Hypertherm Powermax 30 Air

[HCJtractor]

Does anyone have any experience with the Powermax 30 Air? I've read some favorable reviews of it.

Having a built in air supply appeals to me. I wish they had this feature in the 40 amp model.

 

[HCJtractor]

Guess no one has experience with this newer model. I understand it’s a little less powerful than the standard Powermax 30, but still has power to cut 3/8 easily from what I’ve read. Anyone ever used it? But a little pricey.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

It should be a good model. However, knowing one of the industry examples of this type that have existed in the past with different manufacturer, the compressor is the weak point. The little compressor get hot, and runs a lot. I don't know if it is a ceramic compressor or not, but the TA Dragun had one. A friend of mine had one, and used it a lot and he rebuilt it at least once a year for several years until it could not be rebuilt anymore.

 

[HCJtractor]

Thanks Mark. Just trying to decide if I would use it much or if so, it would be powerful enough. Because I have no dedicated shop or large compressor, the simplicity was appealing. I’m now thinking that I would use a good cold cut chop saw more for the types of things I want to fabricate. Cutting angle, square tubing may not be a great use for a plasma.

 

[Shaneard]

If you’re gonna be cutting much angle or square tubing the fun factor will wear off quick if doing it with a plasma cutter. I’ve got a hypertherm plasma and don’t use it near as much as I used to. I have an Ellis 1600 metal saw that you can angle the head with the simple loosening of one quick turn of a bolt with a handle and also stand the head up and use it like an upright bandsaw. It gets used way more than the plasma, both have their place as well as a torch, chopsaw, you get the idea.

 

[HCJtractor]

Just looked up the Ellis saw. That’s very nice! I can see how that’s a great tool. My bandsaw looks primitive in comparison.

 

[dragoneggs]

Thanks Mark. Just trying to decide if I would use it much or if so, it would be powerful enough. Because I have no dedicated shop or large compressor, the simplicity was appealing. I知 now thinking that I would use a good cold cut chop saw more for the types of things I want to fabricate. Cutting angle, square tubing may not be a great use for a plasma.

I have a Powermax 45XP. Love it! Does need a fair amount of air. I have a 60gal compressor but unfortunately only one 220v outlet for both! So I am swapping back and forth for plasma and air until I get my garage/shop rewired to better support the tool stations I am creating.

If you don't already have a chop saw or bandsaw I would get those first. The port-a-band saws are nice as they are portable and also can be mounted in a small table.

I have one of these SwagOffroad stands with a foot pedal on/off. Love it too! I do not like my abrasive chop saw. Someday I will swap that for a dry cut saw.

SWAG V3. Portaband Table

 

[yomax4]

It should be a good model. However, knowing one of the industry examples of this type that have existed in the past with different manufacturer, the compressor is the weak point. The little compressor get hot, and runs a lot. I don't know if it is a ceramic compressor or not, but the TA Dragun had one. A friend of mine had one, and used it a lot and he rebuilt it at least once a year for several years until it could not be rebuilt anymore.

This is correct. The Dragon Plus Thermal Dynamics had issues as will the PM 30 or Lincoln Tomahawk or Hobart Airforce. The air compressor has to run while cutting. In a few seconds it will be pumping hot air that causes condensation in the torch. Condensation is moisture and I think you know what moisture does in the plasma stream. Prepare to buy 4x more consumables than a standard type cutter. Most of those that bought Dragons and Pluses knew of the situation in advance and a few construction jobs paid for the unit so they didn't care. It's a simple case of Buyer beware. Other than that. They are all ok and do what they say. Good Luck!!

 

[11B2620]

Listen...... I went down to the welding shop to check plasma cutters out. A thousand dollars got you started... I then looked online. Check out Eastwood Auto Restoration Supplies - Eastwood Auto I bought their biggest plasma cutter 3 years ago. I melted the gun for it and was sent a new one FREE. Warranty is awesome. I also bought their Mig 250amp welder. I made my own spool holder for the 40 lb spools since they are only 15 dollars more than the 12 lb. I am on my 5th 40 lb spool with no hiccup. They simply work. And the consumables are easy to find. Just give them a look. If you want some pictures of it let me know. it severs 7/8 inch steel and I cut 3/8 inch almost daily with no problems.

 

[HCJtractor]

Thanks. I’ll check it out. But my problem is a minimal compressor, and not a great shop with proper electrical supply. I just ordered a dry cut chop saw. I think that will be used a lot. I have a portaband and an entry level bandsaw. So unless I need to cut odd shapes, I can live without a plasma. But that Hyperthem really is tempting to have.