I would definitely splurge and go Hypertherm if you can swing it. I debated between the 30XP, 30Air, but when the 45XP came out and I tried it firsthand at Fabtech, I decided on the 45XP.
Reasons behind my decision...
1. I decided I would rarely if ever, use a PC outside my 240v shop environment... so 110v wasn't a requirement. That has proved out.
2. The 30Air I ruled out for same reason. Have a 60gal compressor in my shop.
3. Between the 30Air and 30XP, the XP has 50% more cutting power (because the Air needs power to drive the internal compressor)
4. I wanted future expandability to use in a CNC table. Felt the 30XP would be too slow. 45XP can accept a table torch.
5. I seriously doubted the 30Air ability to provide enough 'dry' air with the little onboard compressor and still cut fast enough.
6. Cost... 30Air about $300 more than XP for an onboard compressor and less power.
See also:
Hypertherm Powermax3 XP vs. Hypertherm Powermax3 AIR | ShopWeldingSupplies – ShopWeldingSupplies.com
From Hypertherm website:
