What does everyone recommend? I really hate to go buy a new compressor and dryer just to satisfy air requirements of most cutters. I also hate having more plumbing running in my shop (air).
Let me know what your thoughts are. I doubt I will ever be cutting anything HUGE, but as they say, bigger is always better!
I cut for years with a 26gal campbell hausfeld 2 stage compressor running on 110v. That was with my Hypertherm 60A plasma cutter. I bought the compressor for 200 bucks on craigslist.
The main downside to running a cheap/small compressor is that it will be running basically the entire time you are cutting. And they are typically a lot noisier than the industrial units. If you have tolerance for those two attributes, then i would go for a cheap craigslist special.
Space is an issue for me and I use no other air tools (cordless FTW), so I am hesitant to get a compressor for many reasons. Many of the cutters I am looking at call for 5cfm @90psi which would likely require a larger 2 stage compressor. Big space, big $$, another thing to maintain.
Additionally, I like the idea of a portable unit that I can throw in my truck and do work at friend’s houses, etc. The Hypertherm Powermax 30 air looks EXCELLENT. Can’t cut super thick, but I don’t see myself getting too crazy with massive material.
What are deal breakers for a cutter I may be looking at if it isn’t on the official approved list?
I run a 29 gallon harbor freight compressor. First one lasted me about 4.5 years then blew a gasket. I’m on my second one now. It will cut for 60 seconds with my hypertherm powermax 45 before needing more air.
For the hose I bought a rapidair kit. Easy to install. The basic kit wasn’t enough so I added a few more drops.
Compressor was $475 ish plus tax and rapidair kit was another $150. All in all not too bad for almost 5 years. However you will need an air dryer too
If you can afford the PM30 Air go for it! Great machine.