Plasma Cutting Tips for Successful Plasma Cutting
There are many ways to weld and when you
need high heat plasma cutting is your best
way to do it. You will find that plasma and the
plasma arc process has been refined so you can
get a better quality cut at higher speeds with a
lower cost. You can also find that gouging and
piercing will go a lot smoother.
Generally speaking plasma cutting is a simple
technique to learn though the process seems
complicated. Plasma cutting is also safer than
using oxyfuel because there are no flashbacks
or dangers from flammable gas like there is in
oxyfuel gas cutting.
When you have a metal that you want to cut and it is a good electrical conductor,
plasma cutting is the best way cut it.
How To Set Up the Plasma Cutter for the Best Cut
When you first start the cut the torch should be as close as you can get it to the base
metal’s edge. Next press the trigger so you can start the pre-flow air and light the
pilot arc. When you see that the cutting has started, control the torch so that it
moves slowly across your project. You may need to adjust the speed to keep the
sparks under the bottom of the metal. Watch the metal because if you do not see
sparks under the bottom then you are not getting through the metal. If this is the
case, slow down your movement and check the amperage of the plasma stream;
make sure that you are holding it at an angle.
As you are finishing the cut, put the torch at a slight angle or pause it so that it will
automatically finish the cut.
How To Make A Perfect Gouge
To do this you should place the torch at a 40 degree angle to the base metal. As you
see the cutting arc igniting, make your arc a short distance from your work. You may
have to adjust the length of the arc and the travel speed so that you are able to
control the gouge. You do not want to cut it too deeply at first because you may
have to do more than one pass if you are attempting to go through thick metal.
Plasma cutting is a skill that needs to be practiced just like any other welding
technique. With these tips you may find that your practice goes smoother.
Source:
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/plasma-cutters/plasma-
cutting-tips-for-successful-plasma-cutting/