I'm going crazy!

To buy a new vacuum, I got to Consumer Reports and look at thier ratings. It's easy. But for plasma, I have not found anything similar. My 'net searches come up with a few opinions (ford vs chevy type).

The best thing I've found is this:

PLASMACAM PAGE (http://www.plasmacam.com/archive/plcut.htm)

If anyone knows where to find some info and if you have one of these exact models please post your 2c! Why did you choose it and what do consumables cost? All the models below are rated and priced very close to each other.

Here are the contenders:

--Miller Spectrum 375

--Hypertherm Powermax 380

--Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38

--Hobart Airforce 400

--Esab ???

HELP!!!


Reflexx :D

I don't know that many "published" comparisons of Plasma cutters exist out. But I can tell you this, this subject has been discussed many times in this section. I'm certain a search function would greatly enhance your education of the subject at hand.

Try this....

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/search.php?searchid=1289587

Quick answer is: Go for the TD or HyperTherm, whichever one you can obtain consumables the cheapest for.

The other ones are ok, but bang for the buck wise, you get the highest quality cuts with those two, at a cheaper price than the blue, and they're cheap to keep running.

That's my take on reading this subject for the last 4 years on PBB. :flipoff2:

ive got an older model hypertherm 350 that is still running strong.

gents,

At this point I'm leaning toward the Hypertherm or the Thermal Dynamics.

but want more feedback. Anybody?

Reflexx

I'd agree, but if you have the $$$, I'd go with the TD 50 or Hypertherm 600. I have the TD 38, it does fine, but on anything thicker than 1/4" I wish i had more juice. The TD will cut 3/8 clean, but slow. I dont know if the others will actually cut 3/8 clean or not, even though they may be rated for it. I've had the TD for 5 yrs, no problems.

Can't go wrong with Hypertherm. Even for thin stuff ,my 600 cuts much better and cleaner than my buddies 380, depends on what you want to spend and thickness you want to cut. Just stay away from HF of course :barf:

Hypertherm 1100 with the RT-80 torch (new G3 style). Very nice. Cuts everything from sheetmetal up to 1 1/4" cleanly. The RT-80 torch is very nice. About half the bulk of the old torch that came with the 1100. That alone improves the cut because it is less fatiguing to hold and easier to move.

Hypertherm 600 here and love it I picked it because I wanted to cut bigger than 1/4 and mostly cut metals between 1/4 and 1/2 have cut heavier and it still does a great job along with cutting sheet metal like butter

I've got a Hypertherm 380. It does pretty well up to about 1/4" as long as you take your time. I've done 3/8" but it's a pain. If you're going to cut that thick, certainly look at a bigger unit.

search under my screen name in this forum. i had the same thread a couple months ago.

i bought a Hypertherm Powermax 600

kicks some serious monkey ass!

I love my Esab 875 plasma and my Esab 250 wirefeed :smokin:

TD cutmaster 51 - the power is awesome!

Figure out how thick of metal you are going to cut and then get a size bigger... TD or Hyper is the way to go.

Figure out how thick of metal you are going to cut and then get a size bigger... TD or Hyper is the way to go.

Very good info there. I have a 380 and love it, but could use a 600 for added speed when cutting 3/16-1/4".

After all of the searching you will find the same recommendation, TD or Hypertherm. I like Hypertherm because I can get service easier, if it were needed, and consumables availability.

Gents,

Looks like the Hypertherm Powermax 600 is the winner. On e-bay they go for $1,480 (delivered), but I'm gonna try to see if the locals can come close the the price. It can drag cut and go thru 3/8" easily, that's good enough for me!

The reason I will go 600 vs. the 380 is the comment from zachv about the extra speed in 3/16-1/4"

thanks to all for the opinions and keep them coming for others!

REFLEXX

Gents,

Looks like the Hypertherm Powermax 600 is the winner. On e-bay they go for $1,480 (delivered), but I'm gonna try to see if the locals can come close the the price. It can drag cut and go thru 3/8" easily, that's good enough for me!

The reason I will go 600 vs. the 380 is the comment from zachv about the extra speed in 3/16-1/4"

thanks to all for the opinions and keep them coming for others!

REFLEXX


Excellent choice and great price. I got mine for $400 more.

When I was debating between ThermalDynamics38 and HyperTherm380 the main issues were severe cut and consumable price.
The TD38 has a better severe cut and consumables are cheaper, BUT my local supplier does not stock TD38 consumables.
Also the only TD38 they had in stock was a repair and refurbish.
I bought the HT380 because I could get the consumables any work day if I'm in a bind. Otherwise I order them online for a much better price.

Gents,

well, since I started this thread, I might as well end it!

I was about to buy a new Hypertherm 600 for about $1,550 but found a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38 (used) on Ebay. I won it for $550. I knew there was a risk of buying used, but the seller had good feedback and seemed honest. I got a set of consumables ($100) and a Motorguard filter ($100) with it. Those were a surprise that came in the box!!!

Tonight I finally got around to firing it up and trying it. in one word: WOW!

I'm used to cutting things with OA, but this thing was a blast. On 3/16 to 1/4 it cuts like butter. Flip the switch and you're ready to go!!!

The only thing I lack is a steady hand, but it looks like a Miller "standoff guide" will work bitchen to keep me the right distance off the material.

It's amazing how easy it is to use, even for starting in the middle of a piece of material (not from an edge). I'm in bracket making heaven!

HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!!!

later,

REFLEXX :D :D :D