Powermax 600 or Powermax 1000?

[Collector]

I was looking to get a plasma cutter and deceided on either the Powermax 600 or the 1000. I will mostly cut 1/4" to 1/2", so the Powermax 600 would probably work but I thought the extra power from the 1000 would provide faster and cleaner cuts. Any recommendations?

[unixadm]

Both are great units. If you've got the cash, buy the biggest one you can afford. I personally have a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 51. It's comparable to the Hypertherm 600 in cutting performance. It works great for everything I do in my home shop, from sheet metal to 1/2" plate it cuts like butter.

Also the larger the machine, the more input amps required. I don't know if you are in a commercial shop, 3 phase, single phase, home garage, etc. So take that into consideration as well.

[Alden Pruett]

I have the powermax 1000 use it on a cnc table it will cut 1/2" very nicely at very slow cut speeds. I would think the 600 would struggle and be very hard on the duty cycle for longer cuts.

[Collector]

Yeah, I think the larger machine is what I will go with (got about 2K to spend) -Then I saw the Cutmaster 101 for $100 bucks more, now I am not sure-another 20 amps for $100. I'm still reading every welding forum on the Cutmaster now to see if its a bad choice over the Hypertherm. Decisions, decisions....

[unixadm]

I'd get the TD 101 if you have the budget.

[Collector]

I'd get the TD 101 if you have the budget.

I am now the prowd owner of the Cutmaster 101 (when it gets here). Thanks for the feedback.