Plasma cutter question?

[Big Barn]

I agree Terry. I've got a portable 625 now. It's excellent on 1/4". Over that and the speed drops off dramatically

Same with my 625, Richard.

Case in point. I’m still in the process of setting up this Miller 1251.

1 1/4” @ 10 inch per minute. We shall see,but I highly doubt it!

 

[ovrszd]

Oh wow Terry!!!! I'd like to hear how that works!!!! Start a thread or something. That thing is a beast!!!!

 

[yomax4]

Although I have others, I like my little Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42. 115/230. Lops off 1/2" when needed but I like the smaller SL 42 torch that offeres V2S Vent to shield technology. It uses less than half of the air that the larger SL torches and every other brand use. Somthing like 3.2cfm compared to more than 7cfm with most. You can swap out or buy with the larger SL60 torch if you desire. Around $800.00 with a buch of stuff with it including 4 year bumper to bumber warranty.

 

[yomax4]

Same with my 625, Richard.

Case in point. I’m still in the process of setting up this Miller 1251.

1 1/4” @ 10 inch per minute. We shall see,but I highly doubt it!

View attachment 580300

100 amps really is a beast. I used to have a TD 152. 120a. Very Messy.

 

[dragoneggs]

I think my Hypertherm 45XP is the greatest thing ever but I've never used anything else.

Same here... love my 45XP but my first cutter too. I was originally thinking of getting the 30XP for the 110v ability but then thought for future growth (hopefully adding a plasma CNC cutting table), I should go with the bigger unit.

 

[yomax4]

Same here... love my 45XP but my first cutter too. I was originally thinking of getting the 30XP for the 110v ability but then thought for future growth (hopefully adding a plasma CNC cutting table), I should go with the bigger unit.

Yeah, I think the 45XP will do down as the best unit ever built. I considered one but I got a 45 when they 1st came out and it blew up 2 months past warranty. Hypertherm would not help so I ditched the brand. Had I bought a different brand it would have been covered completly. That's just my sour grapes on Hypertherm. The 45XP is much more refined and really has no competitors. Great Kw's compared to others.

 

[Citydude]

Really? I'm looking for a PC as well that matches the OP's needs. For an occasional use machine that can cut 28 gauge, most of the advise is to purchase a pro grade, daily use machine.

There has to be something out there that doesn't cost $$$$. Having a tool that costs what's been advised set gathering dust between small project uses is just plain bad advice.

 

[Stimw]

I've had my Miller 625 for over 10 years and still love it!
Pics were cutting 3/4" , it was over it's rating and very slow but it cut it.
My O/A torch is for heating only now.

 

[dragoneggs]

Really? I'm looking for a PC as well that matches the OP's needs. For an occasional use machine that can cut 28 gauge, most of the advise is to purchase a pro grade, daily use machine.

There has to be something out there that doesn't cost $$$$. Having a tool that costs what's been advised set gathering dust between small project uses is just plain bad advice.

Yeah that is the dilemma on buying quality at higher dollars and being able to grow with it. It is only occasional use now but once I retire I plan to use it a fair amount more on bigger projects and ones that might actually make me some money. I also know I don't want to be buying a replacement especially when my income is fixed.

On the other hand, one does need to be realistic regarding the use he will get out of it. Doing the math, I probably shouldn't have spent as much as I did but don't regret it.

 

[Citydude]

Yeah that is the dilemma on buying quality at higher dollars and being able to grow with it. It is only occasional use now but once I retire I plan to use it a fair amount more on bigger projects and ones that might actually make me some money. I also know I don't want to be buying a replacement especially when my income is fixed.

On the other hand, one does need to be realistic regarding the use he will get out of it. Doing the math, I probably shouldn't have spent as much as I did but don't regret it.

Yes, you had a plan and knew your uses and future uses up front before purchase. Good planning on your part!

Someone looking for a lower cost, low usage machine probably has no foreseeable plan like me. Just something better than a grinder with a cut off wheel.