Plasma Unit Choices

[Overloaded]

Hi folks,
   I'm going to purchase a small plasma unit.
Looking at Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster True Series (42 or 52) .... and Hypertherm PowerMAX (30 or 45).
Will also most likely be using this by hand as well as on a Mach table.
Any of ya have any experiences / comparisons to share ?
Performance, consumables ($), durability, service/support .... etc.
Or possibly a different make / model ?

Plan to purchase in a week or 2.

Thank you for your time,
Russ

[BR549]

Hypertherm has EXCELLANT support for the DIY plasma cutters through JIM COLT.

Jim is also an avid Metal arts and parts palsma cutter himself. That helps a LOT as he is very well versed in DIY cutting.

One OTHER thing make SURE you plan for a refigerated air drier. It makes ALL the difference in the world on cut quality AND consumables LIFE.  You can spend BIG BUCKS $$$$$$$ on consumables due to moisture in the air.

MOISTURE = BAD for plasma cutting consumables (;-)

(;-) TP

[Overloaded]

Thanks TP, I was hoping you would chime in.
I see J. Colt in PM and the Zone. He is an asset for sure.
Googled 1 vs the other and all are overwhelmingly favoring the Hyper., hands down !
Got the TD dealer near by with all consumables, but I can order and stock consumables for the Hyper if I cant find a store here.
 Planning to order a 45 next week. Case closed !
Thanks a bunchTerry,
Russ

[BR549]

HIYA RUSS that is NOT to say the TD is bad(;-) Just that the HT has a lot stacked in its favor.

(;-) TP

[Overloaded]

Hi TP,
   Researched a bit more, I see this Colt fellow all over.
In one forum/thread, he gives his history with the co. and the co. history. Impressive.
I agree, the TD looks really nice but the Hyper is just a tad more beautiful in virtually every regard.
One mention I saw was that the hand torch did not work well when machine mounted, burned the rubber up or something. Recommended a machine torch. For my use, I would try the hand torch for both hand and machine use. You have any experience in this area ?
Thanks,
Russ

[stirling]

Missed this one Russ - maybe I'm too late. If you can I'd go for the machine torch. The PM45 comes with a remote trigger/divider/arc good interface already built-in but it only works with the machine torch fitted. You're going to want a THC in the future right? BTW my two whatnots is Hypertherm too.

Ian

[Overloaded]

Thanks Ian.
Not too late, just in time actually.
  I didn't see the interface mentioned anywhere in the docs., good to know !
Have to wait for the tax man to get done with me, then see whats left ..... if anything.
Russ

[stirling]

Oh the tax man - he's a laugh ain't he?

I've got a bit of blurb on my site about the Hypertherm models and "robotics" interface if it's any help - (hopefully I won't get whacked for advertising  )

www.razordance.co.uk/THC.htm

Ian

[BR549]

Might as well WHACK US BOTh, Is your DTHC unit compatible with LinuxCNC (Emc2)?

(;-) TP

[stirling]

Is your DTHC unit compatible with LinuxCNC (Emc2)?

Good question Terry.

If I could get just ONE darn link on the linuxcnc-thc page to give me something other than "404 - No such project" I could probably give you an equally good answer.

Ian