- The number one problem we see with plasma cutters is worn out consumables. If you have been cutting dirty,old or rusty material your consumables are going to wear out fast. When you have popping and spitting molten metal it will send your consumables south pretty fast. Then you will start to get poor performance with your cutter. The first thing to do is change your consumables. Tip and electrode first. Often overlooked is the swirl ring and o rings. These are vital to optimum performance.
- Clean dry air. Moisture in the air is a plasma cutters nemesis. Moisture with electrical current will give you extremely fast wear and your machine will not cut to anywhere near its potential. This is easily fixed by putting a filter on your air line. Best mounted as close to the machine as possible. Moisture accumulates in air hoses, if you have your filter on your compressor or wall you will dump all those contaminates straight into your machine. These filter systems cost less than 100 and are easily fitted up.
- Good Earth. Plasmas need a good Earth to run well. They will run even without the earth attached but anyone that has accidentally done this will know how bad they run. You will be left scratching your head as to what is going on. Always ensure your earth lead and clamp are in good condition and you have a good connection to your work piece.
- Clean work. Cutting old, rusty and crap covered work is never fun and sometimes can’t be avoided. However to get the best result a quick hit with the grinder or flap wheel will give you a much better finish. As well as giving your consumables longer life. Minimises anger problems you may experience as a result.
- Accessories. This is about making your life easier. Circle and stand off guides can give you the precision that will make the next part of your project easier. Even just getting a block of wood clamped down for you to run your cutter against to give you that nice straight cut will give a bit more enthusiasm to keep going and using the machine to its full extent.
Happy Cutting!