PP 50 shielding cup.

[powercat]

Hoping one of you guys have some experience with this. When gouging a small hole to start a cut with my s-45 torch with roller guide installed I get blowback that melts the material at the tip of the shield cup. Surprisingly this doesn't seem to affect the performance of the torch. Question is, can the material be removed from the shield cup without ill affect?

[performance]

Powercat, It depends on how bad it is. Its not a cut and dried issue. But what I suspect is you have 1) improper technique and you are trying to pierce straight down. Lean the torch at 35 degree angle and slowly stand it up. 2) You are exceeding the piercing capacity of the torch. If you are trying to pierce over 1/2 of the units quality cut rating, you are exceeding the piercing capacity. 1/4" is the thickest I'd recommend doing regularly. 3/8" is possible, but doi it slowly.

[Legacyartist247]

Also drilling a pilot hole in the metal might help avoid blow back... depending on the thickness. I also know how fun it is though to just use the torch....

[Steve]

Powercat, It depends on how bad it is. Its not a cut and dried issue. But what I suspect is you have 1) improper technique and you are trying to pierce straight down. Lean the torch at 35 degree angle and slowly stand it up. 2) You are exceeding the piercing capacity of the torch. If you are trying to pierce over 1/2 of the units quality cut rating, you are exceeding the piercing capacity. 1/4" is the thickest I'd recommend doing regularly. 3/8" is possible, but doi it slowly.

I am curious then as to how the CNC tables can start a cut straight down in the middle of a piece without having the cup covered with material?

Could it be the water that is usually on top of the material stops the blow back?