Plasma cutter ?

[39 chevy]

I have a 220v plasma cutter and want to cut some mild steel and need some tips, angle how to start etc, Seems like in the past I always get alot of crappy edges, nothing is very sharp, I NEED ADVICE, TIA

 

[ZTFab]

What thickness of steel?

How many amps is the plasma rated at?

What condition are the consumables in?

What kind of air source are you using? Is it supplying good, clean, dry air?

A lot of cut quality problems with plasma stem from poor air, worn out consumables (which happens quicker with bad air), incorrect settings, and/or poor feed speeds.

How have you been starting the cuts? Piercing is hard on consumables as well....

I use a nitrogen tank for my air supply if I have a large number of cuts to do. I try to do an edge start or drill a pilot hole to begin the cuts with and if they are straight cuts I will use a guide to help, usually a piece of 1x wood or a 2x4.

Also if you don't have tips that allow dragging you need to keep a proper stand-off to get decent cuts.

 

[wiz56]

How thick is your plasma cutter rated for and are you using clean air?? Moisture in your air will cause lots of problems. Most plasma cutters claim thicker material then they can actually cut cleanly. When cutting with a torch or a plasma I always use a straight edge for a guide, and I have made a device that clamps to the plasma cutter that can be used for cutting circles. Clamping guides down also helps you pull or push the torch at a consistant speed which helps give you a clean edge. The contact tip is another misconception, it really isn't made to contact the material, it is not necessary to touch the material with the tip.