Couple of Plasma Cuttng Questions

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1.  I am assuming that a welding helmet should be worn when using a plasma cutter.  Is this correct or is there something better for eye protection?2.  Do the same rules apply to cutting galvanized or zinc coated metal as does when you weld it?
Reply:It's an electric arc just like welding.  So you'll need a helmet.The plasma cutter will get the galvanized hot enough to vaporize it, so again it's the same as welding.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:I use a Miller Elite helmet and use the outdoor setting and have it turned down to #8 and works well. If i dont want the hood on use a pair of glasses , but it is necessary.  As already stated - us same precautions as welding.  Good luck and have fun - a plasma will spoil you.
Reply:I use a shade 5 face shield when plasma cutting.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Here is the official line from ANSI/ASC Z49:1Less than 300 amps, minimum shade 8, recommended shade 9This is for stand-off cutting (flash is on your side of the plate).  For drag cutting (flash is on the opposite side of the plate) shade 5 is OK.  Most people like to use safety glasses in shade 5 for that kind of cutting, but a helmet fits over my reading glasses a lot better than the safety glasses do.ZInc is zinc and cutting it requires the same precautions as welding it.
Reply:I tried the dark glasses once for plasma. Got a pretty nice sunburn after that I always use my welding hood.Ranger 250 GXTSmith Gas Axe
Reply:i use a #5 face shield. never seen a need for using a hood.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Most of the time I just use some fairly dark safety glasses, while being careful to avoid blowback.  I have never noticed any UV from plasma cutting, but there might be some.Miller Syncrowave 350Millermatic 252/ 30A spoolgunMiller Bobcat 225g w/ 3545 spoolgunLincoln PowerArc4000Lincoln 175 Mig  Lincoln 135 Mig Everlast 250EX TigCentury ac/dc 230 amp stickVictor O/AHypertherm 1000 plasma
Reply:The same amperage charts for eye shades apply to plasma cutting and welding. Generally.....plasma cutting is done at lower amperage than most welding applications on the same material. I often cut 1/2" steel at 65 amps or less....and a shade 6 pair of safety glasses will suffice. Remember also that most of the plasma cutting arc is shielded by the plate you are cutting.....so you do not get as much exposure as compared to welding. The front section of all of the reputable plasma manufacturers manuals has an amperage/suggested eye shade chart.Now......when you plasma cut at 1000 amps (6" stainless) using argon hydrogen as the plasma gas.....you need to cover every square inch of exposed skin. And your ears.......make sure they are well protected from the audible noise....Jim Colt  Hypertherm
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltNow......when you plasma cut at 1000 amps (6" stainless) using argon hydrogen as the plasma gas.....you need to cover every square inch of exposed skin. And your ears.......make sure they are well protected from the audible noise....Jim Colt  Hypertherm