Magnetic straight edge

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I've got a plasma cutting art project that will need lots of straight lines at odd angles.  If I build a straight edge that uses magnets to hold it down, will the straight edge cause problems with the plasma cutting, or will there be enough of a magnetic field left over that I'd have problems welding the metal?
Reply:Hmmm, I don't know whether using a STEEL straight edge that is held down by magnets would cause problems in plasma cutting, or not.  But have you thought about making the straight edge out of ALUMINUM or non-magnetic STAINLESS STEEL held down by magnets?Insofar as residual magnetism being imparted into your work affecting welding later, I seriously doubt it.  If that were a real concern we would have problems welding ANYTHING that had previously been welded on, due to the inevitable (slight) residual magnetism that is caused by passing welding current through the work piece.Rest assured that anything that uses permanent magnets will collect stuff generated in any type of cutting operation, or grinding/sanding that falls within reach.
Reply:Would aluminum hold up OK with a plasma cutter?  I'm used to using oxy-acetylene, the plasma cutter should arrive tomorrow.
Reply:i had a magnetic straight-edge for burning and it was nothing but a pita. it picked up lots of unwanted junk and was hard to adjust. i now use varying lengts of 3/4 x 3" flatstock. the weight of the material keeps it from moving when i'm cutting flat and a vice grip does the trick holding it in other positions.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Docwelder is right. I have about 8 straight edges made with 1/2" x 16" ,  and one 1/2" x 24", two of 2" x same length, two of 3" x same lengths, and two at 3" x 48" and 66". I take really good care of them. I do lay my tools on them or use a hammer on them, or use them for any other purpose than a straight edge. Can't hardly stand magnets, but I have 8 magnetic triangles that help well. Good luck and glad to have you join us.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:All we use at work are the stainless or aluminum magnetic straight edges.     Were using them in every scenario possible overhead horizontal with part of the torch lead draped over it.   They work pretty good.   As far as the grinding dust and stuff  thats why I personally stick with aluminum.  magnets may charge your whole steel straight edge and then you'll have a furby on your work bench one day lol!Here's what I use.  http://www.grainger.com/product/JACK...rn-Guide-2UPX6  you may be able to find one for cheap on craigslist??http://www.flangewizard.com/products141.html Stainless burn guideLast edited by galencwi; 12-03-2013 at 10:13 PM.“I'm going to do the thing that God put Galen Beasley on this Earth to do:Have Salon quality hair and weld.Nothing like a good cup of coffee and the smell of 6010 burning in the morning. 971-204-3444 cell API ASME Structural NDT and Repair
Reply:depending on how many times you need to use it ,even plywood or masonite will work for a template.miller thunderbolt 250vlincoln square wave tig 175 prolincoln idealarc mig sp250everlast tig 210EXTeverlast power plasma 50chicago electric (hf) 130 tig/90 arcchicago electric 90 amp flux wire3 sets oxy/acet
Reply:If the plasma system being used with the straight edge is designed for use with a metalic (electrically conductive) straightedge or template....then it will be ok. All Hypertherm systems with shielded consumables can be used with a conductive template or straightedge. Most other manufactures recommend not using metal tempates as they can cause short consumable parts life.  The relatively low magnetic fields will not affect a plasma cut.Jim Colt   Hypertherm Originally Posted by walkerweldHmmm, I don't know whether using a STEEL straight edge that is held down by magnets would cause problems in plasma cutting, or not.  But have you thought about making the straight edge out of ALUMINUM or non-magnetic STAINLESS STEEL held down by magnets?Insofar as residual magnetism being imparted into your work affecting welding later, I seriously doubt it.  If that were a real concern we would have problems welding ANYTHING that had previously been welded on, due to the inevitable (slight) residual magnetism that is caused by passing welding current through the work piece.Rest assured that anything that uses permanent magnets will collect stuff generated in any type of cutting operation, or grinding/sanding that falls within reach.
Reply:What works best for me is to use a piece of 1/8'' or 3/16" flat bar as a straight edge while using a drag tip. I place the flat bar 3/16'' away from my cut line keeping the part I want to  keep  under the flat bar to protect it. If its a big cut ill use vice grips but most the time even out of position cutting ill hold my flat bar with one hand and torch in the other. I also use a very slight drag angle, it keeps the material from balling up under the tip. I have only used hypertherm plasmas so I don't know how this would work with other brands.I also have a magnetic straight edge and found it tricky to get an accurate cut with the plasma. Its really finicky.Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Look up flange wizard I just bought there magnetic straight edge and extension im very pleased with it ..and also if your on a budget just buy the magnetic blocks and get your own flat bar
Reply:The magnet will catch every piece if metal flying around. All I use is a 1/4" flat stock and small clamps. I have used backer board for tile and it works well too. On small lines I have used an aluminum speed square and it seems to work well too.  You just need to find something that works for YOU.  good luckJobSmart MIG125Lincoln AC225-SLincoln Pro-Mig 175Dewalt GrindersRidgid ChopsawIR Garage Mate CompressorAny thing worth doing, is worth doing right.
Reply:I use either a wood 2x4 or a 1.5" steel angle iron to cut straight with my plasma.  I hold them down with c clamps.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720