Plasma Cutter Start Types?

[IanFiTheDwarf]

I am looking at getting a plasma cutter, can someone explain the different start types?

I have seen cutters described as touch start, HF touch start, HF non touch and pilot arc but what do they all mean?

Cheer

 

[shenion]

AFAIK:

Touch start - press torch down and release to start. (tip telescopes some when pressed down.)
HF touch start - HF initiates arc when electrode touches work
HF non-touch - HF starts arc regardless where torch is.
Pilot arc - Another name for HF start (does not say if torch must touch work.)

Mine is a presss-to-start type, Makes it a pain on wire mesh and you need to support thin metal as you do have to press down fairly hard.

 

[IanFiTheDwarf]

These are the two I'm looking at

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PLASMA-CUTTER-CUT-40-OVER-3000-SOLD-/190682672539?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c6592ad9b


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-amp-Inverter-type-Plasma-cutter-/320912919063?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4ab7e68a17

The first one has HF untouched start. The second one is HF touch start.

I don’t need to cut anything thick just cutting the rot out of land rovers so the higher currant of the second one is not important.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Going bigger is always a good thing. I'm quite sure you will find something to cut that needs the extra power.

 

[shirazman]

only one to buy

Ive used a lot of makes but you will never ever beat a Hypertherm and if you can afford it get one, they are the one and only make, nothing and I mean nothing will ever touch them

 

[Seano]

Ive used a lot of makes but you will never ever beat a Hypertherm and if you can afford it get one, they are the one and only make, nothing and I mean nothing will ever touch them

So, I suppose we can take it that you're impressed with the Hypertherm then shirazman..... .

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

I think you're in the wrong job mate, Hypertherm want your CV by lunchtime =)