Welding Tips and Tricks

What are the differences between older plasma cutters and newer ones. I just purchased a {like new] Hobart Smoothcut 625 and was wandering if it was a good purchase or not. It cuts like a dream, but I was wandering about consumables and other possible upgrades like a new torch head if needed. Anyone out there with any experience willing to weigh in on this?

Jay

Hi Jay,
If it works like a dream I would just use it as is. I have a older yet Miller Spectrum 2050 and looked into to up grading the torch but didn't think that the cost was worth it..

Pete

The differences are:

- More portable, more power, smaller package
- Longer consumable life
- Better cut quality, faster cut speeds, thicker severance capability (higher load voltage from power supply)
- Easier to use with torches that can drag cut without double arcing to the material.
- Better reliability.
- More styles of consumables, Finecut, High Access, Gouging, precision gouging, marking, Flushcut, etc.
- Variety of machine torch stsyles and hand torch styles for different applications (robotics, cnc machines, demolition, gouging, etc.)
- Less susceptible to moisture in compressed air and its effect on consumable life
- Operate on multi voltages (120/240, or units that can run on any voltage from 200 to 600 volts, single or three phase)
- Some units available with built in compressor.

I agree however that if your older technology unit meets your cutting needs....then their may not be a good reason to upgrade! Jim Colt Hypertherm

Thanks Pete and Jim! I really appreciate the information! As I have already made the purchase, I will have to stick with what I have but, when the consumables wear out I will probably upgrade to a new machine rather than try to change what I have.

Jay