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

[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!