Hypertherm 380?

[Hubjeep]

I searched and found many threads about plasma cutters.

The Hypertherm 380 was mentioned quite often, with little to no objection when it comes to capacity (in contrast to Mig welding threads where more say 220V is the way to go).

Recommended cutting capacity 1/4", maximum 3/8". I don't see myself needing to cut any thicker

I do like how it is 110V for mobility, (there is only 1 220v plug in the garage) and there may simply be no need for a larger one.

Opinions please

Thanks,
John :coool:

[zachvNJ]

I love mine and think it is a great machine. I have started to use it for production and only in that situation could I hop for more power. I make rocker guards from 3/16" steel and would like to be able to cut two matching pieces at a time, back to back, but cannot.

I think for most any home use it is a great machine. The consumables are cheap and do not wear out as fast as I had thought they would.

This is the guy I bought mine from. I didn't do the eBay purchase and bought directly.

[bigblackzj]

from my experience with diferent machines, I have found if it say's 1/4" max, then that is the max and it is slow going. I bought a miller zipcut that will cut up to an inch. It melts through 1/4" like it is nothing

[Hubjeep]

I stopped at a welding shop who sold Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38:
3/8" genuine cut
1/2" max cut ("...plenty of power to quickly and smoothly cut... 1/2")
5/8" severance cut

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=45030

These specs are greater than the Hypertherm 380 (and they are about the same price).

What do you think?

-John :coool:

[AprilzWarrior]

I went with the Miller 625 http://www.millerwelds.com/products/.../spectrum_625/

I love it..and then some.

I could not find any info on the Zipcut... Is this an older model, or gas powered ?


AprilzWarrior

[Dave Bandel]

Hub,

One thing you have to remember is that you want a LOCAL supplier for the consumables (torch tips) and replacement parts for whatever brand you get. I would stick with Hypertherm, Miller, Lincoln, or whatever name-brand plasma cutting sytem your local welding suppliers carry. You don't want to be finishing up a project before an important trail run and then realize you have to wait two weeks for mail-order parts so that you can complete your project.

-David

-=- originally posted by Hubjeep -=-
I stopped at a welding shop who sold Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38:
3/8" genuine cut
1/2" max cut ("...plenty of power to quickly and smoothly cut... 1/2")
5/8" severance cut

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=45030

These specs are greater than the Hypertherm 380 (and they are about the same price).

What do you think?

-John :coool:

[code5337]

-=- originally posted by Hubjeep -=-
I stopped at a welding shop who sold Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38:
3/8" genuine cut
1/2" max cut ("...plenty of power to quickly and smoothly cut... 1/2")
5/8" severance cut What do you think?

-John :coool:

I've got it and love it. I have cut 5/8" thick steel. I had to move slowly, but the cut was clean and precise. It is not even phased by 1/4" or 3/8". I'd recommend it.