know, ALL of the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster plasma cutters are made in West Lebanon, NH, in the good ol' USA.
Reply:Sweet! Score me up for buying American. Did you guys feel me stimulate the economy?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:agreed, Hypertherm maybe a better choice for some applications, Do you ever purchased any Germany made plasma cutting machines? like Esab, or Hoos? Maybe you know Hoos and Esab, it's Hoos not Haas, and it's Esab not Messer both germany technical background, running manufacturing facilities in China, i have calculted again and again, after deduct the cost of shipping, a germany background, chinese made machine are a good choice for such large gantry types. with capacity of thickness up to 1000mm, or 150mm (plasma).
Reply:Actually, Thermal Dynamics builds most of their inverter based plasma power supplies in West Lebanon, NH. The torches for these units are built in Mexico, and most of their mechanized plasma systems are built by Sanrex in Asia. T-D has also introduced a new (rebadged) chinese built inverter plasma with a Mexican built torch mounted.I grew up in West Lebanon, NH. I know quite a few people that were laid off by T-D in favor of shipping their jobs to other countries!Hypertherm, on the other hand designs and build all of their power supplies (except one, the 190C which is built by Miller in Wisconsin) and torches in Hanover, NH, USA. Not one layoff during the economic downturn, and the employees (over 1100) own the company.Jim Originally Posted by bikemakrWhere is that Thermal Dynamics unit made? (I know but you should also)For those who don't know, ALL of the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster plasma cutters are made in West Lebanon, NH, in the good ol' USA.
Reply:Many of the Esab cnc cutting machines are produced in Germany, however Hoos is produced in China. Both companies often offer their machines with Hypertherm plasma systems. Hoos has an office in Germany.Jim Originally Posted by franklinwgorgeagreed, Hypertherm maybe a better choice for some applications, Do you ever purchased any Germany made plasma cutting machines? like Esab, or Hoos? Maybe you know Hoos and Esab, it's Hoos not Haas, and it's Esab not Messer both germany technical background, running manufacturing facilities in China, i have calculted again and again, after deduct the cost of shipping, a germany background, chinese made machine are a good choice for such large gantry types. with capacity of thickness up to 1000mm, or 150mm (plasma).
Reply:Hey jamieh,As you can see, you will get many opinions for individual selection of a plasma cutter or any other equipment. It's simply a matter of doing some homework researching all the facets of the equipment & primarily choosing your choice by determining your overall usage. If you're just doing hobby work, or have a shop for small production runs on generally metal up to 1/2", & have no need for a plasma cnc system, you are going to decide by the price. That's natural & everyone wants to save a bit & get a value for their investment. I recently purchased the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52 & based my decision on my experience with my older Pakmaster50 that has performed flawlessly. It was priced the best as far my needs for a cutter with a 60A rating with all the applications I do. Just evaluate your personal needs & your investment $$$ the get the best value for what you need to do.Dennyhttp://cgi.ebay.com/THERMAL-DYNAMICS...item53e13d15aeComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:All good comments. Purchase price can be the detrmining factor if the budget is the limiting factor. Depending on the planned use of the unit over time...operating cost may be more important to consider. Consumable life varies widely with different brands and technology. If the nozzle (tip) is $2.00 on a low cost import, but you use one nozzle a day, then the low cost import may be more expensive as compared to a major US brand with a nozzle that lasts for 5 days use.Cut quality and speed are also factors that determine "cost of ownership".http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Product...powermax45.jspJimLast edited by jimcolt; 05-10-2010 at 09:24 AM.
Reply:i have a miller spectrum 875 and its an amazing little machine a coupple days ago a customer brought in some 7/8 aluminum that he wanted cutt down to size and it cut throu it with no problem ant the cut was suprisingly cleen. but when i bought mine at my local linweld store i was stuck between the powermax 45 and the miller spectrum 875 and the only reason i went with the miller is it was only 200 more and it had 15 more amps of cutting power. the millers use hypertherms torches witch are the best on the market. i would definetly stay away from a thermal dynamics machine because there consumables aer really expensive and they dont last nearly as long as hypertherms or millers do. so i would deffinetly go with either miller or hypertherm i hope i helped you outAlso I would ask about availability and price of parts... Jim makes a good point about Made in USA which hopefully means repair parts are readily available. What made me think of this is that I just burned up the armature in my Makita LXT drill. however I was able to order new brushes, brush holder and armature for about $35, also ordered a few other parts for the LXT flashlights... all should be shipped in the next week or two...If I had some cheapo Ryobi or Harbor Freight drill I am sure it would have been much harder and probably more expensive to find the parts......Also companies like to let many parts become obsolete when they stop making that model... so going with a model that has a large and long production run is probably going to lead to better parts availability down the road... I can't afford to buy new so I was more limited in my choice beggars can't be choosers ya know.... I really knew very little about them when I got mine so I just went by company reputation/history and price.... Looks like good advice here and I think it does give you a guide as to which companies to avoid and which ones to look forTiger 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:I have a friend who are refering to me for setting up a plasma cutter to cut 150mm round steel, i am now wondering who has the right solution at the least quotation to make this a successful project.may anyone send me the solutions details, with thanks.roberto. Originally Posted by jimcoltMany of the Esab cnc cutting machines are produced in Germany, however Hoos is produced in China. Both companies often offer their machines with Hypertherm plasma systems. Hoos has an office in Germany.Jim
Reply:Jamie, I have a PM 1000 G3 with a machine torch and I consistently cut 5/8ths material at fairly high travel speeds on a Torchmate 4x4 CNC table. Jim is right about where it is made and available consumables and their replacement costs. The consumables are not cheap and since they have done a bunch of research and extended the life it is a considerable cost savings. They are also a phone call away if you need support, and have a support network in place for any thing you might need. PlasmaCam, Torchmate and several others all produce a great entry level machine capable of doing some pretty heavy cutting if the need arises. If my Hypertherm ever dies, I will replace it only with another Hypertherm since mine has worked flawlessly since day one, even when I was all jacked up in the beginning with heights and pierces and cut speed all wrong. I am not employed and all that junk, but I am a very happy hobby/part time welder with this machines performance. I think the PM1000 G3 with machine torch was right at 2K, but it was a long time ago so the price may or may not have changed. Good luck, and post up a pic of what you decide to get!!!!BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys? Trade?
Reply:Jim Colt posted a reply to hiitimes request in the Hypertherm forum. Hiitimes says " i am now wondering who has the right solution at the least quotation to make this a successful project.may anyone send me the solutions details" 150mm is just short of 6in Would be nice if hiitimes gave a bit more detail about the 150mm steel round stock project. Maybe a picture of what his project is. The New Hypertherm HPR800XD will edge start severance cut up to 6.25"/158.75mmhttp://www.hypertherm.com/en/Product...a/hpr800xd.jspThe HPR800XD was just released for sales only two months ago. An online search will not reveal the suggested price only comes up with N/A or CONTACT US FOR A QUOTECo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.& 2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:I totally agree with Jim. Ive had my Powermax 1000 for 3 years without any problems. Consumable life is outstanding. Ive cut over 15,000 cut inches and only needed to change out my tip one time (3.5 Dia with 8 pierces in each at 400 disks). My powermax runs on a PlasmaCAM 4 X 4 CNC machine.Semper Fi,Joewww.plasmacam.com
Reply:No complaints with my Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52. Very pleased with this machine, it's abilities and performance.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Try pairing your plasma cutter with a CNC plasma table or a CNC plasma cutter. You won't have to cut by hand anymore. From what ive seen, Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics are the industry leaders and have the most value.
Reply:When you look at EZ cuts website....you will notice that only T-D plasma systems are listed! Yet the picture of the cutting machine has a Hypertherm torch on it! You can buy the cnc machine, then purchase the Hypertherm plasma from your local welding supply.Jim |
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发表于 2021-8-31 22:37:01