Plasma Cutter Tricks

Training

• Training for the use of plasma cutters lets the operator do the best job possible while incorporating techniques that work quickly and efficiently. This also cuts down on the need to change consumables more often. Local colleges and trade schools offer courses that specialize in teaching plasma cutter operation.

Before Cutting

• Begin by doing a sample cut on the same material that will be part of the project. The sample helps to set the cutter at the proper settings. Longer cuts require practice runs you can accomplish before starting the plasma cutter. Confirm that there is enough room for the cut to be continuous. Create a brace with your free hand to ensure a cleaner cut.

Angling Torch

• Set the plasma cutter at a 45- degree angle when working with a thicker material to give the backsplash space. Other angles will cause wear on the plasma cutter's consumable parts. Sparks need to be at 15 degrees to 20 degrees when when exitingthe material you cut. A simple rule is that if the plasma cutter is moving too slow if of the arc is going down in a straight line. It is moving too fast if there is spray back.

Piercing

• Specific piercings require their own techniques and methods. Double arcing requires that the material at 1.5-2X will be the cut height. The creeping pierce method involves moving the plasma cutting tool slowly, with the cutting material moving away from the front of the torch. Follow the system limits when piercing material. This usually means one-half the cut rating.

Thick Plates

• Only experienced users of the plasma cutter should attempt the double-shot technique or the rising pierce. With the double-shot technique, pierce the material more than once or twice. The first show makes a hole, while the second shot is at the hole's edge. Another method, the rising pierce, involves the torch coming in contact with the plate. The plasma cutter rises one inch above the plate before touching and it begins cutting after breaking through. The pilot arc will be on during this technique.