A compact plasma cutter is frequently used for making tasks like cutting of metal a no brainer, less tedious task, and makes fabrication tasks easy. With compact plasma cutters, you can cut metals as you desire. These machines get input power of 110 Volts or 220 Volts and get it processed in such a manner that lets you use the torch of the compact plasma to make the incredibly accurate cuts. With a compact plasma cutter, you can easily cut metal sheets that have a thickness of 2mm to 40mm as it produces high temperatures. It offers the flexibility and ability needed for cutting different metal types in different thicknesses such as titanium, brass, bronze, copper, aluminum, stainless, Inconel, steel, etc.
Users of compact plasma cutters have the power capability of looking at different pieces of metals and cutting them to their taste in a safe way. While the chainsaw is used for cutting trees down, the compact plasma cutter is particularly designed for metal cutting.
Of course, other tools can be used to do the job of metal cutting, but the truth is that a plasma cutter performs the job much better. This extraordinary metalworking feat requires you to know how to use a compact plasma cutter and experience how to operate the tool effectively. That exactly what we’ll be discussing in this article.
The composition and features of a Compact Plasma Cutter
Before we begin, let’s understand this product a little better. Compact plasma cutter mixes more than a few major components that make it function effectively and lets you cut a piece of metal with meticulousness. Highlighted below are the important features of a compact plasma cutter.
- Cutting Guides: They are used for better accuracy
- The Earthing Cable: Used for earthing the earthing clamp
- The stock of Consumables and Spare Parts: Used for the torch
- A torch with Pipes and Cables: These are 3m to 4m in length. They are made to guarantee expediency.
- A DC Inverter: Comes with or with no in-built compressor at 230V or 400V.
- An Electronic Inverter Technology: This is designed for improved clever control of your plasma cutter.
How to Use a Compact Plasma Cutter
You need to understand how to use a compact plasma cutter, even though its use is frequently described as comfortable and expedient. Having at least a basic idea will help you get started. The guide below gives you an insight into steps for using compact plasma cutters.
1. Think Safety First
It is worthy of note that welding is a hazardous undertaking. As a result, you must protect yourself from the hazards associated with it. Therefore, apply safety measures by wearing protection goggles to prevent debris and ultraviolent radiations when using a compact plasma cutter. It is also very important to wear protective gloves and clothing to prevent burns.
2. Look for the Right Work Location
Using plasma cutter on uneven surfaces can be dangerous. You have to work on strong enough surfaces where you can cut metal easily. As your intention is to cut metal, putting the metal on a safe and solid surface that guarantees unexpected freedom of movement is of great importance. Look for an appropriate location that doesn’t have access to gasses or sensitive to fire. A grate surface or something similar to serve as a table to hold the metal is ideal.
Moreover, you can strengthen the safety and stability of the working location when you use a metal clamp to hold down the piece of metal.
3. Plug the Compact Plasma Cutter
There is no big deal here. All you need to note is that before you plug the gadget in, you must put the power in off mode. Then, connect the plasma cutter to the air compressor so that the plasma will remain in high pressure even while cutting metal.
4. Fix an Air Compressor
You need to fix the outer air compressor to the compact plasma cutter to make sure the stream of plasma is under high pressure. Compressed air is the gas needed by the plasma cutter to work effectively.
Recede the external flange of the feminine link and insert the male link to connect the fittings.
5. Turn the Machine/Air Compressor On and Set the Current
Depending on the compact plasma cutter you are using, all you need to do to turn the machine on is to turn over the switch at the rear of the machine.
When the machine is turned on, remember that the current depends on the duration of the cutting and the work you are doing. When it comes to current, a 1 meter cut of metal differs from several inches long. You can set your machine to 25 for an 18-gauge metal to start.
6. Cut the Metal Depending on Your Preferred Size
To cut the metal depending on your preferred size, make sure the nozzle end is kept on the edge of the base metal. Then push the trigger to begin the arc. Move the torch gently above the metal.
7. Turn the Compact Plasma Cutter Off
Turn off the compact plasma cutter when you are through with the metal cutting process. This means you must disconnect the clamp from the metal once you have turned the plasma cutter off.
Turn off the air by turning the lever presently at the inline to the airline at a 90 degrees angle. Furthermore, make sure you wind all the hoses up such as the plasma gun, ground line, and the airline.
8. Wind all Hoses Up when the Torch Cool
You have just completed your metal cutting task. Allow the torch to cool down. Post-flow air will last only 20 seconds to 30 seconds after the release of the trigger.
Then, wind all hoses up and wrap up the ground line, airline, and the torch.
Compact plasma cutters are an incredible tool you must have in your metal-working arsenal. They are user-friendly and economical to run when compared to the oxy-fuel cutting. We hope you did get some insight into the use of Plasma cutter from this article.