First cuts w/Plasma - Hyperthem PM30

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14-16ish gauge, 5/16 and 1/4first time using anything but a cut off wheeli have no idea how much practice it would take to get cuts like this with oxy/ace im liking this machine
Reply:As slick as sliced bread.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:have you tried some thicker stuff with it i was stuck between the cutmaster 42 and this plasma.Thermal Arc Fabricator 210Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 42
Reply:i think i have some 1/2", ill try cutting some tomorrow
Reply:edit: just checked its 11/16. ive got about a 18x 12" piece of it, ill be using some of this for my homemade press brake.should be a good test
Reply:Hey SEAR,Nice cutting. I have the older version of your plasma, a Hypertherm 380. I like it but it does not cut a nicely as yours. What is your set up?Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:i have the machine plugged into 220v and 60gal compressor w/motorguard filter regulator set at 80psigoing to try turning pressure up to 100psidont have another 220 outlet yet so the compressor is unplugged while cutting
Reply:here is the 11/16 cut, about 30 minutes experience with plasma.this is gonna be about the max i think, heard the fan turn on for the first time
Reply:Did you have the setting turned up whole way?Thermal Arc Fabricator 210Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 42
Reply:Bet that was toasty.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:setting on max- 30 ampmy grandfather cut another side of this piece with oxy/ace and the cut quality & speed is comparable, he has had many years of cutting experience tho.i was moving a little too fast getting it started, also i notice my torch angle was off a couple times.
Reply:Did you chip any slag off at all, I'm sorry to ask all these questions I just purchased a cutmaster 42 and your plasma was one I was also considering, this post really helps me out in comparison.Thermal Arc Fabricator 210Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 42
Reply:The Powermax30 is advertised as a 1/4" production machine, with a maximum recommended cut of 3/8"....and a severance rating of 1/2". 11/16" is quite a bit thicker than any of those ratings.You will find conservative ratings on all of Hypertherms products...if the brochure says it can be done, believe it.Cut power with plasma is not just an amperage vs amperage comparison. It is the ability of the power supply to maintain arc voltage at its rated amperage......which in effect is the killowatt rating, combined with the ability of the torch to convert that electrical energy into usable power for cutting metal.....which can be defined as energy density of the arc. Hypertherm has advantages in both areas: Power supply technology and torch technology.You may pay slightly more for a Hypertherm unit that is rated to cut a certain thickness....but you can be sure that the unit will have the performance when the extra power is needed.Jim Colt
Reply:Those are good looking cuts.  I have the same machine that I bought used off CL.  I wouldn't have any problem forking out for a new one when the time comes.  It's a handy tool to have.
Reply:Originally Posted by cklanishDid you chip any slag off at all, I'm sorry to ask all these questions I just purchased a cutmaster 42 and your plasma was one I was also considering, this post really helps me out in comparison.
Reply:Grats on the new machine!I have the same one & love it!Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Tips... When using plasma or torch, it is usually best to get a good standing stance. Pull towards you with a really smooth constant pull. The steadier the pull, the nicer the cut. Speed is also very important. I can get close to machine cuts with both plasma and torch with a straight edge most of the time with little to almost no slag. Practice makes perfect. Use a straight edge when ever possible.Clean tips make the kerf (angle of cut) clean and straight. Make sure there is no moisture in your line entering the plasma.Rub lots of soap stone on the straight edge for even smoother sliding action. 1/4 plate is a good straight edge for a plasma. Thinner materials can cause you to slip off the guide. Hope that helps!