thinking plasma... anybody upgrading?

[dubbyx]

did about 2 hours worth of searching last night on plasma cutters... I honestly don't know if I want to shell out the big money on one, but I'm tempted.

Anybody upgrading and looking to get rid of their lesser model?

[jwbures]

The way I look at it, money is always well spent, except at the strip club. Take a look on ebay, there is a company named IndyOxy selling Thermal Dynamics cutters for a great price, and FREE shipping. And fast shipping to. They have the Cutmaster 38 and 51. I have used the 38 a while back building trucks and shops, and now have the 51. Love em both. And well worth the $$$$$$$$.

Josh

[dubbyx]

yeah, the 51 is one I'm considering if I go new, and the other well-spoken for one is the hypertherm 600.

there are a lot of posts about these 2 in particular--great info guys... I like the look of the hypertherm better.

just hoping I can find a deal...

[cybergeek23851]

The 51 is a great machine. I have taught all of the students on one this year. The only short coming is the placement for the air nipple. it is parallel to the back of the machine. That is not too bad if you have a dedicated line to feed it with, but when you are wearing welding gloves and have big hands...it is a tight fit putting the hose on. Otherwise it is good till you get past 3/8". 1/2" takes some time and technique to sever it.

The Hypertherm is also a great machine. I'd base my decision on where I can get consumables and parts from because you can't go wrong with the 600 or the 51.

[dubbyx]

Just got back from the welding store and managed to escape without spending a dime!!! Usually I'll be nice and pick something up just for going in.

Anyhow-- I found the hypertherm, and I like it, but not for the local $1780. They also had a version by Miller that the sales guy was really pushing hard. Bad part about it was he didn't have one in stock to show me. No TD's.

I've found the 600 all over ebay for $14-1500 shipped.

[s_ontario]

I have a Hypertherm 600 works very well up to 3/8" cuts fast as drawing a chalk line 1/2" is bit better than a torch

Best thing to do is got to your suppliers and see what consumables they have instock and the prices here Hypertherm consumables are best price

Just remember these things will cut more than just steel like cement floors :D and flesh

[Todd W]

Hypertherm 600 here, had trigger problem fixed it.

Got ours from TorchKing? or something on ebay great service and a LOT cheaper than local - no one local would attempt to price match.

I`ve cut TONS of 3/8" with it - works great, and is super fast for anything under.

[Rudezuk]

I have the Cutmaster 50....Pre 51, and have had it for some time and it still works great!

[Toyota_Jim]

cutmaster 38, not a problem out of it.
I have made some 12-16" cuts in 1/2" plate with it, they are a little ruff and take some time but it can be done...

[ghettojeep]

Mid weights are good for sheet metal. If your doing real fab you need a bigger one.

I have a Hobart 400, relabelled Hyper 380. It does well with a fresh tip, and is nice for tight spots. I've used it on plenty of plate, tube, box, etc.

It didn't do the job I was hoping for the 1400 i paid. I would have been better upping it for another 300 seriously.

I'd sell it in a heartbeat for say $900 or so.

[Chaz Murray]

stay away from the miller machines...our local airgas rep that came in said they have had many issues with them...go with the hypertherm

[jedrattle]

stay away from the miller machines...our local airgas rep that came in said they have had many issues with them...go with the hypertherm


My 625 has worked great for about 3yrs. Did he explain the problem?

[AthlonAJ]

I actually might be upgrading within the month. Have a Hypertherm 380 that has been a real workhorse in the shop, but beings this is for business I need something faster through the thicker materials. Cut 1/4" plate no real problem, sometimes I'll cut 3/8" but it's slow. I'd rather sell it with the welder since they are both on a cart and wired up together.

[Timmer]

I have the Hypertherm 600,had it about 2 yrs.It's been a good machine,no problems.Let your buddies know how expensive consumables are.Good luck

[85 XCab]

stay away from the miller machines...our local airgas rep that came in said they have had many issues with them...go with the hypertherm

The millers actually use a hypertherm torch, that tells me Miller know who makes the best torch gun. I checked out a 380 last week and was really impressed about a grand on ebay w/ free shipping

[keenavv]

If you get the Thermal Dynamics make sure it has the TORCH 1 torch. It will make You HAPPY.

[69CJ]

My 625 has worked great for about 3yrs. Did he explain the problem?

Same here. Zero problems.

[James_Fendley]

I got a Hypertherm 600 last week from Harris Welding (torchking). 1420.00 to my door. Ordered at 4:00 wed. it was here at 3:00 friday. I also got the motorguard filter for 85.00. It came with a free shirt and multi-tool.

It needs a 8-3 extension cord

James

[dubbyx]

I saw the ones from that guy as well... how long are the cords/leads on that one? I've noticed on ebay not all the guys are listing the part #'s, so I've gotta make sure which one I'm getting before I'll buy. IMHO anything less than the 25' is useless. My mig gun has an incredibly short cable on it and it's always causing me problems.

Also, was that filter worth it? I've got a good water filter on my compressor now, but was going to go ahead and dedicate one to the plasma. Was thinking more along the lines of the $30 one from HF though...

anybody bought the gouging tips for it?

[RocksMan]

did about 2 hours worth of searching last night on plasma cutters... I honestly don't know if I want to shell out the big money on one, but I'm tempted.

Anybody upgrading and looking to get rid of their lesser model?
Miller 625 here, works like a charm, really really nice unit. Cuts clean.

[dubbyx]

found a gem of a website last night... still not sure how I got there, but spent some time looking around, I found this:

http://www.thefabricator.com/Buyers_Guides/2004_MPAC_BG.cfm

I havn't seen this website listed anywhere before, but I'd seriously recommend checking it out for any kind of information on metalworking.

I also started looking at the ESAB 650, just because I found a local source that has offered me pretty good deals on tools before... it's a neat machine, but still a little lesser than the Hypertherm unit I've been planning on getting. If the price is right, it could be a contender.

[demonranger]

Thermal Dynamics PAK5 from an industrial manufacturing company that was going bankrupt though the machine is older than dirt and has been well used a simple plug change was all it too for me to be up and running. It's old enough that the mfg doesn't even list it in the obsolete machines category on their website.

[chumly2071]

+1 on the Miller 625. Have had it for a couple years, and really like it.