using a plasma cutter,

[Monkey Harris]

i have a plasma cutter that i have ordered a new torch for,
as the PO had melted it,
when using it,
do i drag the tip on the metal or hold it just above ...?
i had a look on you tube ..but im none the wiser ...?
thnax in advance

 

[Shedendman]

you ideally want to be 1-2mm from the surface,depending what torch you have depends if you can get drag tips
The PO?

 

[Monkey Harris]

PO =previous owner ...

 

[Monkey Harris]

you ideally want to be 1-2mm from the surface,depending what torch you have depends if you can get drag tips
The PO?

How do you keep a distance...just freehand..?

 

[skotl]

How do you keep a distance...just freehand..?

Yep. Or, use a piece of wood to rest the cup on - that's what I do for straight edges and, if I can be bothered, I'll use a jigsaw to cut a wooden template for non-straight lines.

Excuse bad MS-Paint diagram

 

[Monkey Harris]

that makes sense ...

 

[rikrobson]

You can get wee standoffs that fit on the end of the torch nozzle holder. Of can hold the just off but it's hard to stop the hand wandering but you can see the plasma stream cut into the steel.
I tend to drag the nozzle over the surface.

 

[AdrianH]

Another here for dragging the tip.

If a typical Chinese cheaper machine I think like the the Cut 40 or 50 then they are very simple torches and videos show them being dragged along. The books still suggest 1mm above but trying to hold that is hard.

If any other post the type of Plasma cutter you have and I am sure someone will advise.

Adrian