Plasma Opinions Wanted TD Cutmaster 82 or Hypertherm 1000

admin

Guys, I am in the market for a plasma cutter and I would like to get some opinions from current users.  I have narrowed my search down the the TD and Hypertherm.  I have read many good post about each.  TD has just introduced a new line.  They are much lighter which makes them more portable, but does this reduction in weight make it a lesser quality machine from previous generations?  My intended use is make implements for my tractor and general fabrication. I am looking for a machine that will be very reliable and easy to use.  TIA.
Reply:Sometimes lighter is not better, check closely and do you know the thickness you will be cutting and what power input you have.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:My Hypertherm 1000 G3 is easy to use; the drag shield makes using it a no-brainer.  And the inverter is easy on the electric meter.  Makes oxy\acetylene a thing of the past.WeldingWeb forum--now more sophomoric banter than anything else!
Reply:TD are the best as I see it. If they have come up with something new, they will stand behind their warranty. Also the TD's have a little cutting capacity and the consumables are half the price.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:I vote Hypertherm(because I can drive to the factory if need be)and they cut great. I will be buying a 1000 come spring.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:I really like my TD82...3 weeks and still running flawless. Get all the capacity you can afford... just when you think you'll only be cutting 1/2 thick plate... along comes a bolt head an inch across...My TD handled it like a breeze.(a breeze mind you... not like wind... think slower)The best things in life all come on a stick!
Reply:My vote would be for the TD82.  Better specs.  80A vs 60A.  Lighter in weight.  Ability to add torch extensions if needed.  Better warranty.69 Chevy:Saw where you had the Hypertherm Powermax1000.  Have run into a question with another board member who has the Powermax600.  His owner's manual states that a 100A service is recommended for that machine.  What does the owners manual recommend for the Powermax1000 (haven't been able to download a copy)?My position has been that, since it's basically a 40A machine, which the specs say will draw a max of 40A @ 240V, he would be fine using a 50A breaker and 8/3 wire (considering duty cycle).Hypertherm has taken the position (and we've both contacted them) that the machine (PM 600) has a "starting peak", measured in microseconds, of up to 10 times the normal amp draw.  I have questioned their engineering dept. about their recommendation for 100A (a very expensive option I may add) service to feed a 40A machine.  I expect an answer by Friday at the latest.Your comments would be appreciated.ThanksSyncro 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:Thanks guys for the opinions.  Rabidfish, is the 82 your first plasma or have you used others before buying the TD82?  I am beginning to lean toward the TD82 but the loss of weight concerns me.  How did Thermal Dynamics accomplish this?  To me, less weight means less copper/metal.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIII  What does the owners manual recommend for the Powermax1000 (haven't been able to download a copy)?
Reply:69 Chevy, what did your owners manual recommend for a electrical service. Curious that your using a 60 amp with no problem, and I have the 600 with a 100 amp service. Looks like I might have been able to have saved me some money.
Reply:Originally Posted by jtrapper69 Chevy, what did your owners manual recommend for a electrical service?
Reply:I have the HT600 powermax.  Its a great machine.  I have cut 3/4" with it slowly, but it cuts 1/2 great.  I Mine is on a 50 amp breaker.  I have never popped it.  They recomend turning down the air for gouge, but It really gouges at 72 psi. The consumables are the most expensive part.  My Hypertherm doesn't need the electrode and  nozzle changed near as much as my old Linde.  I saw a Hobart at tractor supply with the same gun as the hypertherm.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:It's the second plasma I have owned.  The first (never knew what brand, I got consumables from HTP) was a very small one. cut 1/8 fine, struggled through 3/16 & wouldn't cut 1/4 unless you had alot of time to kill...As for the weight reduction... I really can't comment...  Other than it's built better than I thought it would be. Since I pay for my own equipment, I'm not as hard on it as some guys... I don't have alot to compare to, but I really like it.I have it on 230 volts, 60 amp breaker and it has never tripped. & I have cut 3/4 inch with it very well. It blows through 1/2 like "butta" and even gets through one inch bolt heads (as stated before) in remarkable fashoin.Is it better than the Hypertherm? I dunno... I'll be happy to meet someone, somewhere to compare head to head if you like... (Not some kind of contest-just a friendly "hands on" comparison) Who's got a Hypertherm to compare with? Any other brands we wanna try?The best things in life all come on a stick!