Introduction: How to Use a Plasma Cutter
Using a plasma cutter is very convenient and fairly easy. The benefit is that "freeform" cuts can be made to metal based on guiding the cutter. Since this machine works by directing plasma through the creation of a circuit, a ground clamp is necessary, much like welding.
This instructable is strictly to show practical operation of a plasma cutter. For an example where this operation is demonstrated to make something, refer to Sheet Metal Flower to Practice Plasma Cutting and Welding.
I made this at TechShop Detroit (www.techshop.ws).
Step 1: Choose Work Location
Since we plan on cutting metal, placing the metal on a surface that is safe and allows for freedom of movement is critical. A "grate" or similar surface that functions as a table is perfect.
Step 2: Plug in Unit
Ensure that the unit is off and plug it in.
Step 3: Connect the Air
Connect the external air compressor to the plasma cutter. This is to ensure that the stream of plasma remains under high pressure. To attach the fittings, recede the outer flange of the female connection and insert the male connection.
Step 4: Turn the Air On
Turn on the air flow. In this case, turn the lever ninety degrees from perpendicular to the air line to inline.
Step 5: Attach the Ground Clamp
Set the metal that you are using on the table and attach the ground clamp close to where you will be cutting.
Step 6: Turn on the Machine
Turn on the machine by flipping the switch behind the unit into the ON position.
Step 7: Set the Current
In this case we will set it to 25 for 18 ga sheet metal.
Step 8: Cut the Metal
Use the trigger on the gun to activate the plasma cutter. Note the trigger has a safety that must be lifted before you can depress the trigger. Keep the cutter (nozzle end) close to the metal and use the guide surrounding the nozzle to trace templates if you have them.
Step 9: Turn Off the Machine
When you are finished cutting your metal, turn off the machine.
Step 10: Disconnect the Ground Clamp
Disconnect the ground clamp from the metal you are working on.
Step 11: Turn Off Air
In this case turn off the air by rotating the lever 90 degrees, from inline to perpendicular to the line.
Step 12: Wind Up All Hoses
Wrap up the plasma gun line, air line, and ground line.
31 Comments
2 years ago on Step 7
18 ga ?
Le ga est-il l'american wire gauge ?
Cette unité est utilisée pour le diamètre des fils
Cela correspond à 1,02 mm.
Attention
10 ga => 2,59 mm
Et
20 ga => 0,812 mm
2 years ago on Step 4
Vous devriez indiquer ici, l'incidence d'une pression d'air comprimé trop forte ou trop faible.
2 years ago on Step 5
Ce n'est pas une pince de masse mais c'est le potentiel le plus haut, le '+'...
3 years ago
Thank you for this informative site,please tell me what current should i use if I m cutting a 10mm mild steel plate.
Question 3 years ago on Step 4
You don't tell us how much air pressure to set it at???
Answer 3 years ago
How much pressure
Reply 3 years ago
How much air
4 years ago on Step 1
Nice job , very informative !
6 years ago
Skip the air, use propane and oxygen while cutting, much more fun, hehehehehe. (For the nubs, this was a joke)
10 years ago on Step 12
I was expecting some technique, rather than just "plug it in and turn it on"
Reply 6 years ago
So I did...
10 years ago on Step 4
The air has to be as dry as possible, dryers in the line are a necessity. The water in the driers should be bled off before turning on the air.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
thanx-!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for pointing that out.
10 years ago on Introduction
this is SOOO cool., I can't wait to get one=!!
10 years ago on Step 4
To turn on the air valve, turn the handle from perpendicular to inline.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Fixed, thanks for your feedback.
10 years ago on Introduction
Could you have mixed up the photos showing "air on" and "air off"?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
most likely, never seen a ball valve on, at a right angle
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Yup, and it has been fixed.