Should I go with the powermax 45 or 65. I like cutting 14 ga, but would like to be able to cut 1/4 in possibly 5/16 in thick materials. Which one would be feasible, worth buying, for my needs?
Thank you
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Upgrading
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RobertJohnson
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muzza
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Re: Upgrading
Robert, I have a PM45 with machine torch and it has no problem cutting 3/8", I have even cut a name into the web on a piece of railway line which was 5/8" and that came out fine too.
Murray
Murray
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Countryguy
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Re: Upgrading PM45/65-how about air flow?
wow! That is very cool indeed! I have been wondering the same Q's regarding which unit I should buy.
So this leads to a follow up newbie question I have about air flow. Besides the pm45 .... what size compressor do we need to have on that PM45? I have a 30gal HarborFreight unit w/ a 1/2 hose on an existing Everlast plasma CNC torch cutter that i have a hard time keeping to 80-90psi continous as it is. so besides the cutter, I think I'll need a bit more air too? is it true that "you can never have too much air"? TIA, CG
So this leads to a follow up newbie question I have about air flow. Besides the pm45 .... what size compressor do we need to have on that PM45? I have a 30gal HarborFreight unit w/ a 1/2 hose on an existing Everlast plasma CNC torch cutter that i have a hard time keeping to 80-90psi continous as it is. so besides the cutter, I think I'll need a bit more air too? is it true that "you can never have too much air"? TIA, CG
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abmagrum
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Re: Upgrading
you can never have too much air .
and if you can afford it always get the biggest plasma you can afford.
and if you can afford it always get the biggest plasma you can afford.
Arclight 4x4
hypertherm 65
corel x6
mach 3, sheet cam
miller 211 auto set
hypertherm 65
corel x6
mach 3, sheet cam
miller 211 auto set
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RobertJohnson
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Re: Upgrading
Nice! 45 it is, and I guess compressor will be next. Thought about making a PIG out of my 15 gal compressor, then I might have enough air combined with my 30 gal tank. Kick myself for not getting the 60 gal compressor from the start.
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jimcolt
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Re: Upgrading
If you are planning to machine cut (vs hand cutting) the Powermax45 is conservatively rated for 1/2".....meaning if your machine has a height control it will pierce 1/2" without affecting consumable parts life. I am attaching a picture of 1/2" cut with my Powermax45 on a cnc machine.
Compressor. The 45 will cut with any compressor that can supply air at more than 90 psi while air is flowing at the torch. If the compressor is rated at 6.0 cfm @90 psi or more.....it will keep up with the plasma. If it is rated at less than 6.0 cfm, the pressure will eventually drop below 90 psi, the Powermax45 will sense low pressure and will shut off the arc. A larger compressor tank will allow more time between compressor cycles, but has no effect on the ability of the compressor to keep up with the plasma demand.
When my 45 is used in my shop it runs with a 12.8cfm compressor with an 80 gallon tank. I can cut continously and the compressor comes on every couple of minutes and runs for about 30 seconds. When I used my 45 outside my shop I often use a small Porter Cable nail gun compressor rated at about 2.8cfm and with a 3 gallon air tank. I get about 20 to 30 seconds of cut...then have to wait for the pressure to build back up before I can cut again.
Jim Colt Hypertherm
Compressor. The 45 will cut with any compressor that can supply air at more than 90 psi while air is flowing at the torch. If the compressor is rated at 6.0 cfm @90 psi or more.....it will keep up with the plasma. If it is rated at less than 6.0 cfm, the pressure will eventually drop below 90 psi, the Powermax45 will sense low pressure and will shut off the arc. A larger compressor tank will allow more time between compressor cycles, but has no effect on the ability of the compressor to keep up with the plasma demand.
When my 45 is used in my shop it runs with a 12.8cfm compressor with an 80 gallon tank. I can cut continously and the compressor comes on every couple of minutes and runs for about 30 seconds. When I used my 45 outside my shop I often use a small Porter Cable nail gun compressor rated at about 2.8cfm and with a 3 gallon air tank. I get about 20 to 30 seconds of cut...then have to wait for the pressure to build back up before I can cut again.
Jim Colt Hypertherm
- IMG_2948.jpg (51.09 KiB) Viewed 844 times
- IMG_2948.jpg (51.09 KiB) Viewed 844 times
RobertJohnson wrote:Should I go with the powermax 45 or 65. I like cutting 14 ga, but would like to be able to cut 1/4 in possibly 5/16 in thick materials. Which one would be feasible, worth buying, for my needs?
Thank you
