Plasma Cutter Standoff Guide - Do I Need One?

Lots of people don't understand the purpose of a plasma cutting torch standoff guide. If you are running a non pilot arc plasma cutting machine you DONT need a standoff guide. The guide only holds your consumables off the metal you are cutting suited for a pilot arc machine. Pilot arc vs non pilot arc plasma torches I will show you the difference between two identical torches but 1 needs a standoff guide and the other doesn't. If you are running a NON TOUCH also know as pilot arc machine then chances are your plasma cutting consumables can not touch the metal you are cutting. Soo you will need to use a standoff guide . But it your using drag tip consumables then you cant use the standoff guide because you need to contact the metal to cut it.

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If your in the market for a great plasma cutter Checkout my best plasma cutter choices that I have reviewed .

[donaldhalls]

No worries mate, you have a great day, all the best to you and your loved ones

[bradthurkle]

Great video mate, I didn’t know that. I thought they all worked the same. Well there ya go kiwi thanks mate. Ya learnt me bro 👍

[DrFiero]

Amazed at how little dross you've got there. I've got an Everlast plasma (50A) that has the pilot arc. It works great - but that guide wire really does get in the way sometimes!

[gerardotorres]

I just subscribe to your channel. I love it. Good job keep it up. You’re doing great.

[bushratbeachbum]

Nice one fella! Ive got three machines in various states of repair, this'll help get them set up once i get to fixing them!

[thebeardedstork]

Come on Pete! I was so hopeful you were going to answer my question! Lol I want to know what happens if I don’t use a stand off on a pilot arc machine/torch? Will it hurt anything besides maybe the consumables? Sometimes that stand off prohibits you from getting into tight places. Thanks!

[CraigsClayMation]

Great info Pete...Thank you! I'm struggling with cutting smaller pieces where the standoff guide snags or jumps my work-piece, causing issues. This is especially annoying when using stencils or guides and trying to get clean lines or circles. On a cheap, hobbyist, pilot-arc machine (AG60P torch), can i disconnect the pilot-arc wire and and cut like a drag tip? Is there any conversion necessary (better/different consumables?) to make sure I don't blow out the tips? Will a different torch work better to solve this? Mostly cutting 3/16" or thinner steel. THX Again.

[stukyu]

Pete the tips look the same for both torches, can you do a quick video to show if they are the same or different ? Cheers mate.

[upupup]

Nice one Pete, are these better than the pt31 torch? These seemed to be consuming less tips.

[ReZipped]

Great video Pete. I have a pilot arc cutter. The little stand off is in the way for tight places. Can I buy a drag tip and use my pilot arc as a drag cutter without a standoff?

[charliebeck]

Hi Pete can you tell me the difference between Ag60 and ag60 p plasma consumables is there any difference

[leveragebeverage]

Does that mean I can use non pilot arc tips on my plasma and disconnect the one wire to stop it cremating the tip? Drag tips seem much better to use, my stand off guides keep melting and they get in the way.

[AA-tbff]

what kind do you prefer pilot arc or non pilot arc ? and why if you dont mind me asking. i only cut old rusty half painted sometimes steel no new stuff

[billnelson]

Buddy, I didn't just melt my tip, I melted the standoff too. Should i just give up now?