Used Plasma Cutter

[chatofab]

Hey everyone,

I've been looking at plasmas recently in order to expand my capabilities a bit and have landed on the Hypertherm 30 as the one I want. I debated between the 30 and 45 for a long time but ultimately I think the 30 will do everything I will truly need and it's dual voltage capability won me over (I'm in the military and always moving between rentals). Anyway, I've been scouring Craigslist and Ebay for a while to no avail and finally found one pop up on Craigslist for $600. I know they go for $1100 new and that the 30 is now outdated with the newer XP line, but I was just curious on your thoughts if this is a good price (hard for me to judge because I've seen so few used ones listed). Also, what are some good questions to ask about used plasmas in particular? It is also located several hours from me so gas will factor into the cost.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[zkling]

Personally, on items like this, unless there is a substantial savings over new cost, I think it is better to front the new cost for peace of mind. Modern welders, plasma units and the like have some VERY expensive components in them that are pretty difficult to repair on your own. Should something happen with a 2nd hand out of warranty unit, repair costs could exceed the price of a new unit. Unless it is a low hour machine that has been really well taken care of, I think I would keep looking.

 

[IndyGarage]

I bought a used Hypertherm 30 about three years ago for $800. It had been used as a rental at the welding supply house for a year or so.

I've used it quite a bit and it works great. The only thing wrong with it was sometime the cord had been cut and replaced, so the dual voltage plug wouldn't work. They ordered me a new replacement cord and I installed it and it works like new.

I've had several people borrow mine and use it and all of them love it. The only thing I've done to it is replace electrodes and tips.

Maybe I'm lucky, but it seems to be built pretty tough - if my experience is typical I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one.

A buddy of mine bought a new 30XP a few weeks ago, and the only thing he could tell was different was the torch.

 

[chatofab]

I bought a used Hypertherm 30 about three years ago for $800. It had been used as a rental at the welding supply house for a year or so.

I've used it quite a bit and it works great. The only thing wrong with it was sometime the cord had been cut and replaced, so the dual voltage plug wouldn't work. They ordered me a new replacement cord and I installed it and it works like new.

I've had several people borrow mine and use it and all of them love it. The only thing I've done to it is replace electrodes and tips.

Maybe I'm lucky, but it seems to be built pretty tough - if my experience is typical I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one.

A buddy of mine bought a new 30XP a few weeks ago, and the only thing he could tell was different was the torch.

Thanks for the insight, guys. If I pursue I'm definitely gonna have him hook it up to some air and run a test on both voltages but is there any information I should get or questions I should ask prior to purchasing? Also, Indy when you mentioned you got a new cord was that the welding shop paying for it or Hypertherm replacing it free of charge? Also, on a side note I'd really like to pick up an older American drill press but have been having trouble finding those pop up in this area as well. Would you guys consider that more useful than a plasma? Any good ideas on where to find them aside from Craigslist?

 

[jimcolt]

Used Powermax30's sell in the $300 to $900 range. Keep in mind that the warranty on these units is 3 years, and is transferable....so find out when it was originally bought or call Hypertherm customer service with the model and serial and they can tell you if it is still covered.

The Powermax30 was replaced by the Powermax30XP earlier this year in the Hypertherm product line. The XP has a new shielded torch design, and a 50% higher load voltage capacity which gives it thicker cutting capability and faster speeds. Still, the original 30 outperforms all other dual voltage 30 amp dual voltage plasmas....the newer XP will outrun many 40 amp units.

Jim Colt

 

[IndyGarage]

... Also, Indy when you mentioned you got a new cord was that the welding shop paying for it or Hypertherm replacing it free of charge? ...

Unit had been a rental and somebody had cut the cord and replaced the dual voltage end with a 110V plug, so you couldn't plug it in to 220.

When I bought it from the supply house, they ordered a new dual voltage cord as part of the deal. I installed it, which took about 20 mins.

 

[Ign]

If you can cut with it before buying and it works, go for it. Look at Jim's reply above, this is the kind of customer service you'll receive if you need parts or service. Hypertherm is state-side and can provide helpful info in full, coherent sentences. That alone is peace of mind.

 

[gte718p]

I agree with others. Buying used is fine, so long as you can test it. If you can't test it its worth scrap price. The repair cost on these is rediculous. It makes more sense to replace then repair.