quick questions about plasma cutting with drag shield

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When you use a drag shield with a plasma cutter, are you supposed to have the torch 90 degrees to the piece and lay the drag shield flat on the piece or are you supposed to lean the torch a bit and drag on the edge of the shield?Thank you in advance.
Reply:I think it would depend if you want a beveled cut or not ()
Reply:Originally Posted by Nick KentI think it would depend if you want a beveled cut or not ()
Reply:Lean the torch or hold a standoff when piercing the plate.....once the plate is pierced the drag shield is designed (at least the Hypertherm ones that I am familiar with) to drag directly on the plate. If you drag too fast....you may blow some material back on the shield. The shield is copper, so most materials that stick to it will peel off rather easily. You can use a light coat of spray on anti spatter spray on the shield. I recomend the water based (not silicone based) stuff available at most welding supply stores.Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltLean the torch or hold a standoff when piercing the plate.....once the plate is pierced the drag shield is designed (at least the Hypertherm ones that I am familiar with) to drag directly on the plate. If you drag too fast....you may blow some material back on the shield. The shield is copper, so most materials that stick to it will peel off rather easily. You can use a light coat of spray on anti spatter spray on the shield. I recomend the water based (not silicone based) stuff available at most welding supply stores.Jim
Reply:Yes...lay it flat on the plate. The hypertherm shields have an edge machined on them that allow easy template or straightedge cutting. I have fabricated a bunch of different size circles from 16 gauge steel that are fixed to magnets....very handy for hole cutting templates. Jim
Reply:That's the way I do it with my Lincoln and I haven't had any problems.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:thanks for the advices to everyone, I fooled around with it all afternoon and just layed the drag shield flat and it worked perfectly.
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltYes...lay it flat on the plate. The hypertherm shields have an edge machined on them that allow easy template or straightedge cutting. I have fabricated a bunch of different size circles from 16 gauge steel that are fixed to magnets....very handy for hole cutting templates. Jim