Which tool did I use

[lewis]

So I have used a plasma cutter probably about 10 times. I also just got a cutting torch the end of October. So can you guess which piece of plate I cut the torch with and which one I used the plasma. The torch is a lincoln from lowe's and the plasma a thermal dynamics. Also I did no clean up on either.
#1 Torch or Plasma

#2 Torch or Plasma

 

[waynehartwig]

#1 plasma
#2 torch

??

 

[Shawn]

#1 plasma
#2 torch

??

If it is set correctly, opposite of what you said.

 

[Spork]

#1 torch
#2 plasma

I've never used a plasma but every torch cut I've done look more like #1 and number 1 looks like a cleaner torch cut than I've normally done.

 

[lewis]

The reason I brought this up is I would like to find informatioon how to use a torch better. Once when I was in plumbing school my instructor spent a little bit of time telling us some proper techniques and how much acetelyne and oxygen to use, however that was 10 years ago(didn't finish school by the way) and haven't thought of it since and I haven't been able to find any good explanations on it.

 

[Bodine]

I was taught by an old Kennecott welder that the most important aspect of a good cut was always clean the tip before you cut and use the right size torch for the material you are cutting.I used to make a mess out of 3/16 plate with a torch set up to cut 1/2 inch or bigger plate.He also said to make sure you adjusted the blue flames so they were pointed and when you add oxygen you should hear a crackling noise about 18 inches give or take from the tip thats when you knew your tip was clean.
FWIW those bits of advise worked for me.

 

[waynehartwig]

If it is set correctly, opposite of what you said.

Could be..

The first one has the j that you would normally see on a plasma cut that was moved too fast or etc. as well as the bits of slag left.

The second one is clean like a torch would do - just because of the sheer cutting power of a torch.

So that's why I chose the way I did. Maybe I thunk it through too much...



So what is the correct answer?

 

[lewis]

Wayne you were right. The first was a plasma the second a torch.

 

[waynehartwig]

Wayne you were right. The first was a plasma the second a torch.

:tara:.

 

[78mitsu]

you can see the heat travel in the second one, it was the torch. Looks like the plasma is picking up some moisture. Make sure you have a moisture trap/drier and a filter.

 

[waynehartwig]

you can see the heat travel in the second one, it was the torch. Looks like the plasma is picking up some moisture. Make sure you have a moisture trap/drier and a filter.

I buy little disposable dessicant filters from an online paint house. I think they are like $20 for 4? When the little things inside turn pink? you toss a new one in.

 

[Shawn]

My P cutter cuts much better than pic one.... Maybe you should just stick with the torch.

 

[Corban_White]

I buy little disposable dessicant filters from an online paint house. I think they are like $20 for 4? When the little things inside turn pink? you toss a new one in.

A little heat and airflow and those can be regenerated. I use an old blow dryer for a few hours.

 

[waynehartwig]

A little heat and airflow and those can be regenerated. I use an old blow dryer for a few hours.

Cool! Do you blow air through it or just on it? The spark'tricity you use drying it out, is it more than a new one?

 

[Tacoma]

I would hope you can dry one out for less than $5, Wayne.

 

[Corban_White]

I lightly clamped the blow dryer in the vise with the outlet pointing up and balanced the desiccant dryer on top to blow air through it. After about 20 times or so the plastic got weak (but I think it was from taking it on and off of the air hose that did it) and it cracked. It is the same principle as the large regenerative ones but less $$$$. I have been thinking that one of those quality regenerative air dryers is going to be my next purchase but have been wondering which one to get. They run from about $300 to over $100,000 so I need to do some more research. Maybe I will start a thread..........

And yes, I did the math and it turned out to be MUCH less $$$ than a new one.

 

[jsudar]

When cutting with the torch, make sure you use the right tip for the thickness you are cutting. When you are going to start a cut, preheat the first inch or so of the metal before you actually start cutting. Hold the torch square to the piece you are cutting, although if it's thicker material, lean the torch slightly to keep the heat moving in the direction you are cutting.

If you practice with the torch, I see no need for a plasma cutter, unless you are going to do arc gouging.

 

[lewis]

Good to know. What can I do as far as adjusting the heat to reduce the amount of slag leftover after the cut. I want to be able to blow it out so no slag is left( or very little) without overheating.