Plasma Cutter recommendations.

   / Plasma Cutter recommendations. #31  
I love my Hypertherm Powermax 45. Little experience with other brands, but my HT cuts through pretty much anything that conducts electricity. I don't even grind paint or millscale off, I make a clean spot for the ground and cut away.

Edit: there is no standoff required or drag shield for the Hypertherm. The screw on end (forget what they call it ) can be dragged right across whatever you're cutting.
 
Last edited:
   / Plasma Cutter recommendations. #32  
From reading a lot of older posts, I see where the Hyper Therm allows "Drag Cutting".

Does this mean you can drag the electrode on the workpiece instead of having to maintain a certain gap? Do other machines not allow that? Does it eat up consumables faster if you drag it on the workpiece?

On the Miller, the drag tip is essentially a standoff that helps maintain a correct electrode distance from the workpiece.
 
   / Plasma Cutter recommendations. #33  
Miller drag shield

IMG_4063.jpg
Left to right: Miller 100 amp drag shield, 40 amp drag shield, 40 amp gouge shield, 40 amp tip.

IMG_4062.jpg
 
   / Plasma Cutter recommendations. #34  
I use a guide and just drag the tip. I clamp a piece of angle or even a piece of 1/4" flat bar on what ever I'm cutting to use as a guide. No way my nerves could cut a straight line without it.

My Colossal Tech Cut 50F has pilot arc. It came with a wire stand off that clips onto the ceramic shield which got burned up in the early phase of testing. It honestly just got in the way so I took it off and chunked it. I pierce and cut by putting the cutting tip right on the metal and drag it. I could have probably saved a couple of bucks buying a unit without the pilot arc but I only paid $300 for this unit with a handful of consumables.

I have 2 or 3 hours cutting with it but I didn't have to replace the tip until the last 15 minutes of use.
 
   / Plasma Cutter recommendations.
  • Thread Starter
#35  
Lots of great replies. Lots of info. I have a much better understanding now.

I want a Hypertherm but will probably purchase a more affordable unit as I'm just learning.


Thanks to all.
 
   / Plasma Cutter recommendations. #36  
I love my Hypertherm Powermax 45. Little experience with other brands, but my HT cuts through pretty much anything that conducts electricity. I don't even grind paint or millscale off, I make a clean spot for the ground and cut away.

Edit: there is no standoff required or drag shield for the Hypertherm. The screw on end (forget what they call it ) can be dragged right across whatever you're cutting.
Huh? I bought Hypertherm drag shields for my 45.
 
   / Plasma Cutter recommendations. #37  
Huh? I bought Hypertherm drag shields for my 45.

I’m pretty certain you are both correct. Hypertherm calls it a shielded consumable. Creative marketing at play.....
 
   / Plasma Cutter recommendations. #38  
I’m pretty certain you are both correct. Hypertherm calls it a shielded consumable. Creative marketing at play.....
Yes, my 45XP came with a drag tip. Don't know the formal name for it.
 
   / Plasma Cutter recommendations. #39  
   / Plasma Cutter recommendations. #40  
It's just a sheild/deflector for drag-cutting, there are about 7+ different types of shields for the current Hypertherm air plasma's depending on application, not including the different amp rating shields for some styles.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2011 MACK GRANITE HOT OIL (A50854)
2011 MACK GRANITE...
ALL ITEMS NOT PICKED UP IN 30 DAYS WILL BE RESOLD FOR STORAGE!! (A50775)
ALL ITEMS NOT...
2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD Ext. Cab Pickup Truck (A49461)
2013 GMC Sierra...
2025 GIYI Skid Steer Plate Grabber (A50322)
2025 GIYI Skid...
2016 WITZCO RG-35 RGN LOWBOY TRAILER (A50459)
2016 WITZCO RG-35...
2017 Ram 5500 Valve Placer Bucket Truck with Versalift STP36NE - 41FT Working Height, Low Miles (A51039)
2017 Ram 5500...
 
Top