Carbon Arcing With a Plasma Cutter

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Stupid question, but why not...hasnt stopped me before!Yesterday I was using my new TD Cutmaster 38 to "clean up" some LandCruiser mounts by gouging/blasting/carving the steel away.  This wasnt cutting, but rather more using the tool like a carbon arc.  Made nice clean results.  Is this appropriate terminology?  Are plasma cutters able to essentially "carbon arc"?  Seems like a VERY different process, but with similiar results.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Originally Posted by DirtyLittleSecretStupid question, but why not...hasnt stopped me before!Yesterday I was using my new TD Cutmaster 38 to "clean up" some LandCruiser mounts by gouging/blasting/carving the steel away.  This wasnt cutting, but rather more using the tool like a carbon arc.  Made nice clean results.  Is this appropriate terminology?  Are plasma cutters able to essentially "carbon arc"?  Seems like a VERY different process, but with similiar results.
Reply:It's called "plasma arc gouging" (as opposed to "carbon arc gouging") and yes, it is a legitimate use of a plasma cutter.A carbon arc gouging setup can also be used for cutting, in which case it's called "carbon arc cutting."Oxy/fuel cutting is the same way, there's oxy/fuel cutting and there's also oxy/fuel gouging. (Granted oxy/fuel gouging works better when a special tip is used)Visit Tensaiteki.com
Reply:Good information to know!  From what I do know of carbon arc its a VERY similiar process, but different design.I did notice that there was a "sweet spot" for maintaining maximum throw where it seemed to really blast the steel away.  Im amazed at the precision of this tool, and wouldve gotten one immediately if I had only known.There really isnt much material out there regarding the proper use of a plasma cutter (quite minimal without any tricks).Thanks!ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:like enlpck said, get the right tips and they last much longer.  Plasma consumables ain't cheap,  which I'm sure you know DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:I dunno if you're buying Miller tips, but a pack of five (5) Thermal Dynamics tips cost me under $8.  Is that considered expensive?  I cant destroy the first tip as is.BTW: what are the differences between gouging tips and drag tips?ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:I know where you are coming from DLS. The TD cutmaster series are kicka$$ machines. Consumables are way cheaper and seem to take allot of abuse. Glad to see it all working out for you. Stay Cool.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.