What qualities make good plasma cutter

[Centermass]

Hey guys
I have searched the tools and fab threads for info and have found diffirent opinions about specific machines but what do you look for in a good plasma torch/cutter. Also what are some options that make a machine/company better that anothers. I have a miller mig welder 250 and a stick welder for farm and fabrication but have always wanted to know more but not from sales mans point of view.
Thanks

 

[fj40charles]

Hey guys
I have searched the tools and fab threads for info and have found diffirent opinions about specific machines but what do you look for in a good plasma torch/cutter. Also what are some options that make a machine/company better that anothers. I have a miller mig welder 250 and a stick welder for farm and fabrication but have always wanted to know more but not from sales mans point of view.
Thanks

I'd look real hard at Hypertherm. Plasma cutting is all they do. Excellent company and excellent service and USA made.

 

[Centermass]

Thanks
fj40charles would you say they are resonably priced?

 

[73fj]

The Hypertherm Powermax 45, which I will be buying come spring is approx $500 cheaper than the Miller at around $1800, this is at Praxair. They seem to be the plasma of choice, I hear lots of good things.

 

[Centermass]

looking at there air compressor demands most single stage air compressors would keep up with a powrmax 30 or 45. would there be any advantage to getting the 45 and running it off 3 phase instead of the regular 220 1 phase. And do you have to plan ahead and purchase a 3 phase machine or is it a setting within the machine? Sorry so full of quistions I just want to make one purchase that all. If there is anything else you would recomend I am all ears.

 

[73fj]

Hmmmm.....I don't know if it would make a difference single phase vs 3 phase, I am planning to run it 220v. The spec sheet lists the 3 phase for input voltages.. I am assuming it must be an internal thing.

 

[Centermass]

I was just curious because 3 phase is supposed to be more effiecent or at least thats what the well guys have been telling me.

 

[MOfj40]

I have a Hypertherm Powermax 600 I bought 2 years ago for my shop at work (Industrial Maint Mgr). I have zero complaints - it's been a great product. The 600 runs 220v 2phase (single phase to you residential types). I have 480v run all over the plant, but all my welders are 220v 50a so I decided to make the plasma cutter the same. The unit's been great - It'll cut up to 5/8 and sever 7/8 iirc.

FYI, Miller/Hypertherm share parts. Hypertherm supplies the torches for miller cutters, and miller supplies the electronics for hypertherm cutters.

3 phase units are more efficient, but in a residential/light industrial fab setting you'll never notice the difference. You don't really need a 3phase unit unless you're getting into production work.

 

[73fj]

3 phase units are more efficient, but in a residential/light industrial fab setting you'll never notice the difference. You don't really need a 3phase unit unless you're getting into production work.

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[fj40charles]

FYI, Miller/Hypertherm share parts. Hypertherm supplies the torches for miller cutters, and miller supplies the electronics for hypertherm cutters.

Are you sure about this? I was told the torch consumables are different even though the torch looks the same.

I know Miller makes the plasma cutters for Hyperthem 380, but doubt they make it for any other models.
Miller 375 is the same as the Hyperthem 380.

 

[73fj]

I heard the same thing about parts, true or not I don't know. I will be at the Miller dealer in the morning so I will find out.

 

[Rambrush]

Most houses will only have single phase power available. The main benefit on 3 phase is it cuts the amp draw down.

 

[Centermass]

When I built my house I pulled single phase for the house and then pulled 3 phase from my shop from the ag wells. I havnt been able to put up the shop but the 3 phase is in a cristi box out front. There is conduit to the cristi box if I ever want to pull it into the garage. I thought I would run as much off of the wells because it is an ag meter and I can write it off on farm. House well runs of of it thats it. I was tryng to plan ahead. It wasnt cheap but to do it multiple times would really be costly.

 

[Doug_S]

One that you might want to consider is a Thermal Dynamics. They claim to have developed the process of plasma cutting. I have a Cutmaster 38. 220V single phase. It's great. Cuts 1/4" steel like butter.

 

[fj40charles]

One that you might want to consider is a Thermal Dynamics. They claim to have developed the process of plasma cutting. I have a Cutmaster 38. 220V single phase. It's great. Cuts 1/4" steel like butter.

Esab invented plamsa cutting. Thermal Dynamics is another good choice for plasma cutters.

CNC Plasma Cutters and Plasma Cutting Tables

ESAB invented plasma cutting in 1955, and we've never stopped developing ways to make plasma cutters better and easier. ESAB's latest innovations in the plasma cutting process automation increase production with more consistent cut quality every time... regardless of operator skill level.

 

[fj40charles]

Jim Colt of Hypertherm is very helpful.

Here is a thread he started on welding web.
Hypertherm Manufacturer Section - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

 

[Centermass]

Thanks guys. On consumables do you go through them pretty fast? I would guess it depends on how much you use it and the thinkness of material, but are ther any other factors? Also does the cleanlyness of the material affect the plasma cutting quiality and speed.?

 

[fj40charles]

Thanks guys. On consumables do you go through them pretty fast? I would guess it depends on how much you use it and the thinkness of material, but are ther any other factors? Also does the cleanlyness of the material affect the plasma cutting quiality and speed.?

Hypertherm consumables are supposed to last longer than other plasma cutters. I can't confirm or deny since I don't own a Hyperthem yet.

I'd say the biggest factors that is going to affect consumables life is the quality of the air. Keep it free from moisture. Also, I would make sure you don't buy some chinese made consumables on fleabay. They're not built to the same quality level.

 

[Centermass]

Thanks
We have the worlds largest farm equipment show in February in Tulare CA. There is always great deals there from the manufacturers (show specials). Usually 100-300 off price or they throw in a bunch of extras. They are also demoing the machines and equipment so can see them in action and talk to the guys using them although they are salesmen. Welcome to the 2010 World Ag Expo: Tulare, CA

 

[jimcolt]

Good Plasma Cutter

What separates the men from the boys with plasma cutters:

1. The ability to drag cut without the torch sticking....and without affect to consumable parts life.
2. The ability to cut the maximum thickness that the plasma manufacturer claims it will!
3. Reliable unit.....works everytime you power it up.
4. Long nozzle and electrode life.....these are the parts (consumables) that wear out while cutting. The best systems don't neccesarily have the cheapest consumables....but have the longest life, therefore making them cheaper.
5. Service and support from a known company.....and possibly local parts availability at the welding supply store.
6. Non high frequency start, and a pilot arc that will penetrate through paint, rust, dirt....is helpful.

There are a lot of plasma systems importing from China for great prices. They cut metal, but generally don't meet many of the above "nice to have" specs. Most Chinese units have an exposed nozzle (some call it a Tip).....and should not be drag cut....or you will have very short nozzle life.

If the major brands: Hypertherm (made in Hanover NH, USA), Miller, Lincoln, Thermal Dynamics, Esab, are out of the proce range.....watch Craigslist for these brands....they are often a better deal than a new import, and will have many years of service and parts availability.

I have Hypertherm units in my shop.....a Powermax45 mounted on a PlasmaCam cnc cutting machine........a Powermax30 (runs on 120 and 240) on my welding cart with my Hobart mig, and a Hypertherm Powermax1000 with a hand torch for heavier work.

Attached pic of some cuts with my powermax45:

Jim