CNC powermax 45 VS 65 VS 85

[diyengineer]

I'm probably in the price range of the powermax45 but would hate to buy the wrong machine because i was in a hurry.

I'm mainly looking at cutting nested parts from aluminum sheet, .063"- .250".

Being able to do thicker materials is a plus, but i want to do thin materials first. I don't have a crane, so cutting extremely thick large sheets of material is currently out of the question.

Are there features though that the 65 has other than more power that would make it better than the 45?

Hypertherm 45
Hypertherm Powermax 45 200-240V 1-PH Portable Plasma Cutter w/ 50ft. Machine Torch - 088016 | Baker's Gas & Welding Supplies

Would going with a larger plasma allow me faster cut speeds in the same size material? Just wondering.

Thanks!

Also a list of a few online distributors would be nice if anyone has had good customer service feel free to drop a link.

[I Lean]

I have a PM 45, and LOVE it. It will certainly do what you need it to, with plenty of power to spare. For the size materials you'll be cutting, you'll likely be cutting at 45A or less anyway, no matter what machine you choose.

The one thing that might sway you is the availability of "Finecut" consumables for the 65/85, they allow slower cutting with less amperage than the standard parts--but less lifespan, I'm told.

On thicker materials, the larger machines will allow faster cutting and longer duty cycle....although I've never had any issues with my 45's duty cycle, even cutting up a 4x4 sheet of 3/8" steel. (at 30IPM...about 40 minutes cutting)

[diyengineer]

Hey Ilean,

Do you have a youtube channel of it on your machine cutting? What should i expect to pay for the 45 with machine torch (don't need the hand torch). any websites i should know about with good prices?
Thanks for the information.

Originally Posted by I Lean I have a PM 45, and LOVE it. It will certainly do what you need it to, with plenty of power to spare. For the size materials you'll be cutting, you'll likely be cutting at 45A or less anyway, no matter what machine you choose. The one thing that might sway you is the availability of "Finecut" consumables for the 65/85, they allow slower cutting with less amperage than the standard parts--but less lifespan, I'm told. On thicker materials, the larger machines will allow faster cutting and longer duty cycle....although I've never had any issues with my 45's duty cycle, even cutting up a 4x4 sheet of 3/8" steel. (at 30IPM...about 40 minutes cutting)

[I Lean]

Originally Posted by diyengineer Hey Ilean, Do you have a youtube channel of it on your machine cutting? What should i expect to pay for the 45 with machine torch (don't need the hand torch). any websites i should know about with good prices? Thanks for the information.

I don't have a youtube channel, but there are a couple videos other people have posted of my machine:

First is cutting 10ga.

‪License Plate Bracket CNC Burn‬‏ - YouTube

‪License Plate Bracket CNC Burn‬‏ - YouTube

This one is 3/8".

‪VIDEO0047‬‏ - YouTube

‪VIDEO0047‬‏ - YouTube

I bought my Hypertherm used, but my machine torch came from Airgas. Best pricing I found online when I was looking was at Harris Welding or Weldersource.

[jimcolt]

The 45 probably has more than adequate capacity for you. I used a 45 on my cnc machine for about 3 years....then switched to the 85. I find myself using the 85 at 45 amps (cuts exactly the same as the 45) for materials up through 1/4"....then go to 65 amps for 3/8" and 1/2".....then 85 amps for thicker.

The 65 and 85 have the new Duramax torch....which can use the FineCut consumables (the 45 does have a 30 amp set of unshielded consumables...that cut very similar to the FineCuts on thinner materials). The Duramac torch was designed with improved cooling and durability in mind....it does provid better consumable parts life as compared to the earlier systems. The new 65 and 85 also have a better cnc interface....with a variable voltage divider output (compatible with some torch height control systems) and also has auto gas control....so no setting of the air pressure is necessary when you cahnge consumables and power levels. Additionally...the 65 and 85 willoperate from a wider input voltage range...and have a digital diplay with onboard diagnostics. Just the next generation of plasma...that naturally would have more features and better performance.

Jim Colt

Originally Posted by diyengineer I'm probably in the price range of the powermax45 but would hate to buy the wrong machine because i was in a hurry. I'm mainly looking at cutting nested parts from aluminum sheet, .063"- .250". Being able to do thicker materials is a plus, but i want to do thin materials first. I don't have a crane, so cutting extremely thick large sheets of material is currently out of the question. Are there features though that the 65 has other than more power that would make it better than the 45? Hypertherm 45 Hypertherm Powermax 45 200-240V 1-PH Portable Plasma Cutter w/ 50ft. Machine Torch - 088016 | Baker's Gas & Welding Supplies Would going with a larger plasma allow me faster cut speeds in the same size material? Just wondering. Thanks! Also a list of a few online distributors would be nice if anyone has had good customer service feel free to drop a link.

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by I Lean I don't have a youtube channel, but there are a couple videos other people have posted of my machine: First is cutting 10ga. ‪License Plate Bracket CNC Burn‬‏ - YouTube This one is 3/8". ‪VIDEO0047‬‏ - YouTube I bought my Hypertherm used, but my machine torch came from Airgas. Best pricing I found online when I was looking was at Harris Welding or Weldersource.

Thanks! Another big question is how the heck does it set the height of the torch every time?
I'v seen this..
CNC4PC

But havent seen much else out there. What does everyone use?

[diyengineer]

Praxair prices:

Mechanized Powermax 45 25' machine torch- 2006+ 180tax=$2,186
Mechanized Powermax 65 25' machine torch- 2636+ 237tax=$2,873

Baker welding prices online:
Mechanized Powermax 45 25' machine torch- $1924.00 No tax
mechanized Powermax 65 w/ CPC Port and 25' machine torch- $2,775 no tax
Mechanized powermax 85 w/ cpc port and 25' machine torch-$3,430 no tax

Would it be worth the extra expense to jump up to a 65/85 for the added new features?

Also, is there any differenece other than size/price when it comes to the long torch vs mini torch?

Originally Posted by jimcolt The 45 probably has more than adequate capacity for you. I used a 45 on my cnc machine for about 3 years....then switched to the 85. I find myself using the 85 at 45 amps (cuts exactly the same as the 45) for materials up through 1/4"....then go to 65 amps for 3/8" and 1/2".....then 85 amps for thicker. The 65 and 85 have the new Duramax torch....which can use the FineCut consumables (the 45 does have a 30 amp set of unshielded consumables...that cut very similar to the FineCuts on thinner materials). The Duramac torch was designed with improved cooling and durability in mind....it does provid better consumable parts life as compared to the earlier systems. The new 65 and 85 also have a better cnc interface....with a variable voltage divider output (compatible with some torch height control systems) and also has auto gas control....so no setting of the air pressure is necessary when you cahnge consumables and power levels. Additionally...the 65 and 85 willoperate from a wider input voltage range...and have a digital diplay with onboard diagnostics. Just the next generation of plasma...that naturally would have more features and better performance. Jim Colt

[I Lean]

Originally Posted by diyengineer Thanks! Another big question is how the heck does it set the height of the torch every time? I'v seen this.. CNC4PC But havent seen much else out there. What does everyone use?

It has a "floating" torch mount, when the torch comes down and touches the metal, the torch slides up and hits a microswitch. That "senses" the material, then the software moves the torch back up until the switch isn't tripped anymore, zeros the Z axis, then moves up to the initial pierce height.

[flyinwilly]

Take a look at Welders Source in Louisville. They have very good prices, several hundred less than your quotes. I bought my 65 from them. Quick shipping and good service.

Willy

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by I Lean It has a "floating" torch mount, when the torch comes down and touches the metal, the torch slides up and hits a microswitch. That "senses" the material, then the software moves the torch back up until the switch isn't tripped anymore, zeros the Z axis, then moves up to the initial pierce height.

Plasma Floating Head Is this a good one?

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by flyinwilly Take a look at Welders Source in Louisville. They have very good prices, several hundred less than your quotes. I bought my 65 from them. Quick shipping and good service. Willy

Ya they are cheaper! I will put up there prices tomorrow!!

[jimcolt]

I always try to buy welding equipment locally....even if the price is slightly higher. Often they will throw in a few accessories (gloves, glasses, etc.) and definitely will be better to deal with in the event of a warranty situation...as opposed to having to deal with it long distance. I usually can get close to the internet prices....its worth it, and you are supporting the local econoimy.

Jim