Hypertherm 45 versus 600

[Big_Eddy]

Was in to my local LWS looking at a plasma cutter the other day. Was thinking that the 45 would be about right for my needs. We Canadians took a beating on pricing adjustments on January 1st, so I should have bought earlier, but my LWS told me they had a few Powermax 600s that they were blowing out at last years prices.

My usage will be home shop hand held work on thinner material (under 1/4"), but I could conceivably buy a CNC table some time well in the future.

I 've compared the spec sheets and on the 45 they have upped the cut specs by 1/8" in all categories - and the 45 weighs 10 pounds less, neither of which really are going to make much difference to me. I know the 600's have a great reputation but trust the 45 will be as good a machine.

So the question - Is there any good reason I should pay about $300 MORE for a Powermax 45 over what I could get the 600 for?

[ptsideshow]

After talking to a number of people about the pro's and con's of each. Being in a same type deal as you, home shop/putzing around have a large torch to do real thick stuff. Only once in 30 years have I needed to cut anything over 1" thick. Along with the weight issues once it is on the cart it will have wheels :D

I went with the 600 and for the money reason and the deal. You can buy a lot of consumables. With what I saved, as I did it in Nov. and have yet to get time to clear a hole large enough to do anything in the shop with the cold, snow and driving relatives to doctors appointments etc. I can't tell you how it works because other then taking it out of the box haven't fired it up yet.

Looking forward to spring and some time to play.

Like the movie said "show me the money".

[GunLocators]

Nto to hiJack the thread I found a 600 today at a LWS Went in to buy a Miller 875 left empty handed thinking I may want the 600 They said they had 2 they would sell 10% under cost for $1210.00

What do you think. Other LWS down the road wanted $1700 for same 600

[jimcolt]

The 600 is a nice plasma....however the 45 was designed to replace it....the 45 cuts faster, cuts thicker, and provides longer consumable life. While the 600 is very reliable......we expect the 45 to be even more reliable.

The 45 also has: quick disconnect torch (no tools) allows you to switch from hand to mechanized torch if needed. The 45 has a machine interface connection on the rear panel for connecting to cnc equipment, it also has a higher duty cycle rating and 5 more Amps of output power.

We learned a lot with over 50,000 Powermax 600's in use.....the 45 has some big shoes to fill.....and it is up to the task!

Jim Colt