Plasma Cutting for Beginners: Sheet Metal | TIG Time

#welddotcom
In this episode we will be going over the basics of plasma cutting. Plasma cutting is a very versatile process to any fabricator or welder, which is why we will be going over safety, how to set your machine and how to cut material with a plasma cutter.
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ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN UTILIZING ANY DISPLAYED TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, TECHNIQUES OR PROCESSES. IF EVER IN DOUBT, CONSULT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY RELIANCE ON THE PRESENTED INFORMATION IS STRICTLY AT THE VIEWERS OWN RISK. EACH VIEWER EXPRESSLY AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUMES ANY AND ALL RISKS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEATH, DISABILITY, AND/OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY RELATED TO THE USAGE OF ANY TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR TECHNIQUES OR PROCESSES IN THE PRESENTED CONTENT. IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

[Welddotcom]

The 2t function on the panel allows you to initiate an arc or plasma cut immediately upon demand of the trigger. When you let off the trigger, the plasma arc stops. When you place the 4t function, you can squeeze the trigger and once the arc is initiated, you can let go of the trigger and the arc will remain until you re-squeeze the trigger. This function is sometimes used for automatic cutting systems or when you have long runs to make.

[davidhendershot]

I bought one of the first Everlast machines. I had a problem with adjusting the settings for specific applications. I called the phone number in the manual. The guy answers, it’s the head of the company. We a long conversation. Nice guy very helpful

[Welddotcom]

The Pilot arc is a "small" hot ionized flame that will allow quick start initiation of the plasma cut upon demand. It will assist in connecting the electrical circuit needed to initiate the full power on plasma demand.

[ralphwaters]

I've found that the dross ("recast") that adheres to the edges of a cut can be minimized by maximizing the speed of the cut. e.g. You could have gone much faster in your demo. To remove it, tap the edge with a hammer (motion in the plane of the material) and it will pop right off. The "pilot arc" feature is intended for interrupted cuts, such as you would encounter when cutting expanded metal. It keeps the arc going while the torch moves through the air gap to the next section of metal.

[JamesDoylesGarage]

I appreciate that people here are being critical but civil. Personally I was happy just to see what it does and will now look for a more in depth tutorial. So Thanks

[billyblackie]

Very well done and very informative. I just bought my first ever plasma cutter as I want to do some small home projects as Im retired and just doing things as hobbies. I haven't even taken the cutters out of its box yet but I was reading through the instructions a few times because I'm a slow learner and pick up hints gradually especially things I need to be familiar with. You showed the important things and what would need to eventually be replaced something I didn't know about great job

[catherineharris]

Omg i just heard that Mr. Tig has passed away!😭 R.I.P. Sir and thanks for all of these educational videos you've given us!

[walterforsiethe]

User adjustable post flow is a great feature. Some discussion on amperage and travel speed for the best cut would have been nice.

[dieselrotor]

No offense meant. I'm a 32 year year long heavy duty Mechanic/welder/fabricator and i build custom semi trucks/trailers/wreckers and soon choppers. And I buy "Cheap Chinese" Ebay equipment and I have no problems because I understand limitations and know not to push equipment and keep it clean and cool. My point is, You get to use/afford the best high end stuff. Why don't You demonstrate some equipment people in the real world can afford and show techniques and some of the difficulty's faced when You don't have top notch equipment. Heck, I cut 1/2 steel all day with My cheap Simadre CUT-50RX and TIG aluminum all day too with My cheap Infinity TIG200P. My Lincoln 216 does the heavier stuff when welding 3/4 steel and My 100S spool gun for heavier aluminum all very successfully. Teach technique, not just go buy the best. And if Your asking why I'm here, just got bored and the rabbit hole led Me here. Help these kids, don't just tell/show them they need the best.

[beginization]

I started TIG at college this year, Being a artist I picked up the TIG quickly and about to start stainless steel as I just finished the mild steel projects, but to build sculptures a plasma cutter is what I need.

[MagaRickn]

Good information, but like most experienced users, they forget some of us have never used a plasma torch. What air pressure should we use for the gauge metal? :) I just bought a plasma machine and my first cuts look like I had my eyes closed! ;) That being said, what eye protection setting should we use? Cutting goggles or welding helmet?? :)

[erwinerwin]

Great informative video. I am new at this and just took up welding. Now thinking of buying a cheap Amazon plasma cutter Now do you not need a welding helmet for the plasma cutter and welding glvoes?

[sverrefossenjr.]

As a beginner I Hope we can learn some more by following you Thanks for the movie

[briandonovan]

Mr. Tig rocks. Had a good year (2014) and looking forward to bringing a Plasma cutter into our 19th century fab shop! LOL
  Thanks for my first lesson.

[justinverbaux]

The torch guide should have been right up against the surface of the metal to be cut. That would have produced a much cleaner cut. A discussion on the benefits of the pilot arc would have been helpful. Also a discussion on the features to look for to prolong the life of the consumables like a user settable post-flow.

[lukebrooks]

Very informative and a nice camera presence thank you..

[mfoto]

This may have been pointed out, but what you referred to as an "insulator" @ 2:41 is actually called a Swirl Ring. It's not really a consumable, but is a very important part of what makes a plasma cutter work like it does. 

[notretiredrefreshed]

It is time for me to break down and buy a PowerPlasma cutter. Thanks for the tips about adjustable postflow Walter. Great tip.

[notretiredrefreshed]

I've been looking at a few everlast plasma cutters. Nice that they can be purchased at Sears, Home Depot, Amazon, etc. Really convenient.

[matthewcurrier]

I use oxy/acet on farm and am going to try my uncles on some pieces. Two ?'s: 1.) How clean does the metal need to be when doing this, grind all the way or will cut dirty as long as you can make an arc. 2.) welding helmet or torch goggles; are those special glasses he has on; shade #?? thank you