advice on portable plasma

[eecervantes83]

Ok I've been looking at a few plasmas
Id like to be able to cut 3/8"
And have 120/220 option open
Millers 375 xtreme vs hypertherms 30.so far I like.
What's the best deal In the long run.
Both are sold locally. & is there any other
Brand. I should consider. Thank for the advice.

[Diversion180beads]

Torch on the 375 is hardwired... 30 is not...

[cruizer]

Personally, if you can get away with the 230 power, a Thermadyne 52 is a fine machine, 1 year longer warranty and haven't had ANY problems with them.

If you need both 120 & 230, the Thermadyne 42 is your best bet

[bbraman]

I have personally used both the 375, and the Hypertherm 30! I chose the Hypertherm 30 and do not regret it. It is very portable, cuts extremely well, I really liked their tour of the plant on the web.
Can use on 115/230, what really sold me was the Hypertherm was displayed with all consumables at all three of my local welding supply stores, Miller at only one (not Millers Fault)
Everything I have cut with the 30 has been from 55 gallon drums to 3/8ths and it was flawless.
I'm sure the 375 performs just as well! I just chose the Hypertherm and have been very happy with it. I know this post is ambiguous, but I'm a big Miller fan and do not want to critic something I have only used a couple of times!!
Bottom line the Hypertherm is a great unit, and I feel you can't go wrong either way. But I would really take a look at the Powermax 30 before you decide!!!

[snoeproe]

Cutting 3/8 cleanly with any machine running on 120v will be a tall task.
The hypertherm 30 does not use the new durramax style torch. This new torch is a great upgrade but is available on only the larger units from Hypertherm.
I would by a Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics or Esab plasma cutter before I bought a Miller. The hypetherm units will be the most expensive in their class.
I have the TD cutmaster 52 (60 amp), it has been a good machine. The TD cutmaster 42 is 40 amp (on 230v) and will run on 120v and 230v. The TD units also have a 4 yr warranty as stated. All the others have a 3 yr warranty.

[weldbay]

In my opinion Hypertherm is at the top of it's game, for many years now they have produced some of the most efficient and trouble free plasma cutters I have ever used. Thermal has come on strong in the last few years and has improved quality and Miller is pushing them along with ESAB. Look at each's performance chart for travel speeds and capacity. Then pick the one that gives you what you need at the best price.

[metal-doctor]

Either the Hyper or Miller will only cut 3/16 on 110

[eecervantes83]

Thanks I'm going to get myself a hypertherm.

[kvwall]

I haven't had any problems with my Miller 625 X-Treme. But the way everybody talks about Hypertherm makes me wish I got one of those instead.

[BD1]

Another vote for the Hypertherm. Here's a site that may help.
http://weldingweb.com/forumdisplay.php?f=57