Anything welding

I'm looking at getting a plasma cutter and I'm considering going with one that has an integrated compressor. Thoughts?

I'm considering the Hobart AirForce 12ci but also the Hypertherm Powermax 30 Air. I know I can cut thicker metal with the Hypertherm but it's also more than twice the cost of the Hobart. Unsure if I really need that much more or if I can make due with the Hobart.

I'm just a hobbiest with my 120v power in the garage and a Hobart Handler 140 but I'm ready to finally build up my RTT trailer. First order of business is removing the expanded metal and sheeting it as well as extending the tongue and building fenders. I share this so you know my position and what kind of stuff I'm wanting to work on/with.

 

If you plan on cutting anything thicker than 1/8", I would go with a 220v machine. You cutting speed will be so slow you will probably end up using a grinder with a cutting wheel instead..
Integrated compressor is ok, especially if you do not already own a large compressor. Also makes it more portable as you do not need to drag a compressor with you. I personally use a Miller 375. Have cut 5/8* with it, albeit slowly.

 

I'm leaning more towards the Hypertherm for those reasons. I've been watching the hell out of YouTube and watched a guy with the 12ci cut a couple inches then sit and wait just to cut a couple more. Fuck that...

I think the thickest I'll be cutting will be 1/4".

 

I never used the air supplied type plasma cutter. I've always had a compressor so can't offer an opinion.

 

Go Hypertherm !!! Don`t look back

While not a big fan of the built in Air Compressor the good thing is you don`t get moisture in the air

Being the Plasma Arc is around 50,000 Degree`s F water is not a Good mix

Besides Max Williams the Hyperthrm Rep is one hell of a nice guy to deal with

 

+1 moisture is the big killer. You'll end up ripping through consumables left and right. A stand alone compressor will always be best and isn't overkill even for the hobbiest. Hypertherm has bulletproof customer service which is a big thing with tempormental plasma cutters.

Just remember that the ratings for those are always short. Stainless steel takes about double the juice as mild steel.

 

The more Fabrication one gets into I know I used more and More Air Tools it is nice having a two stage compressor

Then I run a M-26 air filter right at the plasma unit

 

Basically they fall into the normal triangle.

Cheap
Powerful (+1/4")
Reliable

Pick any 2.

OP are you using it for anything besides steel? An OA setup might be the better fought if so, or if you can just farm out the few non ferrous jobs you have

 

So I'm pretty set on the Hypertherm Powermax 30...now it's if I get the one with or without the OBA.

I was a CNC Machinist in my previous career so I've got nothing but air tools. I've been wanting a good battery powered set of tools but it's hard for me to get away from pneumatic. With that being said, I've got everything I need to run air to the cutter...I just don't know if dealing with the extra lines is worth saving a couple hundred dollars.

We'll be selling this house and buying one that fits us better, so I also have to keep in mind that I will be having 220 in the garage (or shop...if I can be so lucky).

 

Just in my personal experience, the oba can be a pita. Just hard pipe a couple of drops around the garage and invest in both a good filter system and volume tank and you'll be golden.

 

Hypertherm Powermax 30 brand new or new open box (probably without warranty since proof of purchase won't be from authorized retailer)?

New is $1420 w/ free extra consumables or open box is ~$1050. Playing the odds of not needing the warranty...not sure it's a gamble I want to take.

Thanks for all the patience and input guys...this is new ground for me.

 

I have the hypertherm 30 with onboard air and it's great imo! I just cut 1/2" today well actually 4 pieces of 1/8" stacked. Great lil machine.

 

Spend money on good filter if you get a compressor

 

Warranty most often goes by the serial number .

If it has been sitting to long your going to be on your own.

I had one customer ordered in a feeder the end user for what ever reason changed their mind the feeder got buried for a few years no one would buy it because it was out of warranty it ended up in our rental machines for a few dollars

 

Have you guys looked at the Hobart Airforce 27i multi volt?

That's what I've been eying lately.

 

I did a lot of research on plasma units yesterday and everything points me towards Hypertherm. I've got a Hobart 140 and it's hard going against my want to keep things uniform. Everything says the operating cost of a Hypertherm is significantly less due to not using the consumables as often as the competition. Because of that, I'd pay a couple hundred more upfront for a Hypertherm Powermax 30 XP before buying the Hobart AirForce 27i.

 

FWIW, here is my experience. I got into welding and working with metal almost 3 years ago. I subscribe to the buy once, cry once mentality. Sold my most expensive rifle and funded my welding setup, total of just over $3k for all used components. Then came the need or a plasma cutter. I was set on a Hypertherm 45. I was finding them used in the $1400 range. Then found a used Hypertherm 65 with CNC port decided the street bike that had not been ridden in over a year had to go. Paid $2k for it and it has been amazing.

From all the research I did, Hyperthem is GTG if you are buying used, as long as everything checks out if you test it out at time of purchase. I would not hesitate to buy used and save some money that can go to consumables, they are expensive. I also have the capability to expand in the future and buy a table and machine torch, which I plan on doing eventually.

Buy used quality parts. It is usually easy to tell if they are in good condition by judging what kind of owner they are coming from. The overall look of the product exterior, as well as looking around the person's garage and property. You can usually tell if they are the type of person to take care of their shit.

 

Myself buying used if for some reason you can`t set it up and give it a test ride .

Think long and hard

Also any machine bought off anyone still within warranty is covered .

Expect for Customer ignorance

We get a few from Ebay and Craigs list still under warranty

 

The new open-box Hypertherm that I'm considering is from a liquidation place. Not somewhere that's used it, would have a need for it, or where it can be tested prior to purchase. It looks good...super clean, has the plug in the air inlet, etc...but I think I'll be passing on the deal and buying new.

For me, the piece of mind and avoiding the potential hassles is worth paying a few extra hundred dollars.

 

Started tacking the smoke chamber and fire box of an awkwardly designed smoker

Let’s see how it turns out!!