Noob question: Should/Do you use the shroud for the cutting tip?

[Chipmonk]

Searched in this thread, but can't see anyone talking about it. I've watch few hours of vids of cutting on a lot don't use the tip shroud, which I thought was good for A) protecting the tip and B) ensuring minimum distance to the workpiece.

Are there any pros and cons I should be aware of?

Cheers.

 

[Barking Mat]

You should be using a fully assembled tig torch with a 'stand off' for distance from tip to workpiece.

What torch ? Photo please.

 

[Chipmonk]

It's the one that comes with the Simder 4050pro (2024 version). I found the same one on aliexpress:

The thing I'm talking about is the silver/ally bit that touches the workpiece (leaving ~2mm gap from the torch to the piece).

Non HF Blow Back IPT PT 40 PT40 PT-40 IPT40 IPT-40 Plasma Torch Head Plasma Cutting Gun Without High Frequency - AliExpress 1420

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

So you should be using the shroud/stand-off at all times? OK, sso it sounds like maybe these guys in the videos are just making it easier to see what's going on, maybe?

 

[BrokenBiker]

no, you dont need to, if you have good arc length control, but the shroud is there so you can basically just touch down and drag it across the material

 

[Chipmonk]

no, you dont need to, if you have good arc length control, but the shroud is there so you can basically just touch down and drag it across the material

Cheers! By arc length control, you mean manually managing the distance to the piece? that sounds tricky. Probably best I stick with the shroud.

 

[Barking Mat]

Stick with the shroud.

 

[BrokenBiker]

Cheers! By arc length control, you mean manually managing the distance to the piece? that sounds tricky. Probably best I stick with the shroud.

yes, i mean the distance between the contact tip and the material being cut. it needs to be consistent and very short...use the shroud and see how close the tip is, thats where you would have to keep it if you were to free hand it

 

[wyn]

It depends on what machines/torches were being used in the videos you watched.

Some torches you can drag along the surface, some have to have some sort of stand off thingy.

 

[Erie Fred]

Usually anything above 40 amps needs the standoff (unless your running a newer Hypertherm)