Cutmaster 52 or Hypertherm 45..which plasma to buy?

[zachv]

My trusty Powermax 380 needs to be replaced with something that I can use better on a CNC table and I am very torn between the Hypertherm 45 and the TD Cutmaster 52. Due to the great feedback from users here and other places I thought I was set on the 52 until I spoke to a Hypertherm rep and I realized I have had great results with my Hypertherm 380 and I can find parts all over the place. The Thermaldyne products do not seem to have as readily available consumables, etc.

So, the question is...which would you buy and why? They are within $100 of each other so that is not an issue. The use will be typical fab shop with ramping up use on the CNC table on nothing thicker than 3/8", 1/8"-1/4" probably 90% of the time.

Thanks for your help.
Zach.

[PAToyota]

Like you, I have a Hypertherm and have been very pleased with its operation and with the service and support that I've had through both Hypertherm and the local dealer. Seems like a no-brainer.

[Todd W]

Can't go wrong with hypertherm.

[zachv]

Hypertherm... Seems like a no-brainer.

Agreed, but I have heard really good things on the Cutmasters, and the 52 has 60Amps of power (40 for the Hypertherm), and a better duty cycle, and a lower cost.

Maybe I should just forget about plasma cutters and look at this picture the rest of the week.
http://www.atozfabrication.com/gallery2/d/116-1/DSC_0303.jpg
:grinpimp:

[Todd W]

If you plan to do a lot of CNC work then maybe step it up to 1000 or 1250?

[PAToyota]

Nice picture!

I hadn't looked at the specs, so I figured you were saying that they were pretty much equal. My 1100 is an 80amp unit, so I'm not hurting for power any...

[Wyoming9]

I myself would go Hypertherm only because that is what I had and like you said good customer support.

Being your only 45 minutes from a warranty vendor and Pat Belsole is a good rep. I say no brainer.

I have seen your shop just not sure where as I am all over up there picking up units for repair So if you bought a new machine who would you buy it from??

Andy or Steve both in your area and both great guys. If push comes to shove ask for a demo of each unit.

You can`t go wrong with either one.:flipoff2:

[zachv]

I myself would go Hypertherm only because that is what I had and like you said good customer support.

Being your only 45 minutes from a warranty vendor and Pat Belsole is a good rep. I say no brainer.

I have seen your shop just not sure where as I am all over up there picking up units for repair So if you bought a new machine who would you buy it from??

Andy or Steve both in your area and both great guys. If push comes to shove ask for a demo of each unit.

You can`t go wrong with either one.:flipoff2:

Are you with Airgas? I mainly use GTS, but am thinking of using Andy in Schuylkill Haven more as they are way closer to the new shop. Our new shop is in the middle of Haven, down the street from Plain and Fancy Donuts shop.

Depending on which unit I buy I would use Cyberweld for the TD machine and Harris Welding Supply for the Hypertherm unit, unless my local shops can get real darn close. I have used both of those in the past with great results and I have tried in the past to get GTS to match prices, but they won't. I would definitely call Andy first, though, if I go the Hypertherm way.

[Wyoming9]

I work for a company called Power Source Repair that is a warranty vendor for all the major brands of welders and Plasma units.

as a point in fact I was at air gas Lebanon Yesterday and we were talking about Cyberweld I would say it may be worth your while to ask if the internet pricing could be met local. The only difference would be the sales tax.

The items I was pricing was Miller equipment and Air Gas was able to meet Cyberwelds price in every case for what its worth.

[PAToyota]

Wasn't even paying attention to where you were located. Yep, got Pat Belsole's card at my desk here. When I bought my unit (used, mind you), the local AirGas told me when Pat was going to be in. Pat spent half an hour going over the unit, tuning it, and giving me pointers on how best to operate it. After that, I'd never consider anything but Hypertherm. Of course, that also talked me into getting the RT-80 torch for it... :)

[zachv]

:update: Andy and Tom from Schuylkill Haven AirGas made it happen and I am leaving now to pick up my new Hypertherm 45.

BTW, Wyoming9, do you actually fix machines? I have a Miller 210 that is acting up. Let me know if you can help or PM/call me if that is better.

Thanks.

[Timmay]

Does this mean you are selling that Powermax 380? :)

[Wyoming9]

PM sent:D

[87JeepWrangler]

Does this mean you are selling that Powermax 380? :)

x2

is it for sale?

[zachv]

Does this mean you are selling that Powermax 380? :)

Already sold, but it will be a bunch closer to you at Dom's house. ;)

Sorry, Rob. If you need a sweet deal on a Hypertherm 45 let me know. :flipoff2: