which is a better plasma cutter.. miller vs hypertherm

[RICE EATER]

just curious of oppions on which is a better plasma..im debating between a Max 40 HyperTherm Plasma Cutter and a Miller Spectrum Plasma Cutter dc 500.. i know alot of people think that hypertherm makes a better plasma..im just love my millers havent a miller 250 mig and a miller syncrowave 350 tig..soo the miller plasma would make a nice complete setup..but not sure what the differance is between the max 40 hypertherm and the miller spectrum 500

 

[LT1Pat]

I had a miller but I would buy a hypertherm if i got another one since the miller liked to eat up tips.

 

[btracecars]

I have a miller spectrum 375 . No issues at all.

 

[jdustu]

I've got all Miller welders, but my plasma cutter is a Hypertherm Powermax 30. I also have a huge motor guard filter on it, which helps with the tip longevity.

FWIW, I've used Miller Spectrum cutters before too, and they work fine.

 

[OnyxSSS]

I thought you went through tips when you were 'sloppy' when using it?

I have a miller spectrum 300 and the one thing I dont like it the air hook up, could use some space for a separator maybe a built in one?? I think moisture in your air kills tips too?
no problems out of it.

 

[LT1Pat]

Tips were really expensive with the spectrum I had too, hypertherm might be the same but I heard they were better based on what I read on different machinist forums over the years.

I've got all Miller welders, but my plasma cutter is a Hypertherm Powermax 30. I also have a huge motor guard filter on it, which helps with the tip longevity.

FWIW, I've used Miller Spectrum cutters before too, and they work fine.

 

[jdustu]

I thought you went through tips when you were 'sloppy' when using it?

I have a miller spectrum 300 and the one thing I dont like it the air hook up, could use some space for a separator maybe a built in one?? I think moisture in your air kills tips too?
no problems out of it.

Moisture/dirty air and improper gaps kill tips.

I've got that little 30, the filter I have attached to it tips it over :lol:

 

[jdustu]

Tips were really expensive with the spectrum I had too, hypertherm might be the same but I heard they were better based on what I read on different machinist forums over the years.

The Spectrum I used was a work machine, I'm not sure on the cost. I know the tips for the hypertherm don't seem cheap, but I don't have anything to compare too. I honestly can't remember what swayed my choice, but I do know I researched it and the hypertherm came out on top :lol: They JUST DO plasma cutters, and are good at it.