Questions for TBN members who own plasma cutters

dragoneggs · Mar 20, 2018

Sysop said:
I just went through the same thing. I really couldn't see spending the extra on a Hypertherm. I ended up using the "price match" page on Everlast's website and asked if they could match the AHP 60A AlphaCut price, they called with a really nice discount on the PowerPlasma 60s; so that's what I now have. Dollar for dollar I don't think I went wrong.

Dollar for dollar and depending on your needs, I doubt you went 'wrong'. I have gotten into the habit of buying better quality than I probably need, but that stems from long ago when I bought cheap and after building a couple houses and other things and had to buy again! :smiley_aafz:

I have adopted that philosophy to most all tools I buy now even though I may be going overboard. There is a sense of comfort except in my right rear pocket (where my wallet goes).

That said, I have my fair share of HF stuff where I consider it one time use, disposable, or I know I can modify it to do better than off the shelf (such as my sand blast cabinet).

Sysop · Mar 20, 2018

Agreed, I was torn between the 50A PowerPlasma at Everlast and the 60A AHP AlphaCut on a "cost versus needs" basis. After seeing the Everlast "price match" page mentioning "similar competitors" I thought I'd give it a whirl. Ended up with the 60A Everlast (which I had originally considered out of budget for my needs) at the same basic cost as the AHP, although I did have to pay $20 more on the shipping.

dragoneggs · Mar 20, 2018

Sysop said:
Agreed, I was torn between the 50A PowerPlasma at Everlast and the 60A AHP AlphaCut on a "cost versus needs" basis. After seeing the Everlast "price match" page mentioning "similar competitors" I thought I'd give it a whirl. Ended up with the 60A Everlast (which I had originally considered out of budget for my needs) at the same basic cost as the AHP, although I did have to pay $20 more on the shipping.

I think the $20 or $50 will fade away very fast vs. the feeling that you have a decent quality machine that you aren't fighting with or second guessing your decision every time you are using it.

Sysop · Mar 20, 2018

Exactly, having the 60 versus the 50 provides a better duty cycle at the levels my typical cutting will occur. Eliminates a lot of concerns when doing a project. It was worth stepping up a few dollars over AHP's 60 for Everlast's 60. Better duty cycle, longer warranty, a little better hardware overall.

pgk · Mar 21, 2018

John,
I just noticed that you live about 15 minutes away from me, if you want your more than welcome to come up to my neck of the woods and try our my Plasma cutter, might help you to make a decision on what to buy???

Pete

joeu235 · Mar 21, 2018

I built a pipe property entrance cutting the copes with a Hypertherm 30 XP. Air compressor was hooked up to a welder / generator and hypertherm connected directly to the compressor with no moisture mitigation other than draining every day. I had to change the consumables once over a week's work. I don't think dry air is as critical as many write about.

TMGT · Mar 21, 2018

joeu235 said:
I built a pipe property entrance cutting the copes with a Hypertherm 30 XP. Air compressor was hooked up to a welder / generator and hypertherm connected directly to the compressor with no moisture mitigation other than draining every day. I had to change the consumables once over a week's work. I don't think dry air is as critical as many write about.

Depends on what level of cut quality you need to maintain and also humidity levels, certain times of the year here you can fill up the air lines with water after a day of running. Dryer areas may not have as much issues with water.

dragoneggs · Mar 21, 2018

TMGT said:
Depends on what level of cut quality you need to maintain and also humidity levels, certain times of the year here you can fill up the air lines with water after a day of running. Dryer areas may not have as much issues with water.

true enough and when you are watching your production costs/profits closely, it does matter. For me, I desire dry air but I cannot justify an expensive set up for my hobby use. I weld/cut/fab because I can, not for economic or efficiency reasons.