New 30xp owner and feedback

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I finally decided to join after my recent purchase of the 30xp. I was planning to buy one of those $300 plasma cutters but a friend with a cnc setup convinced me to just buy the 30xp and not look back...but I'll get to that in a bit.Since Jim is quite active here I do want to provide some feedback from another owner. First off, the 30XP is a pricey machine compared to many other options on the market these days. It was quite a struggle in my head to shell out $1300 as a "less-serious" hobbyist like me who would use it may be for 30-40 mins of actual cutting per year. However, the reason I decided to spend 4x the price of an off-brand unit was so that 10yrs from now, hopefully, it'll still be supported. Speaking of the future (and after the initial/normal buyer's-remorse period) my only regret is that currently the 30xp to my knowledge can't be used for CNC. I'm a few years away from a CNC setup (if at all) but it would be really nice to see a machine torch option for the 30xp. As a car enthusiast I don't ever imagine needing to cut beyond 1/4" so the size, capacity etc wise the 30xp suits me PERFECTLY.OK on to the other bits- the hard case it comes in is FANTASTIC! the included consumables, gloves, eye protection, built-in air drier/filter and even a carrying strap are AWESOME! Not only do these allow a user to simply plug it into the shop air and start cutting within 5 mins of opening the box but it makes me feel the money spent included these extras that other units didn't come with so great job on this. Although having said that, making the hardcase, gloves, shades (which in practicality I don't have use for or already own it) optional and there by reducing the cost a bit would be great. We all like options!Another thing as a newbie I'm having a tough time making clean, straight cuts even as I drag the torch (it got slightly better after switching to FineCut). I know for sure I need practice but a simple straight edge roller guide would've been great to include. I'd trade in the hardcase, gloves and shades for one. I went looking for Hypertherm guides but the deluxe kit is almost $200 and doesn't even include a straight edge (costs $70 separately). So I ordered a generic one for $10 on Amazon and will retrofit it to the Hypertherm torch. I mean I'm all for buying a nicer, well built product but the cost disparity is larger than a football field. I know when dealing with customers who buy 10-15 Hypertherms a month it's easy to forget the little guys like me but again I'll be the guy looking for roller guides and straight edges, the big boys use CNCs.OK on to some pics since everyone likes pics. Here's a quick project I threw together with some left over scraps last night. Don't mind the horrible cuts (hey I didn't have a roller guide or a decent straight edge, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it

). The dies are three pieces of 1/8" angle iron and the press part is a 3/16" plate with a wheel-grounded edge. I'm able to bend 1/8" quite easily and cleanly and that's probably all I'll be using it for.


CNC cut piece that I bent in the brake

The 30xp along with my Hobart 140 I purchased in 2005...


Reply:Congrats on your WISE decision. The cheap ones are just that , CHEAP !  It has been posted here about purchasing the cheap machines. I don't remember the exact post but basically it was stated you need to buy 6 at first. Hopefully one will actually work and then you return the nonworking ones. So you send 5 back and get 5 more where one may work , return the balance and after a year or so you hopefully will have three working cheap machines. Your friend directed you in the right direction. A real made in the USA product by a employee owned company. It doesn't get much better than that. If you want to know more about HYPERTHERM ,do a search on what the original owners did with the company when they retired.
Reply:Thank you, I'm happy with my purchase. I've known of Hypertherm for a long time, they're the Ferrari of the plasma cutters. I just didn't think I was worthy of driving a Ferrari of the plasmas until you guys conviced me. Now if I can just convice the better half I'm worthy of trading in my Honda on a Ferrari for my transportation needs too

Last edited by stioc; 02-08-2017 at 06:07 PM.---PrimeWeld TIG 225XHypertherm 30xpHobart 140
Reply:Step lightly GRASSHOPPER. Once you make some goodies for your better half with your toys ,  you will be on your way to the Ferrari . It will only take time.


Reply:I too spent more than I had budgeted for a plasma cutter but it was this site that convinced me to step up to Hypertherm.No regrets.Red Seal Journeyman Welder (2003),   Red Seal Journeyman Metal Fabricator (2018),    Welding Engineering Technologist (2005)Pressure - ASME Section IXStructural - CSA W47.1, CSA W47.2Transport tanker - CSA B620Aerospace - AWS D17.1
Reply:SaskWelder, congrats. I just put together this portable water plasma cutting table from 911 Motorsports. Really like it so far for my 2-car multipurpose garage where I have to put things away and park cars inside at the end of the day.

---PrimeWeld TIG 225XHypertherm 30xpHobart 140
Reply:I got the aforementioned $8 roller torch guide from Amazon. I had my neighbor turn me an adapter for the 1" hypertherm torch and this thing completely transformed the accuracy of the cuts for a newbie like me. I really wish Hypertherm included something like this in the kit.Oh and did I mention I LOVE this portable water plasma-table from 911 Motorsports? No sparks, easy clean up and it makes me fee like a pro




The project was finishing the self-built bumper's lower valence.

---PrimeWeld TIG 225XHypertherm 30xpHobart 140
Reply:Im digging that plasma table as well! I also see they have an axle jack/stand that could really be handy! Good to hear your enjoying the 30xp. I'm still looking at hypertherm as a replacement for my eastwood versacut40... once it does decide to die. I cant imagine you couldn't find a way to fix it to a head and get it to work on somebody's cnc table, Im not an expert on the subject but I agree, its the way to go! Can't wait to see more from you and this wonderful little machine.
Reply:

Originally Posted by stioc

I got the aforementioned $8 roller torch guide from Amazon. I had my neighbor turn me an adapter for the 1" hypertherm torch and this thing completely transformed the accuracy of the cuts for a newbie like me. I really wish Hypertherm included something like this in the kit.Oh and did I mention I LOVE this portable water plasma-table from 911 Motorsports? No sparks, easy clean up and it makes me fee like a pro


Reply:Congrats on your new machine! Dude, you made a great decision. That thing will have itself paid off in a year. Hypertherm is by far the best bang for your buck even though the initial investment is high. The Powermax 30XP packs a hell of a punch for its size. I recently picked up one for my shop at home and I love it. You made a perfect choice!ESAB Powercut 1600/ Hypertherm 30XP + 45XP/ Lincoln Powermig 255/ Jet Band SawCheck out my plasma cutter reviews also!Current Project: 175 Gallon Reverse Flow BBQ Smoker!
Reply:Thanks and sorry guys, haven't checked in here lately. The roller guide link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011GGWY1Y---PrimeWeld TIG 225XHypertherm 30xpHobart 140