Spectrum 375 X-Treme with an Ingersoll 4.4 cfm

[pballdan11]

Im looking to buy a Spectrum 375 X-treme. The air compressor I have is an Ingersoll Rand twin stack compressor (Model DD2T2). It is rated for 4.4 cfm at 90psi and has a 4.5 gallon tank. I noticed the spectrum calls for a supply of 4.5 cfm. Has anyone run this machine with this particular compressor?

[Desertrider33]

I think you're going to be very disappointed by the lack of air supply for the plasma with that tiny compressor.

[mikeb9550]

I run my hypertherm powermax 30 with a small portacable compressor. It only good for short cuts then you have to wait. It will work in a pinch but a new big air compressor is on the top of my "to buy" list for this any many other reasons.

[nfinch86]

Im looking to buy a Spectrum 375 X-treme. The air compressor I have is an Ingersoll Rand twin stack compressor (Model DD2T2). It is rated for 4.4 cfm at 90psi and has a 4.5 gallon tank. I noticed the spectrum calls for a supply of 4.5 cfm. Has anyone run this machine with this particular compressor?

Hello;
I've never used the 375 X-treme, but if it's anything like my Spectrum 375, it runs @ 60 psi. not 90 psi. !

............... Norm

[shade tree welder]

I have to agree with Desertrider33, you are gonna need more air than what this compressor can put out.Compressors in my opinion are just like the plasma cutters they are "overated for thier capacity". And also remember water seperators on the plama cutter,they do not like moisture. Motorgaurd is the best I found. I have two inline bottom bleeding water seperators between my IR 60 gallon tank and then a motorgaurd attached to the rear of my 625 plasma! Down here in the Houston Texas area the humidity is a killer.

[SundownIII]

Norm,

If you check page 13 (Section 4-6) of your operator's manual, you'll see that Miller is quite clear about input air pressure. To quote, "Use clean, dry air with 90-120 psi pressure".

The "internally regulated" pressure on the 375 is 60 psi. If you feed it 60 psi air, you'll never get max efficiency from the unit.

[nfinch86]

Norm,

If you check page 13 (Section 4-6) of your operator's manual, you'll see that Miller is quite clear about input air pressure. To quote, "Use clean, dry air with 90-120 psi pressure".

The "internally regulated" pressure on the 375 is 60 psi. If you feed it 60 psi air, you'll never get max efficiency from the unit.

OK; Sundown, You are correct !120psi. at the compressor, 60psi. dialed down at the Plasma Cutter !

.............. Norm

[pballdan11]

Thanks for all the help! I think that I will return the small ingersoll and trade up to the 20 gallon thats rated for 5.2 cfm at 90psi and 4.6 at 135. Does this sound adequate? Its the garage mate, model number P1.5IU-A9. The also sell a horizontal unit which is rated at [email protected], but it costs around 300 more...

[JSFAB]

Remember, compressors are rated at CFM at specified pressure. As the pressure at the compressor drops, CFM goes up.

[Desertrider33]

Thanks for all the help! I think that I will return the small ingersoll and trade up to the 20 gallon thats rated for 5.2 cfm at 90psi and 4.6 at 135. Does this sound adequate? Its the garage mate, model number P1.5IU-A9. The also sell a horizontal unit which is rated at [email protected], but it costs around 300 more...

Still just barely enough air. You really need at least 10 cfm to use the plasma anywhere near it's potential. 15 cfm is ideal. Any more than that is gravy.

[nfinch86]

Still just barely enough air. You really need at least 10 cfm to use the plasma anywhere near it's potential. 15 cfm is ideal. Any more than that is gravy.

Desert;
I agree with you, mine is 28gal. with 5.7 cfm. @ 90psi. !
I get by just fine, but a few more cfm. @ 90psi. would be nice !

.............. Norm :

[Larwyn]

I use 2 different compressors with my Spectrum 375 Extreme. One is a Husky with a 30 gallon tank rated at 5.5 scfm at 90 psi, the other is a 4.5 gallon DeWalt rated at 5.2 scfm at 90 psi. I have been more than happy with the performance of my plasma cutter using either of these two compressors. But, I have never used it with a larger compressor so do not know how much difference that would make. I've only used it with the DeWalt on a jobsite cutting cutting a lot of 16 gauge and 1/8" stuff. I've gotten excellent cuts in 1/4" mild steel using the Husky compressor in my garage/shop. So far my experience indicates that Miller's advertised air requirements for this plasma cutter are realistic.

[Larwyn]

Correction; Due to the fact that I got thirsty, and the fact that the Husky air compressor is right next to the beer fridge out in the garage, I just noticed that the decal on the compressor says 5.8 scfm at 90 psi, not 5.5, and the tank is only 26 gallons not 30. Sorry for the misinformation earlier...........

[Tryagn5]

Compressor size...

Just another thought any compressor below 8cfm/90psi does not run air tools such as da's, die grinders, polishers very well. Will be a lot of waiting, to me any compressor below this isare only good for light work, or intermittent work.
Kevin

[pballdan11]

Well I've been researching two compressors, one is a 20 gal, the other a 60 gal. the 60 is not much more, however I would have to wire up another 220 V in my garage...

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_158284_158284

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200375221_200375221

I wanted something rated for continous duty as well as oil lubed. I don't trust the teflon seals, but are there any others this size on the market that have performed well for you all?