Preview: Miller Spectrum 625 X-treme
By Sean O'Hara
With the Spectrum 625 X-treme, Miller is rapidly approaching what would’ve been considered science fiction about twelve years ago. We can forgive the overused “X-treme” moniker because this 40-amp plasma cutter is literally smaller than a shoebox.
Miller has managed to cram the tiny box with enough juice to cut 5/8” or sever 3/4″ mild steel. The 21-lb mighty-mouse measures 9″ x 5-1/2″ x 13-1/4″, and Miller boasts it can get through 12 inches per minute of the aforementioned 5/8″ mild steel.
The automatic air-regulation feature automatically adjusts torch air pressure for optimum cutting and gouging performance — that negates the need for a pressure gauge or manual regulator knob, so you won’t find one anywhere on the unit.
It looks like the unit itself will run around $1,900. For folks who do a lot of work out in the field or who want to make life at the junkyard easier, we can honestly say the Spectrum 625 X-treme is lustworthy; but the beginner might want to think twice — then think a third time. Then go spend $50 on a grinder with a cut-off wheel.
Spectrum 625 X-treme [Miller]
February 19th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Now here is a type of tool we don’t have in our shop - but we do like our Miller welders
February 19th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Hypertherm makes Miller/Hobart’s plasma cutters, and they can usually be found for a few hundred less. Unless, that is, you gotta have a blue one to match your Miller welder…
I’ve owned this baby’s bigger cousin (the now-discontinued 800 series Hypertherm) for about five years, and it’s been one of the best investments in “fire vs. metal”-type tools I’ve made. Consumables can get a bit spendy, and it takes a healthy compressor to keep up, but the cut quality and ease of setup/use can’t be beat.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Plasma cutting is actually more cost-effective than oxy-acetylene or abrasives, but for casual use the upfront cost does limit most people.(including me)
May 8th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Correction…Miller plasma cutters are manufactured at Miller Electric in Appleton, WI.
October 18th, 2009 at 2:11 am
[...] Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Preview: Miller Spectrum 625 X-treme [...]