Thermal Dynamics Vs Hypertherm Plasma Cutters

In the high end machines like this, the Hypertherm has the real edge. Their torch design is way ahead of Thermals and the tips last almost twice as long.

Ernie Have you used the new 81 series torches since they no longer use the high freq start?

Ernie & Sven

That is the problem I been that has me going back & forth from one to the other. I have been hearing the Cutmaster 81 has the new quick disconnect 1S torch. I've been hearing good things about both units so I'm struggling with the decision especially with the $$$ involved. What I do like about the Cutmaster 81 is the quick disconnect because the unit will be doing double duty as a CNC & manual cutter. Thanks for the help.

Rod

I have been using my Thermal Dynamics on a CNC table for about 10 months now. I have had no problems with the plasma cutter. I would highly recommend a Thermal Dynamics machine. As you mentioned the torch is easily disconnected from the machine although my CNC table (a PlasmaCam) uses the hand torch so swapping torches is not an issue for me. What brand of table do you have? Send me an email and I will give you an address for a Thermal Dynamics rep that is a super guy and will answer any question you have on their machines. That is another plus.... great support speter@wctadotnet

You also might research prices and also availability on the consumables. I came down to the Miller, Thermal Dynamics and the Hypertherm. Miller uses Hypertherm torches. :) I got the Hypertherm. The Powermax 1000 uses a T60 torch and you can check prices for consumables at

We have one at school that works very well.

I should have guessed that you had one at the school. Do you have a mix of all the manufacturers or is predominantly one brand?

I should clarify that the new torch was retrofitted to a very old Pac10 plasma cutter to bring it back to life. You do have to make sure you have the right tip installed for your target amperage.

Rangerod

From comparing notes with a couple of Hypertherm owners I find the tip and electrode life to be comparable with my Thermal Dynamics. I don't know if this is the case with older machines or not.

We have a little bit of everything from the last 50 years of welding fabrication.

In plasma cutters we have.

Thermal Dynamics Pac 10 (100 amp) LTEC PCM 150 (150 amp) Hypertherm Powermax 600 (55 amp) Hypertherm Powermax 350 (35 amp)

We used to have an awful century plasma cutter, but eventually repair costs outstripped usefulness. It was given to us by the autobody shop when they got a new Thermal Dynamics Pak 55.

The Pac 10 sat unused for 2 years until my boss put the new torch on it.

The PCM 150 sat unused for 6 years because nobody knew that it could be used with nitrogen and compressed air. They thought it required the weird Argon/Hydrogen gas mix for cutting. The PCM 150 is truly impressive to play with, but the torch design is terrible and there is no aftermarket retrofit torch for 150 amp plasma cutters that is affordable.

It looks as if your school runs like my shop.....I have learned to be happy with hand me down and used machinery.

Sven

I do not have the table as of yet, I am just beggining the process of aquiring a complete unit by purchasing the plasma cutter first. What type of table do you own? I have looked at PlasmaCam, Torchmate & Pratical CNC units. We just purchased a FastCut unit a work but I have to say I am not yet impresed with this unit yet, especially for $17,000 & no Z capability. What type of work are you doing with your unit?

Thank you all for your generous advise, now its geting harder to make a decision, The way it sounds these two units match up head to head pretty well. If anyone else has more info I would appreciate your input.

There are a couple of groups on Yahoo that discuss CNC plasma cutters Piginfo and some other one. Check them out if you really want to be confused on your choice of tables!

Rangerod,The new Thermals are the torches to get at this point.The front ends parts last as long as Hypertherms,and really have a small kerf.I am putting a machine torch on my 90 amp esab.Great deal too $350.00 with the adapter for the 1500 esab.I found out the esab Machine torch is of the older style,and not like their new long lasting pt 32 style.I been cutting on 90 amps,and it really is ten times better then the torch that was on my 70 amp 1125(way more clunky,and stiff though).The patents have run out on the Hyperthem torches so Thermal took what they wanted,and moved beyond Hypertherm.With lots of Hypertherms ideas I might add.