first plasma cutter

[feen]

Hello folks, first post I know but been lurking since October. And finally have a question worth asking. I'm looking for a Plasma Cutter. I've read Hugh's thread about his and it seems he bought a decent enough unit. I just wondered if his thread/machine was now out of date.

Basically I'm looking to spend up to £350 on my first machine, so which one should I buy????? I would like a clean cut on 6mm steel, the more the merrier.

Thanks

James

 

[astro_al]

Find a used hypertherm, they come up for that sort of money.

Al.

 

[feen]

I eventually settled for a new R Tech 30 Plasma. Not the biggest of machines but more than enough for what I need.

I'm just not sure if I'm doing it right. I seem to get a lot of "slag" on the back edge. I've tried different pressures and amps but can't find a happy medium. I'm using it mostly on sheet between 1 and 6mm. What exactly does "clean cut" mean? Am I expecting too much??

Thank you


Feen

 

[eil]

Might be your speed of travel.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

I get that a lot too with my Berlan 40A, and used to grind it off until someone on here (sorry I can't remember who) said that they tap it off with a hammer and cold chisel.

Guess what, it works!

Quick and easy, takes much less time than the grinder. I finished off my test piece with a flap disk along the edge, done in one pass.

Regards
Peter

 

[feen]

I appreciate that it knocks off quite easily. I have an old hand axe that does the job well. However, should I be able to cut without the "slag" hanging on the other side?

Thans

Feen

 

[paulmowers]

Hi Feen

It is more than likely your speed of travel, I cut a lot of 3mm plate with my chinese machine and always get some slag.
a few days ago I cut some arrowheads out with a ply pattern and on the edges where I moved the torch at what felt like way too fast I got a glass smooth cut with no slag.
My problem is i learnt to cut with oxy gear and my natural speed of travel is kind of embedded in my brain to suite gas gear, where as plasma is fast, they say as quick as you can draw a line you can cut it, its not far off.

paul..