Best 3/4" plasma cutter for under 2K??

[sweettractors]

Looking for one that I can plug into my existing 220 50 amp service that I use for a welder. Probably need auto pilot and it needs to cut 3/4 to 1 inch occasionally. Any suggestions appreciated. Ken Sweet

 

[Furu]

I would imagine that Jim Colt from Hypertherm will chime in on the subject soon. Powermax 45 on Amazon for $1890.

I would definitely look at Everlast. Their PowerPlasma 60, 70, 80 all can easily do 1" and are well under $2K on Amazon or through Mark if you give him a call, even less with the discount most likely available.

 

[sw99]

Definitely give the Everlast a consideration. Even the 60 should do that at almost half the cost.

 

[sweettractors]

Have the Everlast cutters performed well over time? I really like the pricing. Ken Sweet

 

[sw99]

There are some longevity reviews on youtube if you look around. Seems like well made products that they stand behind. I'm eyeballing the the multi process machines for a variety of projects.

 

[Furu]

There are some longevity reviews on youtube if you look around. Seems like well made products that they stand behind. I'm eyeballing the the multi process machines for a variety of projects.

I bought a Brand X once. Had it go bad twice. I now have Everlast stick, plasma, and Tig units. Enough said. I like the Everlast units.

 

[Shield Arc]

I'm eyeballing the the multi process machines for a variety of projects.

Never buy a multi-process welder that has plasma, and high frequency for Tig welding! :thumbdown:

 

[plastikosmd]

I own a hypertherm 1000 powermax. It has been a great machine. I have owned it 5 yrs. it is way out of warrantee. The Board got toasted in a short. I sent it to them and they fixed it without question. Frankly I had expected to pay. Tech said he could tell it was low hr machine and it should not have failed. Still cutting!

 

[jimcolt]

Do you need to pierce 1"...or is edge starting ok? To pierce 1" repeatedly you would need a 125 amp plasma (like the Powermax125), however if edge starting is adequate then a Hypertherm Powermax45 will do the job. It is conservatively rated as a 1/2" machine, however it has higher load voltage and a shielded torch that allow you to cut thicker and faster as compared to most other 60 amp units. For a little more power step up to the Powermax65. Either will operate well on a 50 amp 230 volt welder circuit. If price is your primary concern....you probably won't like the Hypertherm's! If ease of use, lowest operating cost, support from a real factory and long term reliability are deciding factors...then the extra cost is a bargain. Jim Colt

 

[sweettractors]

Do you need to pierce 1"...or is edge starting ok? To pierce 1" repeatedly you would need a 125 amp plasma (like the Powermax125), however if edge starting is adequate then a Hypertherm Powermax45 will do the job. It is conservatively rated as a 1/2" machine, however it has higher load voltage and a shielded torch that allow you to cut thicker and faster as compared to most other 60 amp units. For a little more power step up to the Powermax65. Either will operate well on a 50 amp 230 volt welder circuit. If price is your primary concern....you probably won't like the Hypertherm's! If ease of use, lowest operating cost, support from a real factory and long term reliability are deciding factors...then the extra cost is a bargain. Jim Colt

Hey Jim, Mostly edge starting and piercing on up to 5/8" and occasional straight cutting 3/4 to 1" that is sometime dirty or rusty. Ken Sweet

 

[jimcolt]

The 45 would be more than adequate. The torch can drag directly on the material with no arcing to the plate.....when an exposed nozzle torch design touches the plate it double arcs and sticks...causing a very rough cut edge. None of that with the Hypertherm shielded torch technology. You can guide the torch with a straightedge or template of most any material. The 45 also has a cnc interface built in, and an available machine torch if you ever plan to automate using a track burner, pipe cutter or cnc cutting machine. The 45 is the worlds best selling plasma .....with close to 100,000 of this model in the field. The unit will draw around 34 to 36 amps under normal cutting conditions, so the 50 amp circuit is fine, and there is a built in coalescing moisture filter with an auto drain if you do have traces of moisture in your compressed air system. During more humid months you may want to take extra precautions such as an auto drain on your compressor tank. Other than that....plug it in and start cutting! Good luck in your search for the right plasma cutter....if I can answer any questions, let me know! jim.colt@hypertherm.com Jim Colt

Hey Jim, Mostly edge starting and piercing on up to 5/8" and occasional straight cutting 3/4 to 1" that is sometime dirty or rusty. Ken Sweet

 

[jimcolt]

A few pics of cut samples done with the ZPowermax45 in my home shop, some hand cut, some on a cnc machine. Jim Colt

 

[gilraine]

I work in a truck upfitter shop and we have 3 hypertherm cutters that are at least 5 years old and they have been flawless.

 

[sweettractors]

I have not made a purchase yet, however, I am leaning toward the Hypertherm 45. Ken Sweet

 

[Rustyiron]

I have a 15+ y.o Hypertherm, no issues. Just bought an updated torch. In today's world, it's rare to be able to sitll have dealer/mfgr support after 5 years!

 

[dragoneggs]

I own a hypertherm 1000 powermax. It has been a great machine. I have owned it 5 yrs. it is way out of warrantee. The Board got toasted in a short. I sent it to them and they fixed it without question. Frankly I had expected to pay. Tech said he could tell it was low hr machine and it should not have failed. Still cutting!

Why i will probably buy a Hypertherm and support Jim and company. I have a hard time believing there is better customer support out there. Everlast is on my short list too. Appreciate Mark's knowledge too. :thumbsup:

 

[TMGT]

I have a Hypertherm 45, fantastic machine and operating cost are low. A welding company /pipe fitter I do machine work for has a 45 and it's held up to field work very well, they speak very highly of theirs.

 

[Bday]

$1645 at weldersupply.com. For powermax 45. Love mine!

 

[Backwoods Welding]

I do hand cut metal art with an Everlast Power Plasma 50. It is dual voltage and does great up to 3/4" only cost $900 and I have used it for over a year daily! Also I have dealt with Everlast customer service and they are very knowledgable and easy to work with. Plus there is a 5 year warranty on all Everlast machines.

 

[sw99]

I do hand cut metal art with an Everlast Power Plasma 50. It is dual voltage and does great up to 3/4" only cost $900 and I have used it for over a year daily! Also I have dealt with Everlast customer service and they are very knowledgable and easy to work with. Plus there is a 5 year warranty on all Everlast machines.

That fire pit is incredible! Nice work!