Miller Plasma Cutter

[Big Barn]

I have to admit that I frequently comment on how Miller exaggerates the cutting capacities of their machines compared to Hypertherm whose cutting specs actually seem to be realistic and sometimes even underrated.

I picked up this used Miller 1251 plasma cutter last fall but it wasn’t until last week that my electrician got around to running a (3 phase) circuit and plug/receptacle for me.

(It’s on an extra welding cart I have until I build a smaller suitable one)





I also had to order a new body and trigger for the torch handle and with some helpful advise from yomax , here’s a pic of the first cut I made on a Miller “recommended “ cut thickness of 1.25 inch.



I didn’t think to time it but the 3 inch cut took well under 10 seconds. And NO dross. To say I was surprised AND impressed would be an understatement.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

nice...

We had a hypertherm 1000 3 phase at work, but it got sold with the project before I could use it. My former boss told me it was almost too much, meaning you couldn't keep up with it's cutting ability and keep a good line if done freehand manually.

 

[RNeumann]

That ain’t nothin. I can cut that faster with a hacksaw and file. I just karate chop anything under 1”!

Enough about me though! Did you end up with a phase converter or do you have 3 phase at your place.

 

[Big Barn]

That ain’t nothin. I can cut that faster with a hacksaw and file. I just karate chop anything under 1”!

Enough about me though! Did you end up with a phase converter or do you have 3 phase at your place.

I am fortunate that my dad brought 3 phase down the street for the farm in the early 1950’s. I can’t imagine what it would cost today.

 

[RNeumann]

Nice! Enjoy it

 

[Big Barn]

Thanks, I know I will!

 

[dragoneggs]

Terry, in the first picture, I see you have spiral wrap on your torch cable. Looks to be nice and smooth (rounded edges). Do you know the brand? I assume you put that on. Spiral wrap that I have used in the past had sharp edges and easily pinched my hand.

 

[Big Barn]

I don’t see a brand name, Mark. It may be Greenline. I just bought 3/4” ID hydraulic hose spiral wrap from my hose supplier.

Here’s a close up



I used the same wrap and enclosed the (upgraded) 6 gauge ground cable together with the torch cable for my smaller plasma cutter.

 

[yomax4]

Terry, in the first picture, I see you have spiral wrap on your torch cable. Looks to be nice and smooth (rounded edges). Do you know the brand? I assume you put that on. Spiral wrap that I have used in the past had sharp edges and easily pinched my hand.

I think that sharp edge stuff was Heli-Tube. Victor had a sharp edge type too that was blaze orange. I like this black stuff much better.

 

[Stimw]

I've posted these pics before of cutting 3/4" with my Miller Spectrum 625.
This was probably the outside limit of my machine but it did cut it slowly. I am very happy with it.
Where it really performed for me was cutting 3/8 and 1/2 bolts covered with mortar.
It melts the mortar instead of spitting and popping like with O/A.
On a side note I have found better prices on consumables on ebay for my machine.