Severance Cutting Test with my PowerMax 45

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Morning everyone!!So, I've had this plasma cutter since I bought it new in the summer of 2011, and let me tell you, I love it. Its been very good to me, never had any problems with it, cuts great, etc...But, I've always wondered how thick it can REALLY cut, and I decided I'd do a severance test with it when I bought it, and now a year and a half later, Im actually doing it I had some plate laying around in increments of 1/8" all the way up to 1 1/2" steel... I didnt think I'd need the 1.5" because Hypertherm says the plasma is recommended to cut 1/2" plate and the maximum severance is supposedly 1", but I was wrong. This picture is of a cut on 1 1/4" plate:I was pretty impressed... The video tells the story better than I can. Hope y'all like it, was pretty fun to make Anyway... Have a nice week, everyone [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:I've never really pushed my Cutmaster 52, so I don't really know just how thick it will "cut".For all stuff over 1/4" I still rely on the gas torch.  I'm not a real fan of plasma for anything but thin steel.  Although it is coming real handy, increasingly so, for cutting holes instead of drilling them in thicker stuff.I still think it's one heck of a big investment for the average person.  Plasma cutter, compressor, etc.  3000+ for a good system, and that's not even approaching anything mechanized like automated tables."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I want one.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammI've never really pushed my Cutmaster 52, so I don't really know just how thick it will "cut".For all stuff over 1/4" I still rely on the gas torch.  I'm not a real fan of plasma for anything but thin steel.  Although it is coming real handy, increasingly so, for cutting holes instead of drilling them in thicker stuff.I still think it's one heck of a big investment for the average person.  Plasma cutter, compressor, etc.  3000+ for a good system, and that's not even approaching anything mechanized like automated tables.
Reply:The ability to maintain a long arc.....which is important for cutting thick materials as well as for plasma gouging, is a function of torch design (ability to have extremely high energy density without wearing the consumables rapidly) as well as the killowatt output capability of the power supply.Plasma power supplies are generally rated by output amperage (Powermax 45 is 45 amps)....but the real power is the amount of arc voltage (effectively the arc length) multiplied by the maximum output amperage.....which happens to be output killowatts.Most plasma system manufacturers do not offer the true output killowatt rating of their plasma power supplies. Simple reason.....to make a power supply with more output power...simply costs more money. This is why the Hypertherm system...even though they are conservatively rated by the manufacturer...generally will cut way thicker than advertised. Hypertherm lists its true kW output at its maximum amperage....at an ambinet temperature and duty cycle for each of its systems. When comparing system capability....this kW rating is what separates the industrial systems from the...shall I say "lesser capability" systems.The Powermax units cost more....how about if w figgured out $ per inch of severance capability.....the Hypertherm units would then be the lowest cost!Jim Originally Posted by LanseMorning everyone!!So, I've had this plasma cutter since I bought it new in the summer of 2011, and let me tell you, I love it. Its been very good to me, never had any problems with it, cuts great, etc...But, I've always wondered how thick it can REALLY cut, and I decided I'd do a severance test with it when I bought it, and now a year and a half later, Im actually doing it I had some plate laying around in increments of 1/8" all the way up to 1 1/2" steel... I didnt think I'd need the 1.5" because Hypertherm says the plasma is recommended to cut 1/2" plate and the maximum severance is supposedly 1", but I was wrong. This picture is of a cut on 1 1/4" plate:I was pretty impressed... The video tells the story better than I can. Hope y'all like it, was pretty fun to make Anyway... Have a nice week, everyone
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammI've never really pushed my Cutmaster 52, so I don't really know just how thick it will "cut".For all stuff over 1/4" I still rely on the gas torch.  I'm not a real fan of plasma for anything but thin steel.  Although it is coming real handy, increasingly so, for cutting holes instead of drilling them in thicker stuff.I still think it's one heck of a big investment for the average person.  Plasma cutter, compressor, etc.  3000+ for a good system, and that's not even approaching anything mechanized like automated tables.
Reply:The Cutmaster 42 has less power in kW compared to the Powermax30 when operating on 120 volts, but more power (slightly) than the Powermax30 when both units are operating on 240 volts. Cut speeds at 240 volts are almost identical.Jim ColtI know Jim colt is always brings up KW ratings, and i was wondering why the Cutmaster 42 is rated at 3.8 KW on 240 volt input.. It looks a bit better then the Powermax 30 of 2,5 KW Seems like the cutmaster would have a advantage somewhere along the line.I am going to buy a 30 amp Hypertherm or Cutmaster 42, real soon, and I am going to compare them head to head, on parameters that work for me..[/QUOTE]
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltThe Cutmaster 42 has less power in kW compared to the Powermax30 when operating on 120 volts, but more power (slightly) than the Powermax30 when both units are operating on 240 volts. Cut speeds at 240 volts are almost identical.Jim Colt
Reply:I want kiloWatts! Attached Images"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:From my experience when comparing plasma systems...the severance advantage goes to the one that can sustain the highest load voltage at its maximum amperage.....that is the maximum kW output. Of course the torch design plays a role as well......if you put an old Hypertherm Max40 torch on the same kW output power supply as the new Hypertherm Duramax torch...the new technology torch would cut thicker.A few cfm difference in air flow between torches.....I wouldn't pay much attention as long as one of the torches had longer consumable life and better cut quality! In fact if I could run oxygen through a Powermax30...I would (but don't do it...it is dangerous) because even though it costs more than air it cuts faster, cleaner and with better cut quality. The point is.....if a little more air makes it perform better, isn't it worth it?Jim Originally Posted by Brand XNow when you get in the thicker metal like in the severance range , the Cutmaster must have some advantage. Severance type of things I would think? I would throw the esab machine in the mix, but it costs quite a bit more, and uses more air CFM. . The CFM use on the cutmasters seems to hold a slight edge on the others. I know each machine would hold a certain advantage in some areas. Just have to test drive to see how they perform. against each other, and how they each perform things important to me.. I think these three machines are pretty well matched up..(sticking with major players I could trust. )
Reply:I agree a little more air is worth it, but  really marginal air compressor will be ran with my Smaller generator,(4k scout on 240 volts) I could fix that with a bottle of compressed air or even Nitrogen. I have the reg. for that, and enough bottles.  As funny as it seems, cut quality, consumable life are not all that important for what I am trying to do. Probably input power is more important. I will go by which machine functions the best with my setup. Short little cuts, and I can wait for the air to build between cutting. Add a larger holding tank if needed. Little different needs then most people would be looking for.  I have a Esab 200 amp mig that runs pretty close to full out on the Thermal-arc scout 170.  Esab goes up to 472 WFS, and it does not seem  to have any issues up to about 460 WFS and over 20 plus welding volts.(030) So I want a plasma that will function at that high of level .That's really high  in case  you never played any with small generators, and mig welders. World class I would say.. One Major reason I went with the caddy  mig 200 over a Thermal 181i Attached ImagesLast edited by Brand X; 12-04-2012 at 07:58 PM.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 agree a little more air is worth it, but  really marginal air compressor will be ran with my Smaller generator,(4k scout on 240 volts) I could fix that with a bottle of compressed air or even Nitrogen. I have the reg. for that, and enough bottles.  As funny as it seems, cut quality, consumable life are not all that important for what I am trying to do. Probably input power is more important. I will go by which machine functions the best with my setup. Short little cuts, and I can wait for the air to build between cutting. Add a larger holding tank if needed. Little different needs then most people would be looking for.  I have a Esab 200 amp mig that runs pretty close to full out on the Thermal-arc scout 170.  Esab goes up to 472 WFS, and it does not seem  to have any issues up to about 460 WFS and over 20 plus welding volts.(030) So I want a plasma that will function at that high of level .That's really high,  in case  you never played any with small generators, and mig welders. World class I would say..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:So a very focused plasma stream from a very efficient power supply seems to be desirable.  Then just enough air to blow the mess out of the way...  I'll re-read my copy of the Holy Grail tonight and see if I think of something new.  "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumSo a very focused plasma stream from a very efficient power supply seems to be desirable.  Then just enough air to blow the mess out of the way...  I'll re-read my copy of the Holy Grail tonight and see if I think of something new.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammFor all stuff over 1/4" I still rely on the gas torch.  I'm not a real fan of plasma for anything but thin steel.  Although it is coming real handy, increasingly so, for cutting holes instead of drilling them in thicker stuff.
Reply:Lanse,Very informative video,like all your videos. I've cut 1/2" with my Hypertherm 30,but it was slow.How about the same test with the Longevity since you have one of those also?
Reply:Originally Posted by CamWLanse,Very informative video,like all your videos. I've cut 1/2" with my Hypertherm 30,but it was slow.How about the same test with the Longevity since you have one of those also?
Reply:My Powermax 45 cut on 1.5" steel. I stacked up two layers of 3/4" steel....and mounted the torch on a bug-o track burner. The Powermax45 was running on 208 volt line voltage, on a 40 amp circuit. I did these cuts a couple of years ago......not bad for a machine rated for 1/2" production cutting and 1" severance cutting.I'm not as good as Lanse with the camera......so I like to remote control the plasma and hold the camera! Should I see what my Powermax 85 will cut.....or should I abuse my little Powermax30 with a similar test?Jim Attached ImagesLast edited by jimcolt; 12-06-2012 at 02:52 PM.
Reply:Great pics Jim,  BTW I gave your name to my contact at airgas, Told him that if the rep has any problems getting the demo units for the school that he shoud contact you at HT ground zero.   I got the forcecut myself yesterday for the testing.   being that Lanse was not going to part with the one he got any time soon  Only gave it a quick test this am as had someone over that I was helping with TIG welding.  did a great job zipping though 20ga Aluminum sheet that we cut into coupons.    Absolutely cannot beat a Plasma for cutting aluminum...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:I actually am in a room full of Airgas guys today in NH.....mechanized plasma training. A couple of CO guys are here...Thin aluminum cuts very nice with plasma. I actually surprise myself sometimes on aluminum 1/4" and under on my PlasmaCam machine!Looks like that little 42i works pretty well. From everything I have been able to dig up....it has slightly more power than the Powermax30, but a fair amount less than the Powermax45. I'll have to get one for a fair consumable life comparison!!!Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by CamWLanse,Very informative video,like all your videos. I've cut 1/2" with my Hypertherm 30,but it was slow.How about the same test with the Longevity since you have one of those also?
Reply:Think you can edge start on some 2" Mick? Originally Posted by Mick120Hmmmmmm....maybe I could put my 85 through it's paces, running on 415v 3 phase...???