Munkul
Jack of some trades, Master of none
- Messages
- 7,371
- Location
- Cumbria
I want a bigger plasma... it might be a bit off, yet though. I've got a few things to spend money on. But I like looking ahead of time...
I'll be selling my IFL Cut 40 for a few hundred pounds. It's been a really useful tool for stuff under 10mm. But it narks me to have to break out the expensive oxy just to cut 1/2" bar.
Primarily, whatever i buy MUST be able to cut 1" plate, as nice as I can with oxy-fuel (which is to say, severance cut is OK, I suppose!) as well as gouge. Will be a hand cutting setup with guides. And be able to work on a generator.
So I'm comparing 3 machines really: Hypertherm 45XP vs Victor/Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 25 vs Victor/Esab Cutmaster 60. All 3 phase. 1torch and Powermax torch consumables seem similarly priced.
https://engweld.co.uk/product/cutma...XTcJorLwJObOVAreqlUMYj9cmsgMdKpBoC4BkQAvD_BwE
https://www.unitedwelding.co.uk/vic...sSl21FH5dU15gFct7wiy0yauyZqlo7txoC_T0QAvD_BwE
https://engweld.co.uk/product/hypertherm-powermax-45xp-240v-single-phase-088130
(Will hit up local dealers for prices when it eventually comes down to it)
Hypertherm 45XP
Pros:
- supposed cut quality very high
- very efficient for the amps
Cons:
- 1" is a severance cut, rated cut only 16mm
- rough price £2400 slightly more than Victor
Victor Cutmaster 25
Pros:
- Looks awesome with its roll cage frame
- The "proper" Thermal Dynamics machine
- higher rated capacity at 1", severance cut 38mm, pretty impressive!
- cheaper, at £2200
Cons:
- looks like an outgoing model... is it?
Esab Cutmaster 60i
Pros:
- Newer model with presumably better spares/backup
- Same price in reality as the 25
Cons:
- doesn't look as well built as the 25
- Lower rated cut than the 25
Has anyone got experience of both Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics machines? Care to add your tuppence?
I know everyone raves about Hypertherm... but when it comes down to it, is it any better than the Thermal Dynamics machines which have more amps on their side?
Lastly, why have the Esab group companies got so hopelessly entangled in model names and lineups? As far as I can make out, the original cutmaster line was made by Thermal Dynamics, then rebadged as Victor and Esab also... then the newer 60i model came along, presumably made by someone else, and badged as all 3 again... but the TD and Victor machines in the same green... what gives?
EDIT: Just been on the Esab website and it's easier to see there... the Thermal Dynamics 25 is the same as the Esab 80... I'm comparing the 80 amp 25 to the 60 amp 60i... that makes a little more sense!
I'll be selling my IFL Cut 40 for a few hundred pounds. It's been a really useful tool for stuff under 10mm. But it narks me to have to break out the expensive oxy just to cut 1/2" bar.
Primarily, whatever i buy MUST be able to cut 1" plate, as nice as I can with oxy-fuel (which is to say, severance cut is OK, I suppose!) as well as gouge. Will be a hand cutting setup with guides. And be able to work on a generator.
So I'm comparing 3 machines really: Hypertherm 45XP vs Victor/Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 25 vs Victor/Esab Cutmaster 60. All 3 phase. 1torch and Powermax torch consumables seem similarly priced.
https://engweld.co.uk/product/cutma...XTcJorLwJObOVAreqlUMYj9cmsgMdKpBoC4BkQAvD_BwE
https://www.unitedwelding.co.uk/vic...sSl21FH5dU15gFct7wiy0yauyZqlo7txoC_T0QAvD_BwE
https://engweld.co.uk/product/hypertherm-powermax-45xp-240v-single-phase-088130
(Will hit up local dealers for prices when it eventually comes down to it)
Hypertherm 45XP
Pros:
- supposed cut quality very high
- very efficient for the amps
Cons:
- 1" is a severance cut, rated cut only 16mm
- rough price £2400 slightly more than Victor
Victor Cutmaster 25
Pros:
- Looks awesome with its roll cage frame
- The "proper" Thermal Dynamics machine
- higher rated capacity at 1", severance cut 38mm, pretty impressive!
- cheaper, at £2200
Cons:
- looks like an outgoing model... is it?
Esab Cutmaster 60i
Pros:
- Newer model with presumably better spares/backup
- Same price in reality as the 25
Cons:
- doesn't look as well built as the 25
- Lower rated cut than the 25
Has anyone got experience of both Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics machines? Care to add your tuppence?
I know everyone raves about Hypertherm... but when it comes down to it, is it any better than the Thermal Dynamics machines which have more amps on their side?
Lastly, why have the Esab group companies got so hopelessly entangled in model names and lineups? As far as I can make out, the original cutmaster line was made by Thermal Dynamics, then rebadged as Victor and Esab also... then the newer 60i model came along, presumably made by someone else, and badged as all 3 again... but the TD and Victor machines in the same green... what gives?
EDIT: Just been on the Esab website and it's easier to see there... the Thermal Dynamics 25 is the same as the Esab 80... I'm comparing the 80 amp 25 to the 60 amp 60i... that makes a little more sense!