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

[H80N]

While I see it and read it, nevertheless I am not convinced. I wrote a long response explaining why, but it got lost after my login timed out. Rather than repeat everything, I will repeat that I ended by saying I would send an email to Hypertherm and report their response.

Thanks for the research guys.

Heck... it is a better machine than you thought...

with an air regulator you didn't think you had,,

that should not be too hard to take...

BTW.. I have had a PM1000 for several years now and could not be happier...

[Arizona Joe]

Heck... it is a better machine than you thought...

with an air regulator you didn't think you had,,

that should not be too hard to take...

BTW.. I have had a PM1000 for several years now and could not be happier...

If I can leave my compressor at its usual 130 psi cutoff and get rid of the external regulator and filter I'm using, that would be splendid.

Btw, I got an automatic response from Hypertherm on my question of whether I need a regulator or not. I'll post their response when I get it.

The school where I am taking welding classes is entirely Blue. The instructor has a Miller front license plate and, I heard, even has a Miller tattoo on his upper arm. The only thing that's not Blue is the Hypertherm 85 for the plasma table.

[H80N]

My best welders are BLUE (Miller)... my best plasma is SILVER (Hypertherm)

Need I say more..??

[jimcolt]

Arizona Joe,

I don't spend much time on this forum, however your question that was posted directly to Hypertherm was forwarded to me...so here is my response!

The Powermax30XP does have a preset internal regulator integrated to a coalescing filter and an auto drain. If you see a small puddle of water under your machine, then it has separated some moisture from your air system and drained it out the bottom of the power supply. The input pressure specs on this system are for 80 to 100 psi. The internal single stage regulator controls this 20 psi range down to the correct cutting pressure of 68psi for longest consumable life and best cut quality with either set of consumables (the 30 amp shielded or the Finecut, non shielded). Basically its function is to minimize the air pressure fluctuation that occurs as air systems cycle.

Most compressors cycle between 90 psi and 130 psi. This should be regulated to the required input of 80 to 100 psi. If you allow your full compressor pressure....the range will cause more fluctuation to the consumables...resulting in less than normal life.

In a nutshell, yes there is an internal regulator in the 30XP (and a moisture removal system), and yes, you should regulate the input pressure to 80 to 100 psi.

I might add, in my home shop is a Bobcat 225G, and an old Millermatic250 mig. Quite a few grey Powermax units for hand and cnc cutting as well!

Best regards, Jim Colt Hypertherm

If I can leave my compressor at its usual 130 psi cutoff and get rid of the external regulator and filter I'm using, that would be splendid.

Btw, I got an automatic response from Hypertherm on my question of whether I need a regulator or not. I'll post their response when I get it.

The school where I am taking welding classes is entirely Blue. The instructor has a Miller front license plate and, I heard, even has a Miller tattoo on his upper arm. The only thing that's not Blue is the Hypertherm 85 for the plasma table.

[ja baudin]

I really like my Powermax 30. Never had any issues with it and is very portable. I went back and forth for a while trying to decide if I wanted the 45 or 30. It cuts everything I ever needed it to cut. I place a fence on my material and just drag the torch, very easy and CLEAN! You cant go wrong.

Mine came with an external filter/separator.




ja

[Kevin 123]

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

I'm getting ready to buy a plasma cutter I was going to buy the 875 miller spectrum but I keep reading that hypertherm r better little more expensive but sounds like it's worth it