Plasma Cutter Tips, Tricks, Advice and Techniques

Suitable for almost any types of metal, and of varying thickness; the LONGEVITY plasma cutter is a tool used for cutting all types of metals including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, titanium, platinum, steel, and others. As compared to traditional method of cutting metal equipment, plasma cutters provide efficient and cost-effective options for many metal-based industries including automobile repairs, maintenance, construction work, HVAC, Boat repair, and fabricators - these are the best small metal fabrication units. In this article, we will discuss plasma cutter tips, tricks, advice on selecting the right plasma cutter, and techniques to help you improve the quality of your cut and the life expectancy of your consumables. We also will give a brief history of plasma cutters and discuss safety.

Essentially, metal cutting is based on the technique of metal-against-metal. But somehow, the concept of precision technology has taken over in the metal industry. This precision techniques focus on the concept of plasma cutters and computer-aided technology to ensure that production requirement is met more precisely also known as CNC Tables or CNC Cutting machines. Metal cutting tools in the previous years were huge structures that lacked speed and accuracy and was definitely not affordable to the common man/woman, but now technology has made possible for more accurate and affordable metal cutters known as plasma cutters. Even industrial robots are used to carry out metal cutting works these days and in fact, automated cutting systems also use plasma metal cutters as the main source to cut metal.

Over the plasma cutter history, LONGEVITY has improved plasma cutting quality greatly with the introduction of high-definition plasma or the High Tolerance Plasma Arc Cutting and Pilot Arc starting technology. Plasma arc cutting, which came about as a result of the improvement in technologies needed for better methods of cutting metal has become a standard in the metal cutting industry. Older or first generation plasma cutters works on higher voltage and use high frequency to start the arc, which have several disadvantages including electrocution, as well as high radio frequency emissions. The new generation LONGEVITY plasma cutters feature Pilot Arc starting technology which omit high frequency art starting technology and allow for arc starting without the hassle of radio interference or having to touch your workpiece. The new generation of LONGEVITY plasma cutters are also available with smaller nozzle and a thinner plasma arc allowing for smooth cutting of edges comparable to laser-cutting quality. There are several models offered by LONGEVITY that will meet all your metal cutting needs. We suggest visiting the plasma cutter page at www.longevity-inc.com for a full description of what each model can do

Remember, each plasma cutter has a certain level of power requirement depending on the thickness and the type of material that requires to be cut. The thickness of the material that you would most frequently cut should decide what size of nozzle diameter you will need for your welding or cutting job.

If you looking for a plasma cutter for sale online, the difference between the retail price and the sale price is clear. LONGEVITY already marks most of their welding equipment for sale so the prices are near unbeatable.

Some of the models featured on http://www.longevity-inc.com, offers affordable solutions as well as multi-tasking potential including plasma cutters and TIG/STICK/ARC welder combinations. Should you be puzzled with too many choices, the LONGEVITY Resource page also provides assistance to help you make informed purchasing decision. If that is not enough, please contact LONGEVITY sales anytime via email at sales@longevity-inc.com or via toll free telephone at 1-877-566-4462.

Plasma Cutter Tips, Tricks, and Operation Advice

LONGEVITY plasma cutters are extremely easy to use. Getting one started will require an air compressor that is 3+ gallons with a CFM rating of 4.0. You will hook up the plasma cutter to a 110 or 220v power source depending on the unit and insure that 60-90PSI is going through your unit. Remember, the PSI ratings range depending on the model you have. Obviously, the bigger the cutter, the more air it may require.

Once you have setup the regulator, properly grounded your workpeice, setup the torch with consumables, and read and understood all safety concerns with using a plasma cutter, you are ready to begin cutting.

When cutting the rule is to measure twice, and cut once. You cannot risk improperly cutting your workpiece as it is not easy to reconstruct the quality of the cut metal.

Before cutting, a plasma cutter tip we LONGEVITY offers is to take a practice cut on a separate piece of metal preferably the same size to make sure you got the right plasma cutter technique before you cut your desired piece of metal.

When cutting, the best plasma cutting advice is for you to maintain about 1/8" away from the workpiece so you do not melt your consumables. Consumable life can affect the cost of operation and using your torch properly will save you money down the road. Another plasma cutting tip for cutting is drag cutting with LONGEVITY torches and even though this may decrease consumable life it will most likely give you straighter cut. Remember, LONGEVITY plasma cutter consumables are much more affordable than the competitors therefore your operating costs are much lower if you choose to use LONGEVITY cutting equipment.

While cutting, some plasma cutter advice LONGEVITY offers is for you to maintain a slow and steady speed insuring that you are cutting through the metal. If you going to fast, you may not be allowing the arc to penetrate the workpiece all the way through. Even though plasma cutting produces much cleaner cutting results than oxy fuel cutting, you still may get slag, the trick is to get that slag off right away, which you can do by chipping the slag off with a hammer or steel brush.

Safety tips

While operating plasma cutters, all of the materials that come into contact with the tools become part of one electrical circuit. This increases the risk of electrocution therefore, it requires that appropriate protective gear such as rubber gloves, boots be worn besides closely guarding your hands to avoid contact with the metals. You also want to insure you are not standing in a wet or damp area. We require you read the LONGEVITY plasma cutter safety section in the plasma cutter resources page.

In conclusion, you will be able to plasma cut professionally in no time with a little practice using the plasma cutter tips and advice that we provided. Remember, the most important part of plasma cutting is taking your time and doing it right.