Hypertherm 45xp or Thermal Dynamics 52

[slackdaddy1]

Really want the hypertherm 45xp, LWS has it for 1800.00 plus tax.
Local guy has a Thermal Dynamics 52 for 875.00 used, good condition.

WIll be using it for general hobby fabbing, car restoration, etc.
95% will be under 3/8",, most under 1/4"

I have never, ever, ever heard a bad thing about Hypertherm, and the 45XP looks like it is the top of the heap compared to other.
But with the TD 52 used for 875.00 it is hard to justify the extra 1000.00 for the 45XP for general hobbyist fabbing.

Will I not be satisfied with the function and cut quality of the TD 52? I am real picky about weld quality and finished product.

Slack

 

[one9gt]

Got a local supplier that can provide consumables on demand? I know with my cutmaster I have to special order them from my local welding supply store and in a crunch that doesn't cut it for me. Plus I have to order in bulk so I can't just get one, so the price gets pretty hefty


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[KM223]

Get the Hypertherm and never ever look back. Buy it and you will have the very best!

 

[DerekV]

Get the Hypertherm and never ever look back. Buy it and you will have the very best!

Couldn't have said it any better.

OP: I love my 45XP, got it right when it came out. I used to have the regular 45, and I can tell you that the auto air regulation is soooo nice and the consumable change-out torch switch is very convenient. Built in America, instilled with years upon years of R&D and patented technologies, unmatched customer service, unmatched quality control, unmatched distribution, unmatched consumable life, extremely thorough manual, tons of torch/consumable/accessory options, plug and play CNC capability, excellent resale value...it's literally the best in class. The cut quality is virtually unparalleled (although I have seen some well-tuned TD units produce really nice looking cuts as well, hence "virtually") and it is very energy efficient (I'm sure the TD is too, but it's worth mentioning). Wicked tough machine, haven't once hit the overtemp protection.

If I had to choose something other than Hypertherm, I'd go TD. But given the option, Hypertherm all the way.

 

[slackdaddy1]

Thanks for the replys,, I know Hypertherm is the best of the best,, but I have the used TD 52 (for 875) staring me in the face. If I buy the TD and it ever has a less than 110% cut,, I will be 2nd guessing my self. Is the Hypertherm really worth the extra 1000.00 ?

Slack

 

[Brand X]

I have owned both. The cutmaster is a great machine, and so is the Hypertherm. On/off my cnc table,and for hand cutting.. The 45XP will have some nice options like argon marking,extended consumable cutting, and precision gouging. The cutmaster supports using a SL-40 torch, for a great option for using a much smaller torch.. Cutmaster factory consumables are really cheap on ebay, so balances out the longer consumable life of the Hypertherm.

If I found a perfect cutmaster 52 for around that price.,I would probably pick it up as a back up for my 45XP.. Knowing full well I would have a great addition to my 45XP.. I have a extra machine torch, and voltage card that fits in one, so it would really be a bargain for me. Even with it's 13/14 year old torch design.. By hand where you will really see the difference is cutting .750 ms. The power supply and torch design alllow for the newwer tech to shine.. cutting 250/375 not so much..

 

[American Locomotive]

How long do you usually keep equipment? I have a ~20 year old Hypertherm Powermax 900 that I can still get consumables for. I don't know how well Thermal Dynamics supports older machines, but to me, companies that support their old products well are worth spending a bit more on.

 

[DerekV]

Thanks for the replys,, I know Hypertherm is the best of the best,, but I have the used TD 52 (for 875) staring me in the face. If I buy the TD and it ever has a less than 110% cut,, I will be 2nd guessing my self. Is the Hypertherm really worth the extra 1000.00 ?

Slack

Sounds like you already made up your mind.

 

[Brand X]

How long do you usually keep equipment? I have a ~20 year old Hypertherm Powermax 900 that I can still get consumables for. I don't know how well Thermal Dynamics supports older machines, but to me, companies that support their old products well are worth spending a bit more on.

There are more one torches in the world then any other American torch setups. Meaning the one torch consumables are world wide. Nothing even a close second to it. So yes you will find consumables as long as you are alive for the one torch.. Now on fixing a $900.00 plasma? Probably not going to be worth it for any machine.Hypertherm, Thermal dynamics-Victor /Esab/ Lincoln. Just toss it more then likely. Support is great, but board cost will probably be way more then it's worth.. Including my 45XP when out of warranty..

 

[slackdaddy1]

Mind made up?? yup, if I was buying both new, Hypertherm all the way, with only a few hundred difference.
But with the used TD 52 being 1000.00 cheaper,, and I am basically doing general cutting,, who knows