Plasma Cutter help

[General Zod]

Thanks General. As I think that my usage will be sporadic, higher consumable cost will not be as big an impact as if I used it daily but I'll be sure to look at the cost. I don't have any extra special air dryer for my air system but have thought of building a DIY copper loop dryer at some point.
I appreciate everyone's thoughts and suggestions.

I think those copper systems are fine for general purpose air tool use, and you can condense a lot of water, but you will still not be able to take out water vapor from the air at ambient temperature unless you have either a refridgerated air dryer and/or a superb desiccant dryer system. Think about it---the air before entering your compressor is at ambient temperature, yet it still holds water vapor; the water simply does not condense on it's own and drop out onto the ground just because it is "ambient", right?

 

[Boswell]

I think those copper systems are fine for general purpose air tool use,

You might be right. Overall I live in a area with moderate to low humidity plus I have a Mini-Split that is removing moister at least during the summer. Regardless, I can't see putting in an active moisture removal system just for a limited amount of cutting per year.

 

[Weld ON]

Eastwood .... ? Wood and weldig ??? ... again and again , china china for bad price , you can BUY

STAHLWERK CUT 70 D Pilot for 500 i got one for project also from china and can do 20mm easy and tested on 25mm without prob , made for Germany is like eastwood for USA just cost les , plasma is ok but welding machine quality like eastwood .. ​

Guys do not buy plasma without HF ( arc pilot ) , get good 3 way separator and you dont need cooler . Just saying ... Using plasma a lot so when i will say cooler need to drain 6 times a day , cost of electric , noise etc ... and water always there .. Long tube , diff temperature betwen rooms etc .. . Never end strory ..

 

[DavidR8]

@Weld ON Unfortunately Stahlwerk will not ship to North America.

 

[Boswell]

After lots of soul searching and not a inconsiderable amount of waffling, I just placed and order for a Hypertherm Powermax45 XP. $2500 with extra consumables and a circle guide. Thanks for all the feedback and discussion on options.

 

[Aukai]

There are several videos online about consumables, and clean air. You need to practice pacing, slow is not always good it widens the gap, makes a lot of slag, and it wants to keep eating something.

 

[Saguaro Slim]

Excellent choice, that torch has a lot of accessory tips available that I wish I could use on my 35.

 

[Boswell]

Excellent choice, that torch has a lot of accessory tips available that I wish I could use on my 35.

The number one feature that pushed me to the 45 XP over the 35 XP was the ability to use in a CNC rig at some future point. That and the higher duty cycle

 

[Janderso]

I have a cheap Lotos with the pilot arc.

I was rude calling Lotus cheap, but, well it was.
There is no comparison between a Hypertherm and the Lotus I had.

The 45XP is more like $2100 brand new.

I believe you are right. I don't know where I got $1,300. Wishful thinking maybe??
What ever it is, I'd buy it again!
That and my patent pending (just kidding) Plasma Drawer, make using the Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP a real pleasure

 

[Boswell]

Next step is a cutting table. I am leaning on converting 1/3 (2'x3') of my current welding table to slats and instead of a water table, just make a sheet metal funnel to catch the slag in a bucket.