The way I read it, if you are using that machine in a mechanized application (CNC plasma table), that is the thickest material you can cut????

If that is the case, and I had a CNC plasma table and wanted to be able to do 1/2" max (very seldom, but I want the capability), am I looking at the Powermax 1000 as a minimum and the 1250 as a better option? Or can I get away with the 45?

Quick Google search turns up the 45 for $1500, the 1000 for $2100, and the 1250 for around $2800. Pretty big differences.

Steve

I was running a table for awhile with a 1250 and was pretty much topping out with 3/8" material. I didn't do much with real thick plate, so I might have been able to tune in a little better. I doubt I could have cut 1/2" and not look like a beaver chewed the crap outta the part.

I have a cnc table and a Hypertherm 1000 and have cut a ton of 3/8 and some 1/2. The issue is the pierce. When held in a fixed position it allows the molten metal to splash up and foul the tip much easier. When held by hand you can rock into a cut or start at an edge to eliminate this, again, on the table you cannot. The 1/2 I've done looked very good but I wouldn't try too many holes smaller than about 2 inch or so. The 3/8 is no problem at all and I can get a good clearance fit hole down to about 7/16-1/2 inch with no extra work needed. You would be happy with a 1000.

I've pierced 3/8 manually with my Powermax 45, and cut 5/8 with it, but I don't know about piercing in between.

Post in this thread over on WeldingWeb:

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=29041&page=9

Jim Colt would know the answer. He runs Hypertherms on his table.

The issue is the pierce. When held in a fixed position it allows the molten metal to splash up and foul the tip much easier. When held by hand you can rock into a cut or start at an edge to eliminate this, again, on the table you cannot.

That makes sense. Guess I never really thought about it when using one by hand.

Wish I could swing it now, but there is a Powermax 1000 G3 ($2500 machine online, $3200 retail) with cart on CL here for $1400.

If anyone is interested:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/tls/1350891910.html

I was running a table for awhile with a 1250 and was pretty much topping out with 3/8" material. I didn't do much with real thick plate, so I might have been able to tune in a little better. I doubt I could have cut 1/2" and not look like a beaver chewed the crap outta the part.

Must have been a problem with the setup or wet/dirty air. I know there are guys on here running a 1250 and cutting 1/2". According to Hypertherm, the 1250's max mechanized pierce is 3/4.

Must have been a problem with the setup or wet/dirty air. I know there are guys on here running a 1250 and cutting 1/2". According to Hypertherm, the 1250's max mechanized pierce is 3/4.

Nope. I can cut 3/4" by hand just fine. Air is clean and dry. On the table the machine torch caught too much crap in splash and caused feedback to movement or flash stick the tip to the plate. I could cut if I started every cut at the edge to avoid a pierce, but that took more manual controlling than I could stand.

You divide the cut capacity by half for mechanized pierce. The 1000 is rated for 1/2" and the 45 is rated for 3/8" The 45 will pierce 1/2" though. I have pierced and cut 1/2" with the 45 with awesome results. My 45 kicks the crap out of my 1000 in terms of cut quality. It's a little slower but cuts way nicer and tips last forever. I would take a 45 over a 1000 any day. If you need to cut a lot of 1/2" or bigger I would go with the 1000 or 1250. The 45 is smaller, lighter, uses less power, consumables life is way better, and consumables are a little cheaper.

1250 will do 1/2 pierce all day long if you can't you need to investigate the problems.