GiantTech cut 518D Plasma cut

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Today was my first try using this machine and I am pleased with the outcome of the cuts.  Here are some particulars:  I don't have much experience with Plasma cutting (under 5hrs total in my life), the machine was purchased a few years ago (don't think this model is offered anymore) and has been through a shop fire (heat and smoke exposure) but all seems ok; I've wired power for 220volts; air supply from 1/4" hose at 65psi (doesn't seem to drop in use); not sure about the switch with a picture of a cylinder- 3 positions (I have it set to'3s');  some wind ( 10-15mph?) here in AZ today and cool (65 degrees). I cut two pcs- 11"x25" and 18"x25" from a sheet of 3/16" and used two tips doing so.   I'll try to post some pics-- steel/settings/tips---Plate- 3/16" steel18"x25" plateair pressure- 65psipanel settingstips conditionLast edited by wild_bill; 01-08-2010 at 08:59 PM.Motorcycling-Greatest Sport on Wheels!
Reply:Two tips used??!! Sounds like you were drag cutting. By that I mean drag the torches tip along the surface of the metal as you are cutting it.Unless those tips are specifically made for drag cutting you need to maintain a distance from the metal you are cutting. The distance between tip and metal should be about 1/8". You do not say what your amp dial is set at! Ask Larry what the proper settings should be as well as weather those tips are designed for drag cutting. Proper settings and distance will make those  tips last longer.Ps Gianttech does have a  sub forum under Other Manufaturers.Last edited by specter; 01-09-2010 at 09:37 AM.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Those cuts look ugly. You are definately not doing something right. My 1st guess would have been you were moving too slow, but after you mentioned 2 tips, I'm guessing that might only be a minor problem compared to the tip issue. I've cut up 3 4x8 sheets of 3/8" and never had to change tips with my hypertherm. I agree you may have been draging a tip thats not designed for that.Hopefully Larry can tell you what the problem is and get you some info on your machine..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:You might even try to PM Larry and ask for help with your situation.  I think either that or post the problem in the GiantTech sub forum under Other Manufacturers.  I have seen him on the forum regularly/recently but obviously he has missed this thread.  Good luck, I hope you can get this sorted out.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Ah yes that is from atleast 3 years ago. POOR thing looks pretty beat up now  . Still tickin after that HOT lickin !  PM me and we'll talk about setting you up with the upgraded torch and possible reasons why you are getting poor results now..Last edited by GiantTechGuy; 01-10-2010 at 08:08 AM.http://www.PlasmaMetalCutter.comGiantTech Cut40DGiantTech Cut50DGiantTech CT520DGiantTech Tig200sGiantTech Arc200GiantTech Tig200PACDCMiller MM210No Brand Chinese Chop SawNo Brand Chinese 4" Angle Grinder
Reply:Thanks guys--- Yes, I did drag the tips a lot.  As I said, I don't have much experience with Plasma cutting, and I was learning a little as I was going.  I did start raising the tip at the end of cutting.  I watched the arc (?) cut flame as I was cutting and as I moved along, about 4"-6" the arc (?) seemed to changed (weaken?).  I was also using a piece of 3'4" square tubing clamped to the sheet for a guide... but because of improper technique, the slag/etc interfered with straight cutting. I had the power (current?) pot almost fully clockwise (max), air pressure at about 65psi, and it was a little windy outside where I was cutting.  If I have an owners manual, it is probably in a stack of un-sorted paperwork I haven't spent time looking through, so the settings probably aren't correct.   Oh, and these cuts are way better looking than my oxy/acetylene cuts-- hehe I'll pm you, Larry for more info--- thanks again for the help guys.  Later-- BillLast edited by wild_bill; 01-10-2010 at 11:56 AM.Motorcycling-Greatest Sport on Wheels!