First time use of my plasma cutter

[1gary]

I am thinking I am going to use my plasma cutter on some scrap I have in the shop to brace a bench grinder stand I built awhile ago.I have some solid square stock I can use for a straight edge guide.

Anyone has suggestions for a first time use??.

[34_40]

Like all new toys, I mean tools! Review the directions / connections. Get some scrap and practice / practice / practice!! Easier than welding but you gotta plan for the slag spray out so keep that extinguisher close by.

[Dave Severson]

I still don't have one and still don't really want one for the reason 34-40 mentioned. I hate fire!!!! From what I've seen and the little bit I've used one they are indeed fast to cut with--but IMO even with a straight edge for a guide they certainly don't leave a good edge that's ready for final fit and weld... Probably a necessary item for production work, but I think I'll stick with my Sawz-all and a couple of different cutoff tools. Most of the stuff for a Hot Rod is just a one time deal anyway, so speed getting it cut isn't really a concern for me.

Anyway, they require an air supply of sufficient CFM and dry air to work right with the regulator set to the correct pressure. Higher heat settings seem to cut cleaner. The sparks and slag can be larger pieces so along with the fire danger, don't have anything around that is nicely painted or polished!!!! Just like a welder, they seem to work better if the ground is positioned close to the area you're cutting.

[1gary]

I bought this used,so I didn't get a manual.Face shield or just my normal glasses?

[Dave Severson]

A dark lens, probably about a 4 or so....if nothing else some really good quality sunglasses. Light intensity is just a bit less then that of a cutting torch.

[rspears]

And no cutting in shorts & sandles

[34_40]

And no cutting in shorts & sandles

You'll only do it once!

[1gary]

Yep Roger.Maybe I'll hold off until Monday so I can hit up my weld shop for glasses and some leathers.Don't have work boots anymore,just the sneakers.Do need a water trap and fire extinguisher.I do have a isolated area in the shop with nothing near it.The unit has a regulator on it.

[sunsetdart]

Have used one I borrowed from a buddy. Main thing to remember is you have to have the tip of the cutter almost touching the metal you are cutting.

[roadster32]

I have a plasma and wouldn't be without it, You have to get used to using it like any new tool, mine leaves a real nice edge on anything up to a 1/4", after that it gets a bit scruffy but not terrible, For cutting just use a pair of gas welding goggles.

[cffisher]

I have had mine since around 1989, I use it for just about everything ,tourch for heavy stuff. burning goggles is all I use if you use good tips(which burn up) you'll be ok. sparks and slag are less than a tourch or even a welder. . Don't try cleaning the tips just change them .They have become expensive lately but great machine(tool) Yes air has to be dry. is that a 110 unit? won't have much capacity with 110vac I wouldn't think. you can do a search on yahoo and find instructions.

[Mike P]

".....I bought this used,so I didn't get a manual....."

Here you go Gary.

http://www.thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads...0110%20(S).pdf



.

[Bug]

Our welders use them quite a bit. They just use very dark wrap around glasses that look like sun glasses but they might be bought from the welding supply.

Wear old clothes or some sort of apron/overalls. Can get a good cut with practice. You will still need grind some slag off. Our shop air is run through a dryer so we do not have to worry to much about it but they did install a water trap on the plasma anyway.