Just got some slight sticker shock on a quote for an upgrade Duramax torch for my HT 1250 G3 $709 for a machine torch and $459 for a hand torch. What are the differences between the two that makes such a difference in price? Also, is it possible to use the hand torch with the CandCNC setup without too much trouble? I'd really like to upgrade to a machine torch.... I can juuuuuust squeeze it into my build budget, but may have to live with my original hand torch for the time being... after all I do need to be able to afford some steel to cut when I'm finished!
Oldsarge
6x12 Home Built Table
Hypertherm PowerMax 85
CandCNC Dragon Cut 620 DTHC IV
CorelDraw X7, Sheetcam, Mach 3
"Better to attempt great things and fail than to live in the gray twilight where there is neither victory or defeat"
The hand torch can work on your table, but it's not as convenient to mount or change consumables after it's mounted, and more difficult to get it nice and square to the material.
If (or when) you can swing it, it sure is nice having both torches. The machine torch stays on the table all the time and you don't need to mess with it, and the hand torch is available at a moment's notice for cutting stuff by hand, and without messing up your table setup.
From a cut quality perspectve there is no difference between the machine torch and the hand torch on Hypertherm systems. The machine torch consumables fit in the hand torch.
The electrical interface (CPC receptacle) that is provided on the rear panel of Hypertherm systems is non functional when the hand torch is installed....for safety reasons. The machine torch is designed for machine mounting (easy to square to the plate, easy to remove for consumable change, etc. The machine torch mounting sleeve and machine torch design are to provide for long life under high duty cycle mechanized cutting....higher temperature, more molten metal sparks, etc.
Hand torch handles will not hold up as well under the mechanized cutting conditions. Start signal connections with the use of hand torches must be cut and spliced....effectively bypassing the safety trigger circuit. Mounting and adjusting for perpendicularity is more difficult.
From my perspective....as well as many users that have used both hand and machine torches in mechanized conditions....over time the mechanized torch will prove to be less costly, aswell as will prove more consistent cut quality results, based on the above differences.
Why the higher pricing? Hand plasma torches outsel mechanized plasma torches by about 80 to 1. Manufacturing volume affects cost......so the mechanized torches cost more to build and are more costly to buy as a result.
Jim, thanks for the reply.... Lots to digest there... I think I'm going to try to eek out the machine torch because as you point out, it will pay big dividends down the line as far as cut quality & ease of setting it up etc.... Thanks for all you do in all the forums you visit... you are much appreciated!
Oldsarge
6x12 Home Built Table
Hypertherm PowerMax 85
CandCNC Dragon Cut 620 DTHC IV
CorelDraw X7, Sheetcam, Mach 3
"Better to attempt great things and fail than to live in the gray twilight where there is neither victory or defeat"
What are the differences between the two that makes such a difference in price? Also, is it possible to use the hand torch with the CandCNC setup without too much trouble? I'd really like to upgrade to a machine torch.... I can juuuuuust squeeze it into my build budget, but may have to live with my original hand torch for the time being... after all I do need to be able to afford some steel to cut when I'm finished! 
