New Plasma cutter, no bigger than 1/4", but could a 625 cut cleaner than a 375 ??

[Doug Doty]

I am OCD with blue equipment to a fault I guess but I got a Dynasty 300 Tig Runner and a M251 mig and now need a new plasma Cutter so it will be Miller. I am only cutting out 1/4" stuff and do not really foresee thicker with this machine. My question is could a x-treme 625 cut the 1/4" cleaner than the x-treme 375 ??, if not I am an x-treme 375 buyer since it is more cost effective and can run on 110v too. That last part may be invalid as I think I see the newest 625's are 120v capable too.

My question is all about cut quality on 1/4" steel.

[walker]

You might want to vet this decision out a little better. I am a Miller guy as well. I do not like, and have seen many problems with Miller plasma cutters. I have used a lot of different ones, and have found Hypertherm to be the best in my opinion.

[B&M Welding Inc.]

You might want to vet this decision out a little better. I am a Miller guy as well. I do not like, and have seen many problems with Miller plasma cutters. I have used a lot of different ones, and have found Hypertherm to be the best in my opinion.

I will second this opinion. I also use all Miller welders and Hypertherm plasmas.
But back to the original question, you probably won't notice a big difference in cut quality if 1/4" is within rated size for both machines. The biggest difference will be cutting speed. The closer you get to sever thickness on a plasma, the more your cut speed is reduced exponentially.

[Doug Doty]

You might want to vet this decision out a little better. I am a Miller guy as well. I do not like, and have seen many problems with Miller plasma cutters. I have used a lot of different ones, and have found Hypertherm to be the best in my opinion.

I done a lot of reading last eve. and have unfortunately found this same thing. I have been using an old Hypertherm 30 amp and just wanted new and a bit more umph. Mine is still going so i may just save up a little more bank then come back to this in a few months.

[Sberry]

Aint no substitute for horsepower.

[Doug Doty]

I settled on the Hypertherm PMax 45, Was truly the best choice for what I do and need. Thanks for the input.

[MMW]

Just a fyi for anyone else with this question. I have used a customers 375 extreme & it struggles with 1/4". If you use the drag tip it is even worse. In my mind this would be best for 1/8" & less.

[Doug Doty]

Yep, it was on my radar for sure based on specs but my old machine struggled a bit with 1/4" and that is why i decided to step up in amperage to a 45 amp machine.

[walker]

You made a good choice. I have a 15+ year old Hypertherm PM600, that I bought spankin new, which became the PM45. I have cut 3/4" plate, slow, but with good results. And that was with the stock PAC123 torch. I have also severed railroad track. It wasnt quite as pretty, but got the job done.
Resale on my unit is astounding, and I have considered getting a bigger Hypertherm and selling mine, but will likely just keep it and put parts in it until it is no longer serviceable. I did upgrade last year to a Duramax torch and saw marked improvement. I used the machine for hand cutting and CNC cutting. It hasnt been problem free, but in more than 15 years it has never needed a board, or been in the shop, as I have been able to repair it myself.

[kize]

I've had the pm45 for about 2 years. I also own all blue weld stuff. You will not regret buying the 45 for your stated usage. It still puts a smile on my face when I use it. Best money spent so far.

[Aeronca41]

I've had the pm45 for about 2 years. I also own all blue weld stuff. You will not regret buying the 45 for your stated usage. It still puts a smile on my face when I use it. Best money spent so far.

+1. I have Miller welders, but have also had the PM45 for about 2 years; after 50 years of OA cutting, it just amazes me every time I use it--"puts a smile on my face" is a GREAT description. Using a piece of angle as a guide, especially on light material, it's the next best thing to having a shear (which I don't). And plenty of power for 1/4" steel or aluminum; I haven't cut much heavier than that, but the ease with which it does the 1/4" in both materials just gives you the sense there is significant remaining power in there. You will love it! My LWS (Airgas) guy sells Miller, Lincoln, and Hypertherm; recommended the PowerMax hands down over Blue and Red, even though I went in there specifically to buy the Miller. His cut was, "Miller makes great welders, but Hypertherm makes the great plasma cutters." And, he undercut the best web price I could find by a few bucks. Go for it!

[Doug Doty]

I got mine through the local Praxair Distributor and got a great deal too. They even stocked the old style consumables for my old PM 350 which just sealed the deal I was buying from the right place. I haven't tested it yet but maybe tomorrow if I get the new filters and moisture traps set up.

['Stang]

You might want to vet this decision out a little better. I am a Miller guy as well. I do not like, and have seen many problems with Miller plasma cutters. I have used a lot of different ones, and have found Hypertherm to be the best in my opinion.

I agree! I am a Miller fanatic! They make the most advanced welders in the world. But! My plasma is a Hypertherm! When I was in school to learn welding I met one of the Reps from Hypertherm. They have been in the market since the 40's. Hypertherm pioneered the tech we are using today! We have the 105's at my job. I have the PowerMax 30 at home.