plasma cutter?

[Gusagus]

Thermal Dynamics Plasma Cutter Cutmaster 39

Thermal Dynamics Plasma Cutter Cutmaster 52

Hypertherm Powermax 45

so which one for this new 2x2 CNC. i like the 39 for the 110-220v (2 car garage with an extention cord going to the dryer) and i'm not real sure i would need to cut anything more. i'm not really seeing needing to cut more the 1/4" but more power is always better. the 52 and 45 i can get a machine torch for and have it decated to the CNC and they both will cut thicker. i already have a cheap china unit, but when i get this 2x2 i would like a little more quality in my garage.

thoughts?

[Torchmate]

Those are three great choices. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with any of them. You get more bang for your buck on the TD units, but Hypertherm has been the industry leader for many years. We have a lot more pull with Thermal Dynamics because we deal directly with them, so if you have a problem we can light a fire pretty quick. If you can afford it, I would make the jump up to the Cutmaster 52 iinstead of the 39 though. More power is definitely better. I would also give a call to Brook in our Consumable Parts Department, she can tell you what you can expect the ongoing cost for consumables to be on any of those three units. That might help you in your decision. (866)571-1066, ext 124.

[rigger77]

fwiw I have a hypertherm powermax 30 and it will run 110/220 also. If I had thought about it a little more I would have sprung for the bigger 45. My welding shop suggested the hypertherm over the td mostly because of aftersale support in this area. I figure the td machines are just as good. Find you one of the few you are interested in on sale somewhere and get it. What's the worst that can happen?

[jimcolt]

I think Bill must have said that wrong! He probably meant to say...the T-D units are often a few bucks less expensive than the Hypertherm units!

More bang for your buck means faster speeds, longer consumable life...and a unit that is completely built in the USA by employee owners of the company....and that would be Hypertherm!

You can't go wrong with either T-D or Hypertherm....test drive them at the local welding supply....look at the killowatt output (not just Amps) killowatts do the cutting. Don't make your decision rest on a few dollars, decide based on performance!

Sorry Bill....I had to say something. I've actually steered a half dozen people to Torchmate in the last few days.....hopefully you'll at least say something good about Hypertherm....and we are working to have a closer association with Torchmate...stand by!

Best regards, Jim Colt

Originally Posted by Torchmate

Those are three great choices. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with any of them. You get more bang for your buck on the TD units, but Hypertherm has been the industry leader for many years. We have a lot more pull with Thermal Dynamics because we deal directly with them, so if you have a problem we can light a fire pretty quick. If you can afford it, I would make the jump up to the Cutmaster 52 iinstead of the 39 though. More power is definitely better. I would also give a call to Brook in our Consumable Parts Department, she can tell you what you can expect the ongoing cost for consumables to be on any of those three units. That might help you in your decision. (866)571-1066, ext 124.

[Torchmate]

Originally Posted by jimcolt

Sorry Bill....I had to say something. I've actually steered a half dozen people to Torchmate in the last few days.....hopefully you'll at least say something good about Hypertherm....and we are working to have a closer association with Torchmate...stand by!

LOL! Don't apologize Jim. I know that you guys make a great product. I am really looking forward to test driving the new Hypertherm units at some point. The last Hypertherm cutter I used personally was a Powermax 900 that I bought for myself years and years ago to make sure that it worked on our system. My experience since then has only been second hand. I can tell you that Torchmate customers that have paired your product with ours say that they work great and are happy.

I have nothing but good things to say about Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics products. We have been recommending both their cutters for use on Torchmate machines for well over a decade. The number of Torchmate machines with Hypertherm plasma cutters on them is easily in the thousands and the same can be said for Thermal Dynamics. As has been said before, you can't go wrong with either.

[jeep937]

I just got back from using my uncles Hyper. So killer. I must get one.

[waynehartwig]

I own both, Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics. I have 0 issues and gripes with either of them.
Cutmaster A120 on the table and a Powermax 600 for hand use.

[Gusagus]

Originally Posted by Torchmate

I would also give a call to Brook in our Consumable Parts Department, she can tell you what you can expect the ongoing cost for consumables to be on any of those three units. That might help you in your decision. (866)571-1066, ext 124.

that would have been my next post, cost of cunsumables. i'm jsut a hobbiest, that doesn't reall expectto make any money with this thing, more personal projects. some months my miller welders (syncro 200 and MM175) sit and collect dust, others i get pissed off cause i have to do laundry and it's a pain in the ass climbing behind the dryer to switch cords. are they pretty much equal on cut per inch cunsumable wise? what is one complete set run for each. 49 days and counting till i'm home so i'll be making a call to you for the 2x2 soon.

[jimcolt]

Don't look at just the cost of the consumables.....look at "cut quality over life". Hypertherm systems are designed to produce a flat consumable wear curve.....this means that cut quality near the end of the Hypertherm consumable life is nearly the same as it is with a new set. Other plasma system consumables start wearing on a linear basis....which means the last part you cut will have different cut edge angularity as compared to the first part.

When you factor cut quality over the life of the parts....there is less grinding and fitup required.....which means a lower cost per foot of cut. Hypertherm engineering holds over 75 patents related to improving consumable life and improving plasma cut quality....they are the technology leaders. Not the least expensive...but the least expensive to operate!

Jim