Plasma Advice

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Ryan from Louisiana here, just joined the forum, hello everyone......Planning on purchasing a plasma cutter soon, would just like to get some other folks opinions.  I'm looking at the Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52, Hypertherm Powermax 45, or the Miller Spectrum 625 Extreme right now, would welcome any other suggestions.For the money, it seems the TD 52 is the most bang for the buck, but I don't know anything except what I've read as far as how good of a machine they make.  They claim to have the only 60 amp "drag cut" tip.  Any significance to that claim? Also, cyberweld is offering a victor oxy/acetylene setup free with purchase right now, anyone dealt with them before?Anyway, will eventually be using it to cut sheet aluminum 3/16 thick or less most of the time (boat building), however I will be building a camp over the next year out of pipe and drill stem, so it will be used to cut some plate and pipe, approx. 3/8 thick and less.I realize I will also be needing a good sized air compressor in the 6-8cfm@90 psi range.  Is there any way that my Trailblazer 302 will be able to power both the compressor and the plasma at the same time?  Simple math says no, since the TB is only good for 50 amps at 220volts.  I think the plasma alone pulls that much at full power, just wondering if anybody else has tried such a setup.  Not really important, I'll have power usually where I'll use the plasma.Any input will be appreciated...ThanksRyan EvansTB 302Spoolmatic 30AJD2 Bender
Reply:First...  Welcome to the forum.  I don't know about the plasma's, but did have a suggestion of a gas engine powered compressor.
Reply:Ryan,Regarding drag cutting.....Hypertherm invented drag cutting capability with hand plasma torches in 1986 with its shield technology. Hypertherm torches can be drag cut at power levels from 12 to 200 Amps.Check around on this site....you will see great acceptance of the Hypertherm Powermax45....it provides the cutting power of most 60 Amp units with dramatically longer consumable life and surprising cut quality. It may be slightly more expensive as compared to some of the competitors, but is far less expensive to operate, and is completely manufactured in our own facilities in NH......the other manufacturers farm components out to other companies.....and the T-D torches are produced in Mexico!As a 31 year employee of Hypertherm I am somewhat biased.....I have a Powermax45, Powermax1000 and a Powermax30 in my home shop. The 45 is mounted on a PlasmaCam CNC cutting machine....if you look at the Hypertherm Sticky under manufacturers....you will see a lot of posts regarding Hypertherm product capabilities.Jim Colt
Reply:A little further advice.....for 3/16" and thinner aluminum you can turn the Powermax45 to a lower output power level with great results.....this will result in lower current draw,meaning you likely can operate both plasma and compressor from your Trailblazer....although I am not sure of the kW output of that unit.Jim
Reply:I suggest that you go with Hypertherm. I have the Powermax 1000, and it is an excellent machine. When they advertise that it will cut a certain thickness, it will. Some other brands I have owned and used advertise one thing and let you down..............................."Look Good Doing It"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:Thanks for the info guys, keep it coming.  I'm looking up Hypertherm's website now.  How good is that plasma gonna work for cutting/beveling pipe?  (any plasma for that matter....as opposed to O/A).   This won't be the machine's primary use, but while I'm building my camp I had hoped to use it for most of the cutting chores.  Will the metal I'm cutting need to be buffed back to "shiny" steel, or just reasonably clean?Ryan EvansTB 302Spoolmatic 30AJD2 Bender
Reply:....also, Jim,  who sells Hypertherm in Baton Rouge?Ryan EvansTB 302Spoolmatic 30AJD2 Bender
Reply:Just to add my 2 cents. I have the Miller Spectrum 625. I am able to run it off a Miller Bobcat with a lil' compressor at the same time with no problems at all. The compressor is a CH 125HP-120v, 5.5cfm @90. I've never used any other plasma cutter, so I can't compare. But I have no complaints about the Spectrum 625.
Reply:Thanks Butch, I haven't seen  a whole lot of posts about the Miller plasma cutters, it seems more people are going with the hypertherms, esab's, etc.  That compressor keeps up with the plasma ok?Ryan EvansTB 302Spoolmatic 30AJD2 Bender
Reply:Originally Posted by RPEvansThanks Butch, I haven't seen  a whole lot of posts about the Miller plasma cutters, it seems more people are going with the hypertherms, esab's, etc.  That compressor keeps up with the plasma ok?
Reply:There are a couple places in baton rouge, I beleive tnt welding supply and airgas sells them.Miller Bobcat 225Miller Syncrowave 200Lincoln SP 175 PlusThermal Dynamics Econo Pac 25Victor O/A
Reply:Now I'm thinking I might get away with a 30 amp machine such as the Hypertherm PM30 or Spectrum 375. These machines should handle cutting sheet aluminum and the occasional thicker alum.  stock according to published literature. I'm just worried about building this camp, will they handle cutting pipe and angle iron as well.  The pipe I'm using is 4" and 5" sch. 40 pipe, both of which are about 1/4" wall thickness.  Does anyone have experience using plasma on material like this?  I've always seen O/A used on pipe, will a 30 amp plasma, or even a bigger plasma, handle this with ease?  I only want to buy once, but not more than I need.I guess I could either buy the cheaper 30 amp machine and spend some money on a O/A rig, or just buy a bigger plasma.  What do yall think?Ryan EvansTB 302Spoolmatic 30AJD2 Bender
Reply:I own a PowerMax 45 and love it. It outperforms its rated cut/severance capacity.Have been using and abusing the same consumables for months.Have used an older Thermal Dynamics and they just don't compare ( newer tech. helps )I owned an O/A outfit long before i brought a plasma.
Reply:I just purshased a cutmaster 52 and I couldn't ask for anything more. Great price.Majority of my cuts are 3mm and it cuts it like butter, extreamly fast and no slag. Almost went the 82, but what got me was the duty cycle. Duty cycle on the 82 was 100% @ 55 amps and the 52 was 100% @ 50 amps... couldn't justify the extra $700 as well
Reply:Originally Posted by RPEvansThanks for the info guys, keep it coming.  I'm looking up Hypertherm's website now.  How good is that plasma gonna work for cutting/beveling pipe?  (any plasma for that matter....as opposed to O/A).   This won't be the machine's primary use, but while I'm building my camp I had hoped to use it for most of the cutting chores.  Will the metal I'm cutting need to be buffed back to "shiny" steel, or just reasonably clean?
Reply:The Powermax30 will do schedule 40 pipe with ease....while I wouldn't use it for production 1/4" cutting...I have used mine to sever 1/2" many times. Just make sure you buy a plasma with adequate power for anything you may be planning in the future....It is certainly wiser to spend a few more bucks now.....you'll be using that plasma for the next 10 or 15 years!Hypertherm manufactures Miller torches by the way......although they are not exactly the same torches that are on Hypertherm's systems. Dealers for Hypertherm in your area are listed on Hypertherm's web site under the " contact Us" tab.  www.hypertherm.com  Good luck, Jim
Reply:Sure, I run the Spectrum 625 at 75 psi and that little compressor keeps up just fine.Also, consider a decent filter to protect your investment, whatever you end up buying. I recommend up one of these.  http://www.motorguardplasma.com- Butch