Plasma Cutting

[Lone Wolf]

PP205

So I have been playing with the plasma cutter a bit, but not sure I can tell if some of the adjustments make a difference or not.
I don't have a lot of the same metal to cut right now, so I end up cutting different lengths and thicknesses. Makes it hard to tell if things are making a difference.

What adjustments are involved in plasma cutting, I'm quessing I need to be plugged into (-) (with + ground) DC selected, air pressure, post flow and amperage adjustments are the only ones that I need to play with?
I would appreciate and general settings to start with, and any suggestions will be welcomed.

Also not sure about the tips and different sizes.

Also curious, do most of you use the stand off that comes on the torch, or just set the tip on the metal when cutting.

Throw some information my way and we can get started talking about the process and discover how dumb I really are.

Thanx

LW

[performance]

LW, tell us which unit you have first.

[Lone Wolf]

Sorry.....I had it in there originally

PP205

Looking for standard info and settings, things to look for and any tips and/or tricks.

[Lone Wolf]

Ok.....I'll be more specific.
As far as I can tell,the ground clamp lead is always plugged into the (+)
True?

[everlastsupport]

Ok.....I'll be more specific.
As far as I can tell,the ground clamp lead is always plugged into the (+)
True?

The work clamp goes in the + for Plasma and TIG correct.

[Lone Wolf]

The work clamp goes in the + correct.

Thanx,

The way I see it, the only time the work clamp would go into the (-) is during a stick mode. Not sure why, but the book shows it either way for the stick.

As far as TIG and plasma, always (+)

I'm trying to mark stuff so I don't screw up.

I've been playing with the plasma, and I think I have a much better feel for it now.
Air pressure and amps are the only factors I can notice.

[redbeard]

For stick, it depends on the electrode you are using which way you want the polarity. It should say on the box which to use.

I found the wire standoff that came with mine to be rather useless, but a roller is really nice on anythig thicker than 18ga or so.

[bobwills]

When stick welding most or the time its electrode positive but for thin metal you can run it electrode negative and you get less penetration making thin metal easier to weld.

[Lone Wolf]

Good stuff to know.............Thanx

[ChadP]

When I cut with my pp205 set it on DC,Cut turn pulse off turn everything down. Set post flow for at least 5 sec or more I found my to cut very good with 60 psi about 38 amps, I was cutting 3/16 thick steel. The thicker the metal the more amps you need. I think the max air pressure you can run is 70lbs. When I got my welder I just tried different settings. 60lbs of pressure seems to work well with a lot of different amp settings. The longer you set you post flow the cooler your torch stays and you can cool the metal your cutting also.

[n4in]

Good info, as the manual is pretty lame on plasma cutting other than machine connections but no air pressure recommendations other than not to exceed 80 psi I believe. Yesterday I made my first plasma cuts on 1/8" steel plate while building a cart for my new PP205 that will hold my PP205, 300cF bottle of Argon, room for spare torch, plasma cable, and stick electrode holder, and bottom shelf for possible cooler at a later date.

I was initially running my plasma torch with 30 amps and 50 psi. These settings worked but I had to really move slow but still good cut. On second cut I went to 35 amps and about 55 psi and it did better much cleaner and consistent. I liked the standoff as I could run it consistently along the square tubing I had setup for a straight edge/fence worked great.

[zoama]

I drag cut (no standoff) 1/8"= 11ga with 30amps @60psi fast and clean. on square tube I use a combination square as a guide.