Hypertherm vs Thermal Dynamics

admin

Just curious as I am considering getting a plasma cutter.  In my area, Thermal Dynamics is what we have available.  I can get consumables for a Hypertherm, but they have to be ordered in.  TD parts are in stock.I was looking at TD Cutmaster 82 vs Hypertherm powermax 45. I have been leaning toward TD for convenience, but wanted to get some opinions from others that may have used both or know more regarding the respective companies than I do.
Reply:Well  I really haven't put my Hypertherm PowerMax 45 up against a Thermal Dynamics but I have put it up against against other higher power plasma cutters in actual performance and Hypertherm out performed them. The PowerMax 45 will cut 1" steel all day long. And I have pushed it up to 2' to match the FabTech performance of the 45. So far in the One Year I have owned it it the PowerMax 45 has exceeded all my job requirements.   But Thermal Dynamics also makes one of the best out there. I would say its whatever best suits your requirements as well as price and availablity of consumables.Co-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 know you wont be disappointed with a Hypertherm unit.  Ive had mine for about 12 months now(PowerMax45) and have not changed the tip yet and have some considerable cut time on it.  Some abusive cutting as well ( 1 3/4" tram rail ) and often cut 12 to 16mm plate.  Have some pics of the tram rail cut in the Hypertherm sticky.Cut quality is now probably not as good as new consumables but still very good.  Probably will change it for the new year!.Fan does not come on for long when it does and have not overheated the unit after doing some production runs on 5mm plate.  I do have a 3 phase version of the 45 though.I have owned an older TD Pacmaster 50 unit but it was not comparable to the 45.Thats my 2 bobs worth.
Reply:Comparing an 80A (rated) TD unit to a 45A (rated) Hypertherm unit doesn't seem like a good comparison.  You sure you've done your homework here?Have you looked at the Hypertherm 1250?  That's the unit that competes with the 82.I've got one of them (the 1250) and it's a kick a$$ plasma cutter.Parts for the Hypertherm units can be had from Hypermax.com (a MD co.).  Reasonable in price, great stock, fast delivery.  Never had a part take more than a couple days.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Gee Larry I just changed my comsumables out as well after one yearCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by specterGee Larry I just changed my comsumables out as well after one year
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIComparing an 80A (rated) TD unit to a 45A (rated) Hypertherm unit doesn't seem like a good comparison.  You sure you've done your homework here?Have you looked at the Hypertherm 1250?  That's the unit that competes with the 82.I've got one of them (the 1250) and it's a kick a$$ plasma cutter.Parts for the Hypertherm units can be had from Hypermax.com (a MD co.).  Reasonable in price, great stock, fast delivery.  Never had a part take more than a couple days.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIComparing an 80A (rated) TD unit to a 45A (rated) Hypertherm unit doesn't seem like a good comparison.  You sure you've done your homework here?Have you looked at the Hypertherm 1250?  That's the unit that competes with the 82.I've got one of them (the 1250) and it's a kick a$$ plasma cutter.Parts for the Hypertherm units can be had from Hypermax.com (a MD co.).  Reasonable in price, great stock, fast delivery.  Never had a part take more than a couple days.
Reply:Originally Posted by jdh239Mostly what I am looking at is the recommended cut.  I would like to cleanly cut 5/8 and sever more than that.  From what I can see, they are both rated to do that.
Reply:i have had the pm45 for about a month now and loved it from the time i touched it. have really not put it through it tests but cant imagine it not cutting as it is advertised. there are some pretty good deals out there also so do your research.  i think i was most impressed with the size of the machine for what it can do. i really cant imagine life with out it.  good luck with your search.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIParts for the Hypertherm units can be had from Hypermax.com (a MD co.).  Reasonable in price, great stock, fast delivery.  Never had a part take more than a couple days.
Reply:Stick-man,Try [url]www.hypermax.org/They're in my computer's address book so all I type is hypermax.Also, if the link doesn't work, try a google search on hypertherm parts.  I got to their website that way also.Last edited by SundownIII; 12-29-2009 at 11:33 PM.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:Originally Posted by SundownIIIStick-man,Try [url]www.hypermax.org/They're in my computer's address book so all I type is hypermax.Also, if the link doesn't work, try a google search on hypertherm parts.  I got to their website that way also.
Reply:Thermal Dynamics produces some good products. Just be sure if you are comparing a Hypertherm vs a Thermal......compare equivalent power levels!The Hypertherm systems are usually slightly higher priced......but the advantages are:1. Dramatically longer consumable life. This makes the unit far less expensive over time.2. The entire Hypertherm unit is made in Hanover, NH, USA......by Hypertherm employees that also own the company. Last I knew the T-D torches were being produced outside of the US, although the inverter power supplies were being built in the US....also in New Hampshire.3. If you cannot find a local dealer for Hypertherm....go to  www.hypertherm.com  then click on the "contact us" tab.....there is a map of the US (and other parts of the world)...click on your state and you will get a detailed list of authorized dealers. Jim
Reply:If you having a hard time try the following http://www.weldersource.comhttp://www.hypermax.comhttp://www.weldingsupply.comor course there is always ebay, which also has some great prices as well. But be sure to compare the ebay price to those of the above because in some cases shipping is included in the above.To keep your consumables lasting longer I use one set on steel and another on Aluminum (AL).  When drag cutting on AL it builds up some dross sprayback on the torch tip. I keep all the torch tip clean by occassionally brushing them with a soft to medium stiffness brush. Any hard set AL may have to be carefully picked off using a pick or screwdriver (careful you do not scratch the tip of the noosle or electrode as it can affect torch performance. With a clean torch you'll keep up  those signature fine kerf cuts with little to no dross.Co-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:Originally Posted by jimcoltThermal Dynamics produces some good products. Just be sure if you are comparing a Hypertherm vs a Thermal......compare equivalent power levels!The Hypertherm systems are usually slightly higher priced......but the advantages are:1. Dramatically longer consumable life. This makes the unit far less expensive over time.2. The entire Hypertherm unit is made in Hanover, NH, USA......by Hypertherm employees that also own the company. Last I knew the T-D torches were being produced outside of the US, although the inverter power supplies were being built in the US....also in New Hampshire.3. If you cannot find a local dealer for Hypertherm....go to  www.hypertherm.com  then click on the "contact us" tab.....there is a map of the US (and other parts of the world)...click on your state and you will get a detailed list of authorized dealers. Jim