The Home Machinist!

I am in the market for a plasma cutter for my home shop. I would like to be able to cut up to 1/2". I want a good name brand that consumables are easy to get. I have both 110v and 220v available. I was looking at the Hypertherm Powermax 30 and thought it was a sweet machine. Is there a better choice? What would you guys go with? Any advise will be appreciated

I have 3 Hypertherms, a PM30, a PM 45 and a PM1250, IMO they are the Cadillac of the plasma cutter market. The PM 30 is a great machine, the consumables are cheap ($7 a set, for electrode and nozzle) and has very good cut quality.


Jack

I “had” a miller spectrum 3080 until it got stolen and I may say it was great with its ability to work 110 or 220 volt in 20, 30, 40, 50 amps that could cut up to 7/8”. But since then I got an inexpensive Chinese import for $550.00 and the ability to cut 1-1/4” these depths are all with a single pass if you are a hobbyist and will only use the unit occasionally I would recommend saving the money but if you are going to do a lot or thick cuts greater than ½” then go with a big unit like the miller 3080 or the Hypertherms pm1250 they are both great for the heavier use in a more commercial application.

Charles Field

I know Thermal dynamics is coming out with a new unit in the 120/240 class. Small case and 45 amps output. CNC use, I would probably lean towards Hypertherm in the Powermax 45 size. Not because the machine is all that better then a Esab/Miller/Thermal Dynamics, only the torch/consumables are a new design. The new Esab torch is a nice working unit too. Sometimes the older torch designs (Esab, which a lot of the china stuff has on it) works way better for art work type of cutting. Small head and flexible cable, has as much as importance as flat out cutting performance.