plasma cutter help needed

[mroldstyle]

That sounds like the problem ( to much distance) I'll practice keeping the tip closer. I cut thru 3/4" without much problem so I don't think its equipment failure. I'll post a pic but it wont be until Wed. when I'm back to a computer.
Thanks for the help.

 

[patrick_g]

I have the Hypertherm 600. It does 20-40 amps. The amp control knob when rotated CCW beyond the lowest amp setting turns on the air through the nozzle. This allows setting the pressure regulator dynamically instead of statically therefore compensating for all losses due to hose length, dryers, or whatever.

The supplied torch has a non-adjustable spacing for standoff and is intended to be lightly dragged across the work (I like a two hand grip as it gives me a much steadier result.)

I am not a welding guru and got the plasma mostly due to poor ability with O-A cutting torch and much more convenience. I get much better results with the plasma. One difficulty I sometimes have is like the OP, I cut through the material but it fuses back together after the torch passes by. Another is that the "arc" goes out and I have to release and reapply the trigger to try again, sometimes several times before getting a stable "arc." When it works OK for me it is a wonderful tool.

I like making wooden templates for cutting out circles and other shapes with such pro looking results. I clamp a guide board (like a rip fence for a saw) onto the workpiece and SHAZAM I get an almost sheared look. Terrific for cutting light gauge sheet metal, ending up with a "fire polished" edge with no "meat hooks." Beats snips 7 ways from Sunday.

My recommendation is get a coach and practice.

Pat

 

[mroldstyle]

Heres a pic of two pcs. of 3/8 I cut after adjusting the standoff.

 

[jimcolt]

Here are a couple of pieces stacked and cut with a hand torch on the Hypertherm Powermax45 (45 Amps). The top piece is 1/2" and the bottom is 3/4" for a total stacked thickness of 1-1/4".

The second picture is of two pieces of 3/4" stacked, for 1-1/2" cut.

I must say that both of these cuts were extremely slow, and are asking way too much of a 45 Amp unit that is sold with a max cut of 3/4" and a production cut rating of 1/2"....but it can be done. This was with the front of the torch resting right on the plate, edge starting, and dragging the torch along the edge of a piece of 1/8" steel as a straightedge.

Jim

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

two pieces of 3/8= 3/4". That's within the quality cut specs of the unit. It looks like some technique issues still, as there is a lot of gouging and stray marks on the cut. You'll see more improvement with more practice. What's your standoff distance now?

If you'd like to see some videos of one cutting well, then you can go here and see the videos, maybe it will help to visualize his technique: YouTube - EVERLAST PLASMA CUTTER POWERPLASMA 50 CUT 1-1/8"
YouTube - EVERLAST POWER PLASMA 50 PLASMA CUTTER PART 2

 

[mroldstyle]

two pieces of 3/8= 3/4". That's within the quality cut specs of the unit. It looks like some technique issues still, as there is a lot of gouging and stray marks on the cut. You'll see more improvement with more practice. What's your standoff distance now?

If you'd like to see some videos of one cutting well, then you can go here and see the videos, maybe it will help to visualize his technique: YouTube - EVERLAST PLASMA CUTTER POWERPLASMA 50 CUT 1-1/8"
YouTube - EVERLAST POWER PLASMA 50 PLASMA CUTTER PART 2

About 1/16 standoff

 

[tractorboy5500]

Hey guys, I am in the process of buying a plasma cutter, any tips on a certain brand or make?? I have a Miller mig 180, its a good machine, but the Miller plasma cutters are very exspensive. Thanks.

 

[jimcolt]

There are many plasma cutters available from 12 to 1000 amps....hand held and mechanized. If you let us know what materials and thicknesses you would like to cut...then we could steer you towards the right type of plasma system! Major brands are Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics, Miller, Esab There also are lower cost imported units avaialable as well.

Jim

 

[patrick_g]

There are no cheap good plasma cutters. I'd avoid brand X even though it will cost more for a name brand but you will never regret good function and longer trouble free service life.

This is one of those times when even I would avoid Harbor Freight and the like unless I had a knowledgeable friend who could test the unit in actual operation and I had an iron clad "Return it for full refund if it doesn't work to your full satisfaction" guarantee. Still, I think it would probably be a waste of time to go brand X.

One piece of advice I do feel confident in giving is, "Don't under buy... Get all the cutting power you will need. Nothing is so frustrating as trying to work with an underpowered (for the task at hand) tool. I bought a good brand (one of many), a Hypertherm... but too small... I was splitting a 12 inch pipe lengthwise to make feed troughs and was growing older way faster than I was cutting the material. Took the unit back to the welder supply shop and traded up. Much much happier now with 20-40 Amp unit. Enough power for my needs.

Pat

 

[tractorboy5500]

There are many plasma cutters available from 12 to 1000 amps....hand held and mechanized. If you let us know what materials and thicknesses you would like to cut...then we could steer you towards the right type of plasma system! Major brands are Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics, Miller, Esab There also are lower cost imported units avaialable as well.

Jim[/QUO

5/8" and smaller