Drag Tips for Plasma cutters

[Haywire]

Anyone use a tip like this? Looks like it has built in spacers to hold the tip off the surface.

Ian

 

[mroldstyle]

That looks like a good price, why dont you try some and let us know!!!:thumbsup:

 

[yomax4]

Anyone use a tip like this? Looks like it has built in spacers to hold the tip off the surface.

Ian

I saw those tips and electrodes on the Northern Tool 325 40 amp plasma cutter. There is a gas distributor that goes with that set. I see it's not listed.

 

[charlz]

I have used both drag tips and the 'regular' kind. Drag tips are nice when you are using a straight edge or pattern to guide the cut. You just have to concentrate on moving at the right speed and you get beautiful cuts. Since you can't see the penetration point they are not that useful for free hand work where you are trying to follow a line etc. by eye. Also useful when cutting up scrap where you don't really care precisely where the cut is made. I keep both kinds around and change to suit the kind of cut I am making.

 

[Haywire]

Thanks, I think I'll spend my money on a roller guide instead.

Ian

 

[grsthegreat]

I really need to get a hand torch option for my plasma cutter.... i keep meaning to then i see the $600 price tag and forget about it.

there sure are times that i could use it instead of hauling out the OA setup.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

I really need to get a hand torch option for my plasma cutter....:

What do you mean.
Bill

 

[Haywire]

Sounds like he has a machine torch for a CNC table. Don't know how many amps your plasma has, but this is the one on my 50a and it's less than $100, you'll just have to adapt the connections to your machine.

edit 80-100a, 25' cable, similar price

Edit 2... might be import duties on those. Also, the first torch isn't set up for HF, not sure about the second.

 

[jgrieve]

I used to work in a fab shop we used drag tips all the time with a straight edge or homeade pattern all the time. a framing square works nice as a straight edge clamp it to the metal with a couple of vice grips. we would lau out the cut line with soapstone and then lay a line where to set the guide.

 

[Haywire]

JG, how thick was the metal you were cutting?

Ian

 

[The Haymaker]

I simply hose clamp a dull piece of nail to the insulator and drag away. Works more than adequate for the price.

 

[IslandTractor]

I simply hose clamp a dull piece of nail to the insulator and drag away. Works more than adequate for the price.

Great idea. Redneck but great.

 

[grsthegreat]

What do you mean.
Bill

sorry, i have a cnc machine plasma system. so i cant just use it to cut a barrel (for instance). Everything i cut has to be able to fit on the 5'x10' flat table.

i need a hand torch cable but they run $600 for the hypertherm 1000

 

[Haywire]

Do you have to use a specific Hypertherm proprietary torch or can you adapt an aftermarket torch to your machine? I see it's a 60a machine.

Ian

 

[grsthegreat]

Do you have to use a specific Hypertherm proprietary torch or can you adapt an aftermarket torch to your machine? I see it's a 60a machine.

Ian

you know i really dont know...and im not even sure who i can ask. If i contact Hypertherm there sure to tell me it has to be theirs.

 

[ak9]

Haywire & grsthegreat
check out thermacut.us web site they sell a huge variety of aftermarket tips and accessories price um and see . grsthegreat they might be able to aid you in a torch head for your machine?
ak9

 

[Shield Arc]

Thermal Dynamics sells adapter to Hypertherm machines.

Products

Thermal Dynamics SL100 Replacement Plasma Torch with Leads 7-5206

 

[Haywire]

Looks like they're geared for the big names. Nothing for my Trafimet S45.

Ian

 

[jimcolt]

Those nozzles (some call them tips) are designed for handheld cutting with a plasma torch.....not necessarily for drag cutting as they are of an exposed nozzle design. Rather....the "castleations" on the face of the nozzle are to prevent an inexperienced operator from piercing plate with the nozzle pushed firmly against the plate.....causing loss of air flow...and internal arcing in the torch. These bumps allow air to escape...keeping the arcing outside the torch body.

These nozzles are copies of an old (over 30 year old) Hypertherm nozzle (as used in the Max40, Hypertherms first hand held plasma system) design. many of the low cost import plasma systems use parts very similar to these.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Anyone use a tip like this? Looks like it has built in spacers to hold the tip off the surface.

Ian

 

[jimcolt]

One of the worst things you can do to a Hypertherm plasma system is to put an inferior torch on it! It is best to either use the original torch on your Hypertherm (parts are available for the torches and leads if they need repair...and service manuals can be downloaded for free from Hypertherm | Plasma Cutters | Plasma Cutting Equipment | Metal Cutting Equipment | CAM Software | Fiber Laser Cutting Equipment click on download library).

There also are some newer technology torches from Hypertherm that can upgrade the Powermax1000, 1250 and 1650 systems to similar technology (longer consumable life, better cut quality, faster cut speeds) as used with the newest Hypertherm systems.

Hypertherm torches and plasma systems are all built in the USA by employee owners of Hypertherm.


Jim Colt

Thermal Dynamics sells adapter to Hypertherm machines.

Products

Thermal Dynamics SL100 Replacement Plasma Torch with Leads 7-5206