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Are Plasma Cutters "Finicky"?
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jimcolt
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I use my Powermax30 with the hand torch often.....I have owned it for about 4 years, and I have used two electrodes (less than $5 each) and 4 nozzles (about $4 each).
My Powermax45 is mounted on my cnc machine in my home shop.....I typically change the nozzle only....after cutting 400 or 500 parts out of steel up to 1/2" thick. The electrode usually lasts about twice as long.
The Hypertherm consumables are a bit more expensive to buy as compared to other brands, but last many times longer.......so if you figure out cost per foot of cut...you will find the Hypertherm consumables are less expensive than other plasmas......and far less expensive per foot as compared to oxy-fuel.
As far as "finicky".....there are some older technology plasma's that have issues on dirty rusty materials.......or have to be used with a standoff. The Powermax45 can be used for drag cutting up to its maximum thickness (1-1/4") without any affect on consumable life. It will blow through rusty, dirty material....and is safe and easy to use. Can't get much easier! And, its made in the USA!
Jim
My Powermax45 is mounted on my cnc machine in my home shop.....I typically change the nozzle only....after cutting 400 or 500 parts out of steel up to 1/2" thick. The electrode usually lasts about twice as long.
The Hypertherm consumables are a bit more expensive to buy as compared to other brands, but last many times longer.......so if you figure out cost per foot of cut...you will find the Hypertherm consumables are less expensive than other plasmas......and far less expensive per foot as compared to oxy-fuel.
As far as "finicky".....there are some older technology plasma's that have issues on dirty rusty materials.......or have to be used with a standoff. The Powermax45 can be used for drag cutting up to its maximum thickness (1-1/4") without any affect on consumable life. It will blow through rusty, dirty material....and is safe and easy to use. Can't get much easier! And, its made in the USA!
Jim
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"Every body complains "the consumables are expensive"...I guess they have not had their tanks filled lately"
I have a torch setup (regulator, torch and hoses) that I inherited from my Dad, but have never bought tanks to go with it. So, I could go either way, but I am aware that buying and filling the tanks isn't cheap.
Also, a plasma would just take up a lot less space in the shop. So, in my mind, I believe it would be worth it to me in the long run to make the investment in a plasma, as long as it will do what I need.
Thanks for all your input.
I have a torch setup (regulator, torch and hoses) that I inherited from my Dad, but have never bought tanks to go with it. So, I could go either way, but I am aware that buying and filling the tanks isn't cheap.
Also, a plasma would just take up a lot less space in the shop. So, in my mind, I believe it would be worth it to me in the long run to make the investment in a plasma, as long as it will do what I need.
Thanks for all your input.
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Dargo
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Wow, after using a Hypertherm 1250 for the last 3 or 4 years, I'd say the complete opposite. Other than using it for heating metal, I've never used my O/A or O/P torches for anything since I've had my Hypertherm. I cut all sorts of metal, from thin to several dozen train rail tracks with my plasma cutter. My only real consumable is the filter in my dryer for air supply. I've get 40 to 50 hours out of a stand off tip no problem. I could probably get more if I didn't cut rusty stuff.
At least with my Hypertherm; finicky, not even a little bit.
jdonovan
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devilbiss dad-500
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db556
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WOW! you do a lot to dry your air!
I dont even do that much for my cnc table I usually just use the mini drier on the back of the CUT40.
As for plasma cutters being finicky, I've cut apart a entire school bus before (of it was the short bus
) and they only times I've had a problem is if I dont have a good ground, the CUT40 uses HF which need a good spark to start. I believe the hypertherms use a pilot arc so it will with the right tip cut through use about anything, paint, rust, or dirt.
Now for a American made machine it will have more expensive consumables my cut40 had a clone of a ESAB PT-31 torch which uses cheap (well on ebay) consumables but they dont last that long, Though I've been thinking of putting a trafiment S45 pilot torch on my so I can just buy the consumables at harbor freight since their cutter uses the same torch.
I dont even do that much for my cnc table I usually just use the mini drier on the back of the CUT40.
As for plasma cutters being finicky, I've cut apart a entire school bus before (of it was the short bus
) and they only times I've had a problem is if I dont have a good ground, the CUT40 uses HF which need a good spark to start. I believe the hypertherms use a pilot arc so it will with the right tip cut through use about anything, paint, rust, or dirt.Now for a American made machine it will have more expensive consumables my cut40 had a clone of a ESAB PT-31 torch which uses cheap (well on ebay) consumables but they dont last that long, Though I've been thinking of putting a trafiment S45 pilot torch on my so I can just buy the consumables at harbor freight since their cutter uses the same torch.
Gary Fowler
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Has anyone done a full scale analysis of cost difference between OA and Plasma. Considering not only the cost of consumables but also the difference in cost of the machine, electricity to run the plasma rig and separate air compressor (if you have separate units). This could be on a per foot of cut basis. Personally I like the portability of the OA rig and the multipurpose usefullness of it rather than just cutting metal.
