Plasma cutting - Am I doing this wrong?

[mundungus]

Am I supposed to touch the electrode to the work piece or hold it slightly off it?

I've been holding it slightly off and the cut is coming out really messy and with bits of molten metal sprayed everywhere.

I'm guessing this will take some practice but I wonder if I'm doing something completely wrong.

 

[Hitch]

It does depend on the make of machine, you can hold most good ones on the metal. Im not sure on the budget type machines, never used one.

What make is your machine?

Travel speed and a steady hand will make a world of difference aswell.
Holding the tip against a guide works wonders.

 

[mundungus]

Its the Clarke 30 Si from Machine mart.

 

[pedrobedro]

There's a bit if a tips thing here at thefabricator.com/, I don't know how relevant it is as I don't use one but it might help someone.

 

[astro_al]

Got any pics? It could be related to your travel speed or any number of things. How new are the consumables in the tip etc?

Al.