Search tips for finding a machine

[DHFG]

Hello!

I am in search of a machine that will comfortably pierce and cut 1" mild steel. When I look around I find myself inundated with results for lower power machines. What are helpful search terms or places to look that can narrow things down? Or, what are some specific machine recommendations?

Thanks

[djreiswig]

A Hypertherm PowerMax 105 is rated to pierce 7/8, but I find their ratings conservative. I would think you wouldn't have a problem piercing 1". I have cut 1" with a 65, and pierced and cut 3/4.
You're gonna need 3ph for something that big.

[weldguy]

Not sure how much 1" you plan to do but if most of what you are cutting is thicker like that and your looking for an affordable plasma that will pierce 1" I would say you need the Powermax 125 but it also requires 3 phase power.

[SegoMan DeSigns]

To what weldguy just posted:

The 105 requires 240v 3ph min
The 125 requires 480v 3 ph min

Delaying the pierce time on the 105 will allow you to pierce 1". That is what I have and it works great. If this is a production shop that cuts it 8 hrs a day a Hypertherm Max 200 machine would be more durable for that type of duty cycle and is available with multi voltage input.

Here is my latest 1" production pierce & cut;

IMG_20231218_130830140_HDR.jpg