going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

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i_r_machinist
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going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by i_r_machinist »

When I bought my plasmacam table I set the parameters of the work envelope at 1/4" and thinner on plate because I didn't want a forklift. So, now I have a forklift and my 600 cutter is the limiting parameter. The 85 with a mechanical torch is looking pretty good to me. Is there any functional difference between the 25' vs. 50' torch? Are the consumables for the mechanical torch much more expensive than the ones for the t123 torch I use now?
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jimcolt
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by jimcolt »

25' torch and 50' torches function the same, cut the same, use the same consumables. The Power supply recognizes the torch length and adjusts cut air pressure automatically to compensate for different lead length and pressure drop.

The consumables used in the newer Hypertherm systems on the Duramax torch (Powermax45 XP, 65, 85 and 105 systems) are of different design....so the process are different. I suspect the electrode (spring electrode, eliminates moving parts inside the torch body) on the newer torch is more expensive to buy, however since it lasts 3 to 4 times linger than the electrode used in the Powermax600....it is far less expensive to use. Jim Colt Hypertherm
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by SeanP »

Does the electrode on the XP45 outlast the 45 by that amount as well Jim? I'm still pondering whether to swap.
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by jimcolt »

The Duramax spring electrodes outlast the earlier Powermax600 by a lot. Compared to the Powermax45, the Duramax electrodes show better life, often about a 50% increase. Jim Colt Hypertherm

SeanP wrote:Does the electrode on the XP45 outlast the 45 by that amount as well Jim? I'm still pondering whether to swap.
i_r_machinist
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by i_r_machinist »

I'm in a real quandry now. I'm thinking of going all out and trying to pick up some light industrial jobs. With the 85 I could produce good cuts up to 1/2" thick. For another $1000, roughly, I could go to a Hypertherm 105 and move the cut ability out past 1".
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by Jeffery71 »

Keep in mind the 105 you need 3phase if you don't already have it to your shop.
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by i_r_machinist »

I have a 10 hp. rotary that I make 3 phase for my machine tools. The 105 can't run on single phase?
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by jimcolt »

Hypertherm does not recommend using any of the Powermax units on a rotary phase converter. The Powermax 105 and 125 are 3 phase only.

The Powermax 85 cuts with excellent quality through 3/4" and can pierce 3/4" with no issues. Above 3/4" the cut quality is still very nice, however an edge start is recommended. Jim Colt Hypertherm
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by i_r_machinist »

I guess that solves my quandry. Does the Duramax have Finecut nozzels?
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by jimcolt »

Yes, The Powermax45 XP, 65, 85 and 105 all use the same style Duramax torch and consumables, all have Finecut consumables for best quality on 10 gauge and thinner. Jim Colt
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

Post by i_r_machinist »

I bought a brand new hypertherm 85 this weekend. It has the spring electrode and a hand torch. I played with it yesterday and absolutly love hand torch. I cut some 1/2" plate with NO slag on the bottom! I'm going to get a machine torch but would like to be able to plug the hand torch back in when needed. Is it possible to go back and forth between the two? Will the hand torch and the machine torch use the same consumables? I have to look up how to make the torch fire with may plasmacam table. Any advice?
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Re: going to upgrade from a 600 to a 85, have questions

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