Anyone use the miller spectrum 375 cutmate or the Hobart airforce 400? I am looking for a good plasma cutter to cut 3/8 or less and these are the two I have come up with. Anyone use anything else that is cheaper?

Buddy just got a Hypertherm - and from what I have heard, Hypertherm is the only one to get....

Hypotherm seems to be awefully spendy from what I have seen. I have looked into Hobart, Miller, Thermal Dynamics, Miller, and lincoln, but those two listed above seem to be the best for 3/8 just wondering if I am missing any others. thanks

The one my buddy got will cut up to 5/8 ot 3/4 and it was only $1400....



You get what you pay for, you know ;)

The Lincoln pro cut 25 & comparable Spectrum 375 & hobart AF 400 are really 1/4 machines , and even that is only with tips that are in EXCELLENT condition.
However once you get above 1/4 oxy fuel still works so well that it really doesn't matter.
I have a Lincoln pro cut 55 (60 amp machine) , and it works very well but even though it CAN cut 5/8 it REALLY is only a 1/2 machine but there again if over 1/2 using any manual cutting process oxy fuel in my opinion is better (smaller kerf).
I have owned the pro cut 25 , and I really liked it as well but to small for my shop needs. I dont think you can go wrong with any of the machines you asked about my only reason for buying the lincolns were the consumables are cheaper , and there are only two (nozzle & tip). With the miller hobart or even hypertherm(All these torches are identical ie hyperthem makes em for Miller & hobart) their parts are more $$$ , and more pieces overall -however the torch fells VERY comfortable in your hand.
You can buy the Lincoln PC25 for cheap-- try www.welders-direct.com
good luck-you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
weldpro:D

One more thing -last I checked Hypertherms warranty was only two years (vs three for Linc/Miller/hobart) , and it starts at the DATE OF manufacture for the machine not the date of purchase!!!!!!!! WTF is that ....I wouldn't buy one of those just cause thats a f'KD up deal--------stay with red,white, and blue cant go wrong with the leaders.

Has anyone used an ESAB unit?
They're supposedly big in Europe according to my local AirGas dealer.
They have models that go from 1/4" up to 1 1/2.
Not bad for price too.

We heve the Thermal Dynamics Econo pak 50, works really well. I think the price was around $1700. I have a few things though, don't buy a Lincoln. I was told that Plasma just wasn't there thing, and I also heard that Hypertherm was the shat.:)

I like Hypertherm. Mine is the 1100 machine. blows thru 3/4
plate like nothing is there. go slow and do 1" plate. go slower
with a steady hand and do 1 1/4" plate...........

Consumables are priced reasonable.

I've heard Esab consumables aren't cheap, don't last as long,
etc.

GO Hypertherm.


My bro-inlaw has a big miller plasma.. he likes it, not as portable
at the solid-state machines.

--Sherpa

Hypertherm ?'s

1. Is it 110V or 220V?
2. If it's 220V is it single phase or triple phase?
3. I'm trying to figure out which 1 to get.....I haven't heard of the Hypertherm......How much?$$$$$

I just bought a Hypertherm Powermax380 for $990.00 and $32.00 shipping from Norco. 406-752-4804 In Montana. This was a Internet special.

i have the hypotherm 380, spend about $400 more than the FAT deal above, get it!:D

truckola
dumb question: whats the address for the norco website? did a search & I came up w/ everything but welding supply:confused:

had a hypertherm max43 for a year &1/2- really worked good till we finally burned it up powering it with a miller bobcat 8kw gen. the warranty had a few months left but they would'nt honor it ,said generator power wasn't approved for use. they wanted $1500 to fix it! so im still without a plasma.:mad:

www.norco-inc.com ask for James.

I have the Hypertherm 380. What weldpro says is true. I would try to buy one where the RECCOMENDED capacity is a little greater that what you plan to cut most of the time. If you but a quarter inch recommender capacity machine and cut a lot of 1/4", you will probably end up wishing you had a bigger one.

The ESAB 550 has a little more output than the 1/4" machines without too great a price jump. Something to consider....

any one try the one harbor freght sells

i think it is made by century and cuts 3/8

That's the one I bought, internet special a while back. Does really well and use almost every time I step in the shop. The tips are that expensive either.

Esab's are good units, they are made here in the USA in SC. The torches seem to be an older design but work well. Check out www.cyberweld.com for consumables pricing vrs the rest.

Depdog

Originally posted by Kaiser Bill
Has anyone used an ESAB unit?
They're supposedly big in Europe according to my local AirGas dealer.
They have models that go from 1/4" up to 1 1/2.
Not bad for price too.


I would look at Technical Specifications.
Output amps , duty cycle and Efficiency ratings.
I have the ESAB 1000i. It kicks but and I have had no problems or complaints. 1" machine-80 amp output, I believe one of the main factors would ne the output amps.This link might help.

http://www.plasma-cutter-city.com/selection.htm

Originally posted by Shrock
www.norco-inc.com ask for James.

I have the Hypertherm 380. What weldpro says is true. I would try to buy one where the RECCOMENDED capacity is a little greater that what you plan to cut most of the time.

Ditto! Bought my Hypertherm 900 from Norco a couple of years ago. One of my leading reasons was to cut 3/8" aluminum plate. Consumables is a BIG TICKET item... doesn't seem like much, but they add up quickly. Online pricing for Hypertherm stuff can be found here (http://weilerwelding.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/plasma.html) Just to give you an idea.

Also interesting to note places that sell the CNC machines all seem to recommend Hypertherm Plasma Cutters. A good overview can be found on Plasmacam web site (http://www.plasmacam.com/torch.htm) for buying tips. :D Hypertherm 900 is an older model now, but still good info. Notice on their recommendations listed below which mfg is NOT listed. :) OPPS: ESAB isn't listed, but those are good machines (look for a used Linde -- old name, but you can find some great deals on them!)

Tom :usa:

Originally posted by ECF
Hypotherm seems to be awefully spendy from what I have seen.

you get what ya pay for. hypothem is the best unit on the market.

I've got a Hypertherm 600 in my shop... have probly had it almost 6 months now... 6 months of pretty hard use... and haven't had a problem yet from it. Its rated to 5/8", it breezes through 3/8" like its not there, same with 1/2"... and is still not too overpowered for cutting 3/16" or 16 gauge, 18 gauge, etc. The expendables are reasonably priced I guess... still seems like a lot for what they are. I've used Millers & Lincolns elsewhere, and used Hypertherms extensively before I bought mine... and theres nothing else I would have. I paid $1600 for this one... so I guess like everyones been saying... you get what you pay for.. we've probably cut 3-4 times that much in tubing, sheet, body parts, etc. since then and haven't had a single problem.

Does anyone use the stuff from HTP??? I bought my auto helmet from them years ago way cheap and it has worked well. They have plasma cutters and Welders also. A couple of years ago when I had the dough I almost bought a plasma cutter from them, but the finances won't allow it now.

I have an HTP mig 200 that ive had for 11 years & never given me a speck of trouble under constant use in a fab shop. Its also the best working welder we've used (my brother and i have used alot of different machines over the years),especially for the really thin stuff- good range of adjustment. Price is right, too. Have you priced the new millers lately? :eek: Good people to deal with-you can talk to the president if you want.

FYI...(from what I was told by a Hypertherm dealer).....Miller repackages Hypertherm's electronics so when you buy a Miller, you are really buying a Hypertherm that is Blue.

Originally posted by truckola
I just bought a Hypertherm Powermax380 for $990.00 and $32.00 shipping from Norco. 406-752-4804 In Montana. This was a Internet special.

:eek: :eek: :eek: DONT MISS THIS ERIC(ECF)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek:
thats what i have and paid about $400 more:(

Originally posted by truckola
I just bought a Hypertherm Powermax380 for $990.00 and $32.00 shipping from Norco. 406-752-4804 In Montana. This was a Internet special.

ERIC(ECF) DONT MISS OUT ON THIS!!!!:eek: thats what i have, does anything a wheelin fabber could ask....too bad i paid $400more...

here is some serious high tech redneck junk.

this in my buddys shop

home brew cnc rocks

need parts ?

Originally posted by camo
home brew cnc rocks

Got any info on the home brewed CNC plasma cutter?

I have the Hypertherm 600 and I really like it. My best friend is a pipe welder and uses one all day every day. Never had a problem. I really like the way the gun works too. I used to have a HTP machine, worked OK for $500 seven years ago, but in no way does in it even compare to the Hypertherm.

I would go for the Miller or Lincoln unit as well, like someone else said you can't go wrong these days with red or blue (did not used to be like that though - and I still prefer blue!)

If your working with Oxy-Fuel cutting make sure that you update your torch with one way valves. We had a bad situation at one of our facilities where a tank blew up. I have pics, it was nasty. To show how dangerouse it really is they included pics of the poor guys burned clothes and tools.

Most all new torches come with them, I upgraded my old setup for about $40. Money well spent.

-Stumbaugh

Originally posted by biggnome


Got any info on the home brewed CNC plasma cutter?


ya it is cool.


seriously
what do ya wanna know?

Originally posted by Booger Weldz


:eek: :eek: :eek: DONT MISS THIS ERIC(ECF)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek:
thats what i have and paid about $400 more:(

One helaofprice, just bought mine here in San Jose for $1150+tax. It's an awsome machine, Powermax 380 cuts up to 1/2 in. 120v or 220.:eek:

Originally posted by camo



ya it is cool.


seriously
what do ya wanna know?

How is it controlled? I see a PC there in the pic. How is the table set up? Stepper motors?

PC to a cnc controll box

stepper motors
rack and pinion


i will get detail pics later this week when i go back over to his shop

So is this something your friend set up or is it the kit from torch mate? I'm just curious 'cause the $3500 price tag for a CNC plasma table has me interested.

Originally posted by biggnome
So is this something your friend set up or is it the kit from torch mate? I'm just curious 'cause the $3500 price tag for a CNC plasma table has me interested.

i am not sure. i will get more details from him. i know he made the table in his shop. i will get more detail later this week

got any links to torch mate ?

Torch Mate Plasma Cutter (http://www.torchmate.com/)

It's from a little deeper in the links from above. Has all sorts of info. Just from the sound of your friends, this might be what he has. There's a real cool pick of how they used the plotter and drew a Harley Davidson logo on a business card just to show how accurate the machine was.


Here's the link for the accuracy. Accuracy Pic (http://www.torchmate.com/accuracy/index.htm)

That is a torchmate unit, model 2 actually. Nice setup, about 8000 bare bones, 12000 full load arc voltage torch height controller and speciallized shape software.

They make a bottom line model for about 2500 or 3000? that is kinda permanently on sale.

The guy who runs the company is Bill Kunz. They make pantograph machines too.

Ken

Edit: I guess someone beat me to reply, there is a collection of webpages for this company out there, he has about 10 domain names!

from the looks of it it is a torch mate kit. i will confirm

From what they show they are doing with the bare bones machine, I can easily see it paying for itself in a couple of months. Something to think about for all out there that have the cash and the room to put the machine. It's definitely on my list of toys to get.

they have the Arc Voltage Torch Height Control .................................................. . $ 2,399.95

i remember them telling me about this feature

I have the ESAB 550. Got a factory refurbished unit for $200 less than a new one, delivered to the door right from ESAB in SC. For all practical purposes it was a new unit. I would have gone with a hypertherm 400 or a comparable Miller but the $200 was the deciding factor. Paid $1100 for mine and would do it again. Works great on 1/4" and down. haven't tried it on 1/2" though (if I remember right its rated to do 5/8"). Be sure to get spare consumables before you need them.

Got a Hypertherm 600 myself. Want to finish exams so I can use it!
Ken

Miller and Lincoln are not repackaged Hypertherms.
If you want to know the real skinny, go to your local Welders Supply. They sell Miller, Lincoln, Hypertherm, ESAB and Thermal Dynamics.
The guy up there told me that Lincoln and Miller are great for welders, but when it comes to Plasma cutters, they are not in the big leagues yet. He recommended the Hypertherm or Thermal Dynamics (even though he would have sold me any brand).
As a matter of fact, he had a lincoln unit that they had used for demos for less than a year. He said that it just didn't cut as good as it did when it was new, and was happy to offer it for sale to me . . . (no thanks).

I shopped the internet for a month. Ebay is a good place to find web resellers. They post their stuff up there, then you go back to their home page and find out what their deals and available models are. You don't have to buy through Ebay most of the time.
That's how I found http://www.brwelder.com/home.html for my mig welder (Miller).

For plasma cutters, I almost bought one of those Hypertherm 380s for $990. That is a great deal, but I put it off, and when I wanted to buy it, I couldn't find anyone selling it for that on ebay . . .
So, I called my boy at welders supply. Guess what, they have a sale going on right now.
Their price on the Hypertherm 600 was $1475 which was right in there with the best web prices (most hpertherm web dealers do not do free shipping, so buying local was a wash on cost).

One thing about the 380, if you ever win the lottery and get 6k that you want to start doing CNC cutting table for your plasma cutter, you'll need the 600 or better model. the 380 uses a starting circuit that interferes with the control electronics.
Read here for info: http://www.plasma-cutter.com/index.html

Not only that, but what previous posters have said about buying more power than you think you need is ALWAYS true, isn't it?

You can think about it all you want, but in the end, the opinions of the guys that use them day in and day our are consistant on hypertherm/Thermal D, and against miller/Lincoln.

Happy cutting.

alan

One thing about the 380, if you ever win the lottery and get 6k that you want to start doing CNC cutting table for your plasma cutter, you'll need the 600 or better model. the 380 uses a starting circuit that interferes with the control electronics.

Are you sure about that?

yeah, trying to find the link where I saw that . . .
hold on

alan

Shit! Can't find it.
I know I read it somewhere.

FYI (as far as I know) All the PowerMax units are the same as in power supply...so...off of their website on the 380

"The smartest torch design
Hypertherm's patented PAC110T torch design
delivers maximum performance and durability.
The torch's intelligent features promote cut
accuracy and speed, while enhancing
productivity and life.
Patented "blow-back" design generates a
strong pilot arc for piercing metals through
rust, paint and other coatings, without the
electrical high frequency that can damage
or interfere with sensitive electronics
(PC's, phone systems, machine
controllers, automobile microchips). "

Originally posted by ROCKSFORBRAINS
had a hypertherm max43 for a year &1/2- really worked good till we finally burned it up powering it with a miller bobcat 8kw gen. the warranty had a few months left but they would'nt honor it ,said generator power wasn't approved for use. they wanted $1500 to fix it! so im still without a plasma.:mad:

Should have got a Miller: I have a Spectrum 2050, run it with a PipePro304 on the truck. Guranteed by Miller even if ran off a engine drive. Consumables - find the Miller/Lincoln/Esab consumables priced close to the same up here, but on the Big machines (150A+) Esab works harder for the sale, their spares kits are more complete as well as cheaper, and their torches are smaller as well as easier to handle. I have to agree with WeldPro - Small machines go for Red/Blue/Grey, anything over 1/4" in carbon your better off with a oxy torch. Hypertherm is all name and you get raped on the warranty.

The Miller ICE torches (maybe hobarts too) are made by hypertherm. Miller provides their own powersupplys.

I was told by the shop where I bought my Hypertherm (they sell miller too) that the consumables are just different enough that you can't interchange them. I'd like to check that out first hand myself.

The torch connectors on the machines *Look* to be identical.

The Thermal Dynamics machines use HF which is no good for around computers.

Heres a link to some BC4x4 info (http://bb.bc4x4.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12990)

and

more plasma info, Air Liquide head sales guy in Canada's response (http://bb.bc4x4.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10916)
Ken

Here is a link to a guy that sells them pretty cheap:
Harris on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3101038792)

It looks like I will be getting a 380 in a few weeks!

I tried a Miller nozzle in my Hypertherm...no go.