How to Cut Heavy Steel

Read the plasma cutter's instruction manual thoroughly, especially if you have never used one before.

Put on a pair of safety glasses, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work boots, and heavy work gloves.

Plug the plasma cutter in to an outlet.

Select a guide for the plasma cutter. Use roller guides for straight lines, a circular guide for circular cuts, and a beveled cut guide for angles.

Turn on the plasma cutter. Turn the amperage control to the maximum setting. Check the air pressure gauge to make sure the compressor is working properly.

Place the ground clamp as close to the cutting area as you can. Because the plasma cutter uses electricity to heat the gas, you need to have a ground clamp for safety.

Hold the nozzle of the plasma cutter at a 90-degree angle to the cutting area. The nozzle should be 1/8 inch above the steel, but do not let the nozzle drag or touch the steel.

Remove the trigger lock. Press the trigger to start the cutting arc.

Move the cutting arc through the steel. Go slowly enough so that you can see sparks flying out of the bottom side of the steel. This will let you know that you are cutting completely through the steel.

Angle the nozzle up slightly when you reach the end of your cut. Pause for a couple of seconds to ensure that the edge of the steel is cut. Release the trigger, put the trigger lock on, and pull the cutter away from the steel before you examine your cut.