Hypertherm or thermal dynamics

[dpac]

I require a new machine for my CNC.

Either Powermax85 or Thermal dynamics A120 or cutmaster151

I currently own a thermal dynamics cutmaster52 and I think it is a great machine, it is not used on a CNC though.

The powermax costs 20% more and has 30% less power also I don't have to worry about buying two different consumables brands.

Is there something I am missing or is the thermal dynamics the clear winner?

Thanks

[Mike 1948]

I require a new machine for my CNC.

Either Powermax85 or Thermal dynamics A120 or cutmaster151

I currently own a thermal dynamics cutmaster52 and I think it is a great machine, it is not used on a CNC though.

The powermax costs 20% more and has 30% less power also I don't have to worry about buying two different consumables brands.

Is there something I am missing or is the thermal dynamics the clear winner?

Thanks

Hmmm, my Cutmaster 52 with a hand torch plays great with CNC, although I only cut 1/4" max plates.

Mike

[rock4xfab]

I have the TD cutmaster 51... Other than the support from TD Sucks,, I figured out how to make it work with mach. I love the machine only reason I did not go to a newer bigger machine from Hypertherm, was I already own a machine torch for TD.. I would switch to Hypertherm just based on the support that I have seen given here on this forum from Jim C. But again anew machine and adding another machine torch to the mix was out of my budget

[plasmahead]

I did a quick visit to both companies web sites. Here is what I found:
Thermal A120
120A output using shielded consumables.
1/4" plate, cut speed is 160ipm at arc voltage of 139VDC. Equates to 16.7kW of power.
3/4" plate, cut speed is 30ipm at 150VDC or 18.0kW of power.

Hypertherm Powermax 85
85A output using shielded consumables.
1/4" plate, cut speed is 160ipm at 126VDC or 10.7kW of power
3/4" plate, cut speed is 29ipm at 135VDC or 11.5kW of power

Looks to me like the Hypertherm unit cuts about the same speed with about 35% less power being used. Besides service, maybe that's another benefit they have - lower cost of operation?

[tinman13]

If you are interested I have a two year old TD A120 for sale.
It is being replaced with a Powermax 85.
I have used the consumables argument also (I have a Cutmaster 81 also) but I have convinced myself that it is not worth it!
The new machine should be in this week and I will let you know how it preforms as soon as I can.

Did I mention I have an A120 for sale?

Steve

[plain ol Bill]

So you finally switched did ya Steve? I don't think you will regret it. Love my 1250.

[dpac]

I decided to go with the powermax85.. Cheers

[WSS]

Oh man, all these 85's are making me envious!

Steve, are you going to have a "welcome to the shop" kind of party for it?

I would, complete with hats, streamers and those curly blow things.

WSS

[tinman13]

It will be a gala affair!

Steve