Plasma Cutter

HNM · Apr 10, 2016

For the brain trust,I have a chance to bid on these machine's ESAB Handy 550, HyperTherm 1000, or HyperTherm 45.I am going to use just for home use.I know the 1000 is a lot more than I need but if the price is right why not.What I don't understand is the 1000,and 45 say that they can run on anything from 200-600 volts 1-3 phase.Do they do this automatic or what?Any info or insite good or bad would be very helpful.Also what would be a good price to pay on a used machine at auction. I would be using on 1/2" or less. Thanks in advance for your help. Neil

dr sportster · Apr 10, 2016

I don't know about the Esab s but on the Millers the voltage is changed by moving jumper plates inside the back of the machine. There should be a chart decal posted for each voltage.

jon f mn · Apr 10, 2016

Make sure you buy plenty on machine. Most will cut what they say, but they get real inefficient and slow at more than 1/2 rated capacity. Mine is rated to pierce 1 1/2" and cut 1" but struggles at 3/4". It will cut 1", it's just easier and faster and cleaner to use a torch at that. So a machine rated for 1/2" won't be much use above 3/8 in my experience.

Steve@Advance · Apr 10, 2016

How it does what it does is not a real concern, either it self regulates or you change jumpers. That feature is basically for the world market with different available voltages and cycles. For home use, you will be connecting it to 220-240v single phase. I have a Miller that self regulates for 120v or 240v, just plug in the adapter cord and it's ready to go. However the 120v is only good for use on very thin material, low amp settings, and will trip a 20a breaker very quickly.

The problem with buying an off brand, there are expendable parts that will need to be replaced as they wear. Will you be able to buy those parts a year from now?

As for used machines, the technology has advanced rapidly the last few years. I would not buy anything older than 10 years, or off brand (for above reason). Just have to do some research on what a new one of the same model costs verses a used one. With anything electronic, I would want to do a test run before buying. Again be sure parts are available in your area.

Jerry F · Apr 11, 2016

You can download a manual or you can ask at the welding store but the voltage can be changed. I have owned a hypertherm 1000 for 7 or 8 years. It is a great plasma and not an off brand. Can get consumables or parts anywhere welding stuff is sold. I have cut 1" plate with it but it is not that pretty or fast. Half inch plate cuts smooth and clean. You would be happy with it. I think I paid around 2000 new.so what ever you think is fair from there. Make sure it works though. Can be expensive to fix. I have learned that you need to go a lot bigger (rated) capacity than what you actually want to cut if you want nice clean easy cuts.

RobCons · Apr 11, 2016

As others have stated make sure the machine can be switched to your voltage or is already set up for it. The ESAB and Hypertherm 45 should be ready for 220 single phase. Seems the new 45's come with an adapter cable to go between 110v and 220v. The 1000 may or may not be single phase. Hypertherm is a very good machine, no experience with ESAB but they have a good rep also.

ObsoElitist · Apr 13, 2016

All are good choices. I bought the Hyper 45.

Plasma Cutter

HNM

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dr sportster

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jon f mn

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Steve@Advance

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Jerry F

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RobCons

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ObsoElitist

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