Newbie with a basic question.

[mundungus]

Hi all,

Just found this site whilst looking for some pointers about plasma cutters.

Recently bought a Clarke plasma cutter from Machine mart. Today I finally got round to trying it out. I need to know. What kind of visor should I wear when using it?

I tried it with the welding mask, but couldn't see ****** all. The flame seems whey too bright for the naked eye, but not bright enough to light up the area through the mask. So I've got no idea if I'm cutting straight (turns out I wasn't)

I was thinking maybe a pair of those glasses used for gas welding might be ok. But thought I should seek some help in case that's a stupid idea.

 

[shenion]

I use my welding mask with masking tape over the sensors (not the solar cell.)

Gas goggles would be good.

 

[rtbcomp]

I use one of those clear polycarbonate face guards with a cut-open Netto brown plastic cider bottle taped to it.

Needless to say I change the plastic cover on a regular basis.

 

[Endacy]

You can get different 'darkness' glass for welding helmets, try a not-so-dark one perhaps?

 

[cookie munsta]

same as for oxy-acetylene shade 5 i usually use

 

[Shox Dr]

I use one of those clear polycarbonate face guards with a cut-open Netto brown plastic cider bottle taped to it.

Needless to say I change the plastic cover on a regular basis.

Why oh why doesn't that surprise me

 

[RapidResponse]

You need to treat it in exactly the same way as you would with arc welding.
Select a shade depending on the amount of amperage your plasma delivers.
If it is 30 amps, 5ew visor is ok. If it is 100 amps shade 8 will be needed.
When i first used a plasma, i had one of the most sleepless nights in my life.
PAK 10XR 70 amp machine with no eye protection at all. No one told me i needed it. 22 years later, my sight has still not recovered completely. But the blisters on my face healed quite nicely. It is an electric arc with infa red and stacks of UV. Use the correct shade face and eye protection.

 

[mundungus]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the help. My welding mask is one of the automatic solar jobbies, so I'm not sure how I would change the darkness. Maybe I should invest in a normal mask and a selection of different shades.

I think I might try the masking tape idea first though. See if that's shaded enough.

RapidResponse - Wow - That sounds absolutely frightening. I think the worst I've ever done was my first (and only) experience of tig welding at college. Gave myself a nice suntan on the arm that didn't have a glove on. Skin felt like leather for a few weeks, but no lasting damage. I think I'll make sure I have full face protection on your advice.


Do love the cutter though. I've heard people say it goes through steel like a warm knife through butter. Turns out they wasn't lying.

 

[shenion]

Most auto masks are about a 4 shade when light (mine are). Fine for lower amp plasma. Mine is 25A so, it is plenty.