Plasma issue...

[Rustyiron]

I thought that the "drag" option was a function of the tip (having little standoff feet) and not the machine's function.
Both torches that I've had for my Hypertherm had available "drag tips. Anyone know if this is correct ?

I think that most see a plasma cutter (before they've had one) as the ultimate cutting tool and the "end all be all" solution to cutting and a nice fit up. I shure did close to 20 years ago, only find that it's basically a bottle free O/A torch that can cut non ferrous also. A guide and a steady hand are still needed for a nice clean cut.

 

[yomax4]

Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics both offer what they call drag tips. I've never been able see the benefit so I just use the regular tips and do what I will with them. The oly time I drag is under 60 amps and usually with a straight edge. On the Thermal machines if you try to drag at over 60 amps, It has a roll back circuit that brings it back to 60. Set at 80 amps and drag, It rolls back to 60 to protect the torch. Funny though, Most people I know with mid sized plasmas, 30-80 amps leave them set wide open and just cut what ever how ever..

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have a bunch of tip styles for my Hypertherm and am left thouroughly confused as to what is used for what. Dragging, goughing, cutting???????

True, my 800 with upgraded torch never gets turned down from the max position.



In truth, wrecking something like this is about the only thing where I have ever been totally satisfied with the plasma. Sure beats setting fire to the barn with a torch. I just noticed water hose in picture for safety.

 

[Big Barn]

Too bad they don’t make a quick change LONG plasma torch handle for certain cutting jobs.

I miss the precise control and fluid movements afforded by a conventional oxy-fuel torch.

 

[BukitCase]

My PM45 uses mostly drag type tips, scarfing tip works well for cleaning out old welds - but dragging on slower cuts (thicker materials) does NOT work well on rust or mill scale, it causes uneven travel speeds. My solution to that was one of these
Pipefitter.com > Cutting Tools > Plasma Cutting Guide

That gives me a circle guide or straight cuts using a piece of 1-1/2" angle for a guide - BOTH with the "training wheels", 1 for circles and 2 for straight cuts. I set the torch height for about 1/16" off the material. All options use standard 1/4-20 hardware, so it's easy to "grow yer own" add-ons for wierd applications.

Been looking at their bevel adapter, but haven't done it yet

Pipefitter.com > Cutting Tools > Plasma Beveling Yoke

HTH... Steve

 

[yomax4]

Too bad they don稚 make a quick change LONG plasma torch handle for certain cutting jobs.

I miss the precise control and fluid movements afforded by a conventional oxy-fuel torch.

View attachment 621341

Hypertherm makes them out to 3'. I think they have 3 lengths plus a 180 degree. People use the long reach torches for cutting up the skelotons on the plas tables. New in the last few years. I always tried to get Victor to make a long one but it never happened. Once they were thrown in with ESAB the whole company went to Hel. and many of us bailed out.They came out with the new 60i that has a 2 piece torch so you can trade back and forth for automation which was a good idea that didn't work and the 60i became a flop. Now they re-released the old Cutmaster 52 calling it a a 58 in effort to control the bleeding but under ESAB rule, Doom is in the air.

 

[Big Barn]

Hypertherm makes them out to 3'. I think they have 3 lengths plus a 180 degree. People use the long reach torches for cutting up the skelotons on the plas tables. New in the last few years. I always tried to get Victor to make a long one but it never happened. Once they were thrown in with ESAB the whole company went to Hel. and many of us bailed out.They came out with the new 60i that has a 2 piece torch so you can trade back and forth for automation which was a good idea that didn't work and the 60i became a flop. Now they re-released the old Cutmaster 52 calling it a a 58 in effort to control the bleeding but under ESAB rule, Doom is in the air.

Thanks yomax. A 16-18” long torch body would be ideal for my needs. I’m just glad to find out I wasn’t totally out to lunch with my thinking (on this).

 

[yomax4]

Something else interesting. Trane Corp. had automation interface kits on the Victor plasmas and we used to tape the leads to a 3/4" 4' long wooden dowell. Then there is a hand pendant that screwed onto the back of the plasma that would fire the torch when you pulled the trigger. The machines have trigger lock so once fired the arc would stay lit and the guys could cut up the skeletons. It was cheap. I guess Hypertherm did it best with the long torches but they can cost as much as the machine.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I always wanted a long scrappers torch, maybe three feet long, and finally got one at auction. Yeah, some kind of plasma torch along similar lines where you are away from the action, would be nice, for demo work.

 

[yomax4]

I always wanted a long scrappers torch, maybe three feet long, and finally got one at auction. Yeah, some kind of plasma torch along similar lines where you are away from the action, would be nice, for demo work.

Scrappers torches are pretty cool. I sold some 4' and 5' long with shoulder strap like a weed eater. I have a new 3' that I thought about making a putter out of.