Plasma cutter's

[katiebo]

I'm considering adding a plasma cutter with a built-in compressor to my stash. If I need something with more capability later, I will add it after purchasing a better air compressor. I am considering either the Hypertherm 190C or the Miller Spectrum 125C. I have looked at both and they appear very similiar. However, the Hypertherm claims slightly better performance (1/8" thick at 20ipm and the ability to sever 1/4" mild steel). Does anyone have any experience with either or both of these machines. I would like to get the most capaility I can.

My other option would be to buy the Spectrum 375 or 625. I am concerned about going through consumables though, my compressor is a 33 gallon Craftsman and I don't have a dryer. Is the RTI filter that Miller offers sufficient or would I need something more.

Thanks in advance for all the help.

[scottw]

I think what you need to do is to look at what you want to cut? I am not an expert, but running a machine at its maximum capacity all the time might not be such a good idea. You may be better off springing for a larger one that fits within your needs. I would be cautious about comparing different brands. Sometimes it may seem as if you are getting "more" but in reality I beleive some companies spend alot of time and money getting their machines to perform at an unrealistic level. If the sun is up and the wind is blowing just right you may reach those levels, then again probably not. Like I said in a previous post, I have been a longtime miller customer. My recent dealings with their tech support were incredible. Over all the years I have had miller products, I have only had to contact them once. When I did, the tech support rep made absolutely sure I was satisfied. Their response was very fast with email, even during the holiday season. Besides, your other Blue machine might be lonely! :)

Scottw

[unixadm]

I have the Hypertherm 190C. For light work, it's great. I find myself using it more than my Cutmaster 51 40amp machine. The reason is, I can just plug it in anywhere and I'm cutting. I've severed 4' of 1/4" plate just to see if it would do it and it did. 1/8th inch steel isn't a problem - yeah it's not ultra fast but it does the job.

The Hypertherm 190C and the Miller Spectrum 125C are pretty much identical, except the paint and the torch consumables.

I routinely use my Cutmaster 51 with my portable compressor with no drier and thus far I've not had any problems. If 220V is available and you have a compressor - go for the bigger machine. If you want ultimate portability at the sacrafice of cut speed, quality and thickness - go with the Hypertherm 190C or Miller 125C.

[bigdogjoe62]

Thermal Dynamics just came out with a self contained compressor plasma that cuts 1/2 called the drag gun plus :cool: I havnt seen one yet but sell thermal as my main line of plasma and have had very good luck with there machines :) Made in the USA

[katiebo]

Thank for the input guys.

Joe, when you do get the opportunity to try one out please post your thoughts.

I wonder if Miller is working on cutter that will compete with the Drag Gun Plus. Hey Andy are you listening?????

[Scott V]

I'm pretty sure they are. :D
I really like Thermal stuff but I just wonder what is up with a two year warranty
on that model???? :eek: Looks like the firepower unit. I know the big wigs
would love to outsourse about everything. That will be the kiss of death
as far as I am conserned. They were thinking of doing that to the one torch
for a while. :rolleyes:

[Zapit]

I have used the 190c once----for thin sheetmetal it is o.k. I'm sure the miller is about the same. The problem with the tiny machines is that you (or I) will almost always find something thicker that we need to or just want to cut.

The thing that scares me about the machines with the compressor built in is--What quality is the compressor? If compressor has a problem---well now you have a perfectly good plasma cutter that you can't use untill compressor is fixed. ----Why doesn't Miller, Hypertherm, or Thermal take a page from the Passport book and set these machines up to use internal or external air source?????????????

Just my .02 worth

[unixadm]

Because then the cost would go up and that defeats the purpose of the machine. It's a 12 amp machine that is standalone - that isn't to say you couldn't replace the compressor with an air solenoid since it's just 12V and put a hose fitting on the back of the machine - or put a couple of one way valves in with a T fitting to supply air from alternate sources via a toggle. My 190C I bought used looks pretty well 'used'. I actually dissassembled the compressor, cleaned everything up and it runs great. Again, the 190C is really geared towards sheet metal contractors doing for example, HVAC work. It fits the bill for a lot of things, especially around the home shop projects, from carts to scroll work, etc. It's a simple machine and works well given it's intended audience. Like I said, I've cut 1/4" steel with it. It's pretty amazing it will do that on a 20amp 110V circuit while providing it's own air.

[katiebo]

Thanks again for the input guys, all good thoughts that I will consider.

Dave, I really like your gallery, you have done a great deal in a short period of time.

[unixadm]

Thanks again for the input guys, all good thoughts that I will consider.

Dave, I really like your gallery, you have done a great deal in a short period of time.

Thanks for the compliment. If I only had more time - home remodeling projects keep getting in the way. I'm having a good time and learning something new everytime I pick up some sort of welding gun/torch. :)