Drag Cutting (plasma)

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Explain Drag cutting with a Plasma, Does a Plasma have to have certain Specs to Drag Cut or can you change torch to allow it to be able to Operate as a Drag Cutter?  Need more information on this Subject !Thanks
Reply:Generally it requires installing a drag cup. Based on the research I did when buying mine most modern units are capable of drag cutting. You need to read the operators manual for your particular machine to know for sure.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Bob,Most manufacturers of plasma cutters (Miller, Hypertherm, Thermal Dynamics, etc) make a tip designed specifically for "drag cutting" where the tip is in contact with the metal being cut.Generally, drag cutting is limited to about 1/4" to 3/8" thick material where no more than 60 amps is used.When cutting thicker material at higher amps, a standoff is generally used to prevent damage to the tip.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Thanks, I appreciate your information!
Reply:For drag cutting with my 375 Extreme, I was required to buy aditional parts (drag shield and tips).  Very handy for freehand cutting with less than steady hands.  I find I use stand off cutting most of the time.On thin stuff though I find drag cutting can be closely related to using a pencil.  If only I could draw well with either....LOLLarry "I feel for the man who cannot spell a word more than one way."  by Mark TwainLincoln AC225-SLincoln Weldpac 100 Miller Matic 180 (auto set)Miller Spectrum 375 ExtremeMiller Spoolmate 100Victor Super Range II
Reply:Many manufacturers of plasma torches today have "shielded" consumables.....the shield is a copper piece that attaches in front of the nozzle....that electrically isolates the nozzle (some people still call a plasma nozzle a "tip") when it comes in contact with the plate. Hypertherm invented and patented the shield technology in 1986.....yet most manufacturers have figured out ways to manufacture the shields without infringing on Hypertherm's patent.You can drag cut with Hypertherm shielded consumbles all the way to 200 Amps.....and 2 " thick material. If you have a torch that is not shielded....it is generally ok to drag cut at cutting amperages of 30Amps or less.....above that you must either hold a standoff....or use shielded consumables.  The Hypertherm shilds are designed for easy use with a straightedge or a template for accurate cutting.Jim Colt