Buying a new plasma cutter

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Trialnterror
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Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by Trialnterror »

I have an older hypertherm am going to buy a brand new powermax 45xp. Question is!!!
They sell one with 2 torches 75* and 15* torches
They sell another setup with just a machine torch.

To use the 15* torch I see you have to switch pin 6 to pin 8 on the torch and zip tie the switch for the cpc port to work

Is there any advantage with just buying the machine torch?

(I searched but can’t find this answer)
ShawnM
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Re: Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by ShawnM »

I would buy the machine torch since that’s what it’s designed for. If you plan to cut a lot of thin material you’ll want the machine torch as it has the ohmic touch off also. The hand torch will use a float switch. Cable routing is easier as well. I have the 25’ Duramax machine torch with my Powermax 85 on a 5x10 table.
acornKurt
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Re: Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by acornKurt »

Can I ask if it is necessary to get the Hypertherm WITH CPC control, I guess it seems obvious, but can't find it in the FAQ. Would be nice if you could use the Hypertherm Powermax 30.
ShawnM
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Re: Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by ShawnM »

acornKurt wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 9:08 am Can I ask if it is necessary to get the Hypertherm WITH CPC control, I guess it seems obvious, but can't find it in the FAQ. Would be nice if you could use the Hypertherm Powermax 30.
Yes, you have to have the CPC control.
Trialnterror
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Re: Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by Trialnterror »

[media][/media]
ShawnM wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 2:26 pm I would buy the machine torch since that’s what it’s designed for. If you plan to cut a lot of thin material you’ll want the machine torch as it has the ohmic touch off also. The hand torch will use a float switch. Cable routing is easier as well. I have the 25’ Duramax machine torch with my Powermax 85 on a 5x10 table.
Shawn,
Well I’ve come across 2 plasma cutters that I got for a great price! They are Hypertherm powermax 65 and an 85. I will be mainly cutting material from .1” to .375” Since you own the 85…. if I used the powermax 85 would that be overkill? It would be nice knowing that I have the ability to cut larger material if needed.
Trialnterror
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Re: Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by Trialnterror »

Oh and I got the machine torch with the ohmic sensor.
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Re: Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by Joey »

Nice. Do you have a torch float switch that will work with the machine torch?
Trialnterror
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Re: Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by Trialnterror »

I do that’s how I have it hooked up. But maybe I can take that out with the ohmic sensor?
ShawnM
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Re: Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by ShawnM »

I cut thick material so the 85 was necessary. It’s also not a hobby machine so speed is important also. If I didn’t need the 85 then I’d save the money for other goodies. Even the 65 will cut up to 3/4” material but I believe it’s an edge start.

Is this a hobby machine or for production work? This is what I’d base my decision on. Just my 2 cents.

The ohmic sensor is better for thin material but if you have a water table then you might want both.
Trialnterror
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Re: Buying a new plasma cutter

Post by Trialnterror »

I guess I need to look at the manual on the 65 and see if there’s a difference between the 65 and 85 as far as edge start. I guess I’m unsure the meaning behind that as far as if I’m cutting out a sign am I not able to cut inside cuts without doing something? I guess I never heard of that.
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