1650 vs 105 difference, especially piercing

[hankasauruss]

I am looking to get a plasma cutter that I could eventually use with a table to cut plate up to 1". For now, I will be using it by hand for general repair and fabrication.

I have been thinking that a 105 is a good option, but I recently came across a 1650 for a good price. Looking in the manuals, the 1650 says recommended pierce is 1/2" and the 105 manual says recommended pierce is 7/8". Is there a difference in the machines that accounts for this? Is the difference in the torch and consumables? If I upgraded to the latest compatible torch, would I get the better pierce performance?

Any other differences between the 1650 and 105 you can tell me about to justify the thousands more for the newer machine?

I have a 20hp phase converter that I am planning to use with it for now. Anybody have experience running a plasma on a phase converter? I am expecting to get proper 3 phase this fall, so it isn't a big deal if it doesn't work well with the converter.

I enjoy learning from everybody here, thanks for the great community.

[SegoMan DeSigns]

Both machines require 240 3 ph voltage to run, several members on here use a phase converter with no problems The 1650 with an upgraded Duramax torch(approx $750) is a viable option as well. Have the seller pull the cover and inspect all internals. I pierce 1" with no problem with my 105 by delaying pierce time.

This is some cuts with my machine:

3/4"

1"

1-1/4" (edge cut)

Personally I would stay away from the newer SYNC Machine and the expensive consumables

[weldguy]

The 1650 and 105 are in the same performance bracket with the 1650 just being the older version. Both are rated for 7/8 pierce with a hand held torch or with machine torch with automatic torch height control. Using a machine torch without auto torch height control pierce rating likely is rated for 1/2". For what you want to do either will work, it really comes down to budget and expected lifespan.

[SegoMan DeSigns]

Check out this thread to see what an 85 can do:

https://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=35583