PLASMA CUTTING FOR BEGINNERS, PLASMA TIPS AND TRICKS

Plasma cutting for dummies.
In this video I'm showing you some basic tips and tricks to get the best out of your plasma cutter.

My names Matt Urch and I own and run Urchfab welding and fabrication.
I specialise in custom automotive fabrication from building roll cages to complete one off builds.
I built the worlds most unique and oldest drift car known as the drift rod which can be found on my channel.
So if your into grinding, welding, fabricating, drifting, going fast etc, your in the right place!

[icook]

Good Vid.

A few things though...It's not about outright compressor pressure (although it is a factor), it's about air flow rate.

Torch tips - if they have a star or cross pattern at the nozzle / tip - they are capable of being dragged, as long as the work is pierced though, and the correct cutting speed / current selection / air flow / pressure setting (as you mentioned) is maintained, any tip can be used to drag.

Not just nozzle / tip condition, but inner electrode condition is also a major factor in cut quality.

Wouldn't recommend beginners to use non dominant hand to hold work with a pilot arc cutter - they're indiscriminant in what they cut. Don't forget the plasma stream is somewhere in the region of 20, 000 degrees Celsius. The leg comment was not said in jest!!!!

Again, good vid.

[codprawn]

Still coming back to this video when I need to refresh my plasma skills. Great as always!

[Berryforged]

Finally a no nonsense guide to plasma cutting, really informative video addressing all of the little issues I’ve had myself. Not seen any of your other videos but you’ve earned yourself a sub for this one and I look forward to watching your others. Well done mate 👍🏻

[Goldwingrider]

Been olde school welder, acy/oxy torch and stick welder, retired and now playing with new tech stuff… bought 3 in one welder mig, tig and stick…. Recently finally got plasma cutter…. Setting up my shop .. this gives me ideas how get started… wish me luck and thank you for sharing

[danielngada]

You made a beautiful demonstration thank you. I saw an advertisement of a plasma cutter on sale. A quick YouTube search led me to your channel and now I know the function of the equipment. I appreciate the pace of your content. It was easy to follow along. The special part of this upload is that you had flu yet you went ahead dispite your hardship to give the best content I could ever hope for. All the best and God bless you my gentleman 👍

[elebeu]

Thanks for some solid tips. The high amp/faster travel speed resulting in a cleaner cut was unexpected but it makes sense.

[mrtyger]

You have uploaded a very good beginners guide to plasma cutting and full credit to you for finding the time and patient’s in putting it together.
A couple of points, to help your watchers, which tbf may have already been mentioned below…
• Air flow (scfh/lpm) at the machine is just as (if not more) important than supplied air pressure which ensures you maintain a well formed plasma stream.
• Always have an additional air filter etc at your air outlet to ensure the minimum amount of moisture even reaches the air filter fitted to the machine.
• Using a ‘metal’ guide to run your plasma torch along is not recommended as it can encourage ‘double arcing’ which basically reduces the life of your cutting tip/consumables.
• To experience the best cutting performance, (cut quality and consumable life) always match the cutting tip amperage to the machine amperage, i.e. when setting the machine to 30A fit a 30A cutting tip. This gives you the best cut quality.
• Cutting tips are either designed to be dragged or ‘stood off’ so depending on the plasma torch being used always ensure the correct cutting tip is fitted for your cutting application, again to give you either better cut quality and/or consumable life.
• Generally drag tip cutting material under 5mm will give you the best cut quality.

There is many factors that dictate cut quality, from.... correctly installing the machine to material type/thickness being cut, overall air quality, operator experience, using the correct consumable setup, not using over worn consumables etc etc for a lot of plasma machine owners improving consumable life will dictate what costs you continue to pay when purchasing replacement consumables over time!
Again, very well put together Sir :)

[alcocklake]

I've just watched for the 2nd waaaay more from it this time.. there are a LOT of videos on here dealing with plasma techniques...yours's is the most practical .. (cheers from NW Ontario Canuistan) THANKS for the great content... SUBSCRIBED!

[billofalltrades]

Bending the straight edge is a great idea, I've always used clamps. That will sure make work go faster. Thank you for sharing!

[Tanner]

I was in ag class today first ever time using one I love it

[glensgraphix]

I don't have a plasma cutter but watching this gives me a bit of confidence that when I use one I will have an idea of what to do. Thanks Matt.

[finallyitsed]

I used to use my acetylene torch and a bunch of grinding disks for everything until I bought a plasma cutter. Boy, what a marvelous machine! My torch is now reserved for heating up frozen bolts and bending steel. I always am trying to learn something and enjoyed your video. Today I learned that I am not the only person that doesn't like cutting stainless!! Thanks for the video.

[Bizzon]

Thanks man. Friend bough a cheap plasma cutter but wasn't comfortable using it himself.. This video gave me enough idea about cutting to have confidence doing it for the first time with no problems😇

[gordbaker]

Thanks Matt. Clear and concise and no music.

[ronparker]

Well done Bloke! Excellent tips. Just today I ordered a 30 amp cutter from Amazon. About $160, including tax. I mainly work with thin sheet metal.

[DickHowe-cq]

I got a plasma cutter for Christmas. And I've tried to use it and failed miserably. You have shown me many things I'm doing wrong. After this video, I can't wait to go into the garage and try all you have been showing me. Thank you very much for the tips and the video!!

[unknwn]

I just got mine up and running and this video is very helpful. Thank you.

[jerryquigg]

Excellent - I learned to operate the plasma cutter at max power and then simply adjust travel speed accordingly.

[rogerlarson]

i like your putting a bend in your straight edge trick!!!!

[erikthered]

Looking at buying a plasma cutter. This was a great informative video. I've never used one yet. I feel pretty confident now. Thank you.