Plasma issue...

[mikester]

If you need to pierce and cut 1/2 regularly then you have the wrong machine for the job. Sorry but you are expecting a $300 machine to perform like a $3,000 machine...I wouldnt recommend buying tractors or tools like this at homedepot because all you get is cheap homeowner class junk.

You need to start with something like a hypertherm powemax 65 want clean cuts in 1/2 metal. You can do it with the model 45 but you need to slow down. In your photo you havent even gone through the metal and yet you are moving the torch...good if you like blowback and eating sparks.

 

[Rustyiron]

If your travel speed is too fast and your not blowing through and out the bottom side, you'll have these results.
Drill a hole inboard slightly of your desired cut and work out to it. When dealing with a "maxed out" power situation, you can't go too slow! Like BB suggested, a good ground and consumables are a must and although your pic shows a nice clean & new piece of material, if you cut that rusty "radius guide" prior to your attempt...... The consumables don't like rust, dirt or paint.

 

[metalbender]

You probably can't see what's happening with the cut using a guide like that. When I need to do circles, I use wood or aluminum piece of the correct thickness for the tip not to drag, use a hole saw for the size. Saved hrs of drilling when I built my land plane, hot drilled the many holes to mount the blades. Also in the set-up, how good is your air supply filtered?

 

[Big Barn]

If you need to pierce and cut 1/2 regularly then you have the wrong machine for the job. Sorry but you are expecting a $300 machine to perform like a $3,000 machine...I wouldnt recommend buying tractors or tools like this at homedepot because all you get is cheap homeowner class junk.

You need to start with something like a hypertherm powemax 65 want clean cuts in 1/2 metal. You can do it with the model 45 but you need to slow down. In your photo you havent even gone through the metal and yet you are moving the torch...good if you like blowback and eating sparks.

Using this machine the OP mentioned that he has already cut 1/2” diamond plate with success.

While Hypertherm is somewhat the “gold standard of plasmas” his Cut 40 is far from a $300 machine and has good reviews from many users.

 

[shaeff]

I cut 1/2” plate with no issues on my Hypertherm Powermax 45.

Looks to me that if the amperage was cranked, air pressure was in spec, and a good ground- your travel speed was too fast.

 

[Big Barn]

Most likely as others have mentioned starting from an edge or a drilled hole would have been better. The poor radius cutting guide also contributed to its failure.

Good chance blowback ruined the tip and electrode and both may need to be replaced.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I looked up the CUT40 manual. It says 3/8 material max. Also - and unlike the Hypertherm torches - you cannot just drag the nozzle along the work. You have to keep the correct space between nozzle and work. So there are two more possible things to consider.

 

[Big Barn]

I don’t know about Hypertherm, but I don’t drag on 1/2” material with my Miller 625 Extreme.

 

[Big Barn]

Using this machine the OP mentioned that he has already cut 1/2” diamond plate with success.

While Hypertherm is somewhat the “gold standard of plasmas” his Cut 40 is far from a $300 machine and has good reviews from many users.

Okay I had to quote myself to correct my error.

I now realize the OP’s Cut 40 is an Eastwood product. I mistakenly thought it was a Victor/ Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 40!


My apologies to everyone. I need to read a little more carefully.

 

[yomax4]

Okay I had to quote myself to correct my error.

I now realize the OP’s Cut 40 is an Eastwood product. I mistakenly thought it was a Victor/ Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 40!


My apologies to everyone. I need to read a little more carefully.

Victor Cutmaster 42 will cut 1/2" pretty well but would struggle to pierce. Not quite like the Powermax 45 will though. Back to the Killowatt thing again. I have a 42 and enjoy the low air consumption compared to my 82.