Plasma cutter purchase things to consider??? Looking to buy the Spectrum® 375 X-TREME

[cubangt]

So been wanting to buy one for a while now, and with the current rebates may consider it now.. but before I just buy this one, what should I consider?

It would be mostly for weekend projects and what not.. not using for work, so doesn't have to be a work horse.

If I got this unit, would I be looking to upgrade soon or is this a keeper for a weekend project builder?

Also what other items would I need to benefit from this or any other unit?

[walker]

I am a Miller guy for welders, but have known many miller plasma owners with problems. In my opinion go with Hypertherm. My 15+ year old machine is still going strong.

[cubangt]

Are they within the same price range?

[cruizer]

I',m a Miller tech too, and I'd recommend the Hypertherm as well

[cubangt]

So not even a different miller model?
What type of problems were had?
Im not in a rush to buy, so trying to do my homework and get as much
information as I can before making a choice.

thanks

[gnforge]

Plasma cutter purchase things to consider??? Looking to buy the Spectrum® 375 X-TREME

I'm A Blue welder. But as for Plasma Hypertherm is the way to go love my 85. Going on 5 years with out a problem.

[B&M Welding Inc.]

Blue Welders/ Gray Plasma cutter

Same goes here! Have a Hypertherm 1250. It's 9 years old and never let me down yet! We use it about 15 hrs a week, on the third hand torch and second machine torch. Brian

[elvis]

I've ran thermal arc, miller and hypertherm. My next plasma will be a hypertherm. The miller is akin to thermal arc in my mind. Higher quality and more american? Maybe, but it doesn't even compare to the hypertherm.

[kize]

You'd be much happier- spending 400 more on a Hypertherm PM 45. I own all blue but- Hypertherm is the authoritiy when it comes to plasma.

[Aeronca41]

Powermax 45

I walked into the LWS specifically to buy a Miller 375 X-TREME. They had Blue, red, and Hypertherm. He was happy to sell me what I wanted but recommended I do more research and see if I didn't really want the Hypertherm. Spent more time on the web including this site and lots of others, as well as calling the Hypertherm factory. I'm an (old) hobbyist with welding background years ago; have 3 Miller welders and am very pleased with all. But, the LWS guy told me "Miller is the welder company, Hypertherm is the plasma company". I bought the PM45 and and as someone said on another thread here, it puts a smile on my face every single time I use it. I cannot believe what that machine can do. One guy's opinion: Hypertherm.

[MMW]

I can't argue with anyone on here as I have never run a Hypertherm but have only heard good things about them. Everyone recommends Hypertherm.

I personally have a Miller 875 since 2010 & it has been a great machine. One of my customers has a Miller 375 xtreme that I have used several times & in my opinion it's only good for auto body work. Even though it is rated for 3/8" thick once you put on the drag tip it struggles with 1/4". Drag tips cut down on the efficiency. I would definitely get a larger machine than the 375.

[brownbagg]

Plasma cutter purchase things to consider??? Looking to buy the Spectrum® 375 X-TREME

I got the hyper term 130, it's a great machine but need one size bigger, I can cut 1/4 but it's a two pass cut something around a 180 be great

[cubangt]

I really appreciate everyones feedback and suggestions, I will have to do my homework now..

So what ive heard so far are the following:

The 45
The 85
The 130
The 180
The 1250 (this one I only found a 125 on their site, or is there a 1250?)


So based on the power requirements looks like the PM30 would be the biggest I could go to use at home, as I have dedicated 120 and 220 outlets in the garage, the 220 though is running my compressor, so if im going to use air then I would either have to run another dedicated line to the garage and go with the PM45.

Is the PM30 worth the money? Anyone have or had one?

Im not using this to make a living like a lot of you do, so just curious if it would be a waste of time and money to go with the 30? or just have a new 220 line run to the garage to dedicate for the cutter?


thank you again..

[Aeronca41]

Which Powermax?

I really appreciate everyones feedback and suggestions, I will have to do my homework now..

So what ive heard so far are the following:

The 45
The 85
The 130
The 180
The 1250 (this one I only found a 125 on their site, or is there a 1250?)


So based on the power requirements looks like the PM30 would be the biggest I could go to use at home, as I have dedicated 120 and 220 outlets in the garage, the 220 though is running my compressor, so if im going to use air then I would either have to run another dedicated line to the garage and go with the PM45.

Is the PM30 worth the money? Anyone have or had one?

Im not using this to make a living like a lot of you do, so just curious if it would be a waste of time and money to go with the 30? or just have a new 220 line run to the garage to dedicate for the cutter?


thank you again..

Most at important is what do you want to do with the machine you buy, and what's the budget? I was in the PM30-PM 45 zone of thinking. Hypertherm has a very nice comparison chart on all their handheld units on their website. Compare the specs with your anticipated use and go from there. While I haven't used the PM30, it has the same great reputation as their other products. I waffled for some time between the smaller size and 120v power of the PM30 and the increased capacity of the PM45; ultimately followed the guidance of most everyone on this site that you will never be sorry for spending a little more one time for more capacity vs regrets for a long time that you bought something that doesn't do what you want it to do. So, I bought the 45 and haven't looked back. If the 30 is adequate for your needs, go for it.

[Type]

I have a miller spectrum 2050 I think, can't remember how old it is. But, I would probably get a hypertherm next, I have heard very nice things about them.