How to Best Set Your Plasma Cutter for Cutting Metal - Kevin Caron
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- From www.kevincaron.com - Artist Kevin Caron reveals your best bet for a clean metal cut using a plasma cutter by comparing amperage and air pressure. He cuts steel and varies amperage settings and air pressure settings - the results are clear!
Caron is often asked how to set a plasma cutter the best way - how much amperage do you want for what thickness of metal? What air pressure do you want for what thickness of metal?
Caron is using his Everlast PowerPlasma 80S plasma cutter to answer these questions. It's an 80 amp plasma cutter, rated to cut 1-1/2" metal and sever up to 1-3/4" metal. "Whoa! It's like holding a lightning bolt," says Caron.
On the plasma cutter's front panel, you see a pressure gauge. At first, it's set pretty low, right around 15 PSI. Somebody (Caron) bumped the pressure regulator and changed the setting, so the first thing he's going to do is turn up the air pressure to about 60 or 65 PSI, where he wants it to cut some 1/8" hot rolled steel.
Caron cautions to be sure to push down the knob on the pressure regulator, just to make sure it's locked in place so you don't knock it out of adjustment.
He turns down the amperage down to 20 amps at 60 PSI and cuts the metal. Then he cuts it at 25 amps and 30 amps.
The 20 amp cut took a long time - it just barely wanted to cut through. The 25 amp cut went a little quicker, and the 25 amp cut has a little smaller kerf. The 30 amp looks about the same width as the 25 amp, but it cut so much more quickly and easily!
On the back, you can see the 20 amp cut had a big clump of dross, or slag, on the back. The 25 amp and 30 amp examples were smaller, but they were pretty similar.
Now Caron is going to set it back up and vary the air pressure but keep the amps at 25 to find out if air pressure has any influence on the cut.
He has another piece of 1/8" plate steel. The first cut is at 30 PSI. Next he bumps up the air pressure to 40 PSI. Next he cuts at 50 PSI. He skips 60 PSI where he did the first set of amperage tests, and he jumps up to 70 PSI.
Looking at the cuts head on, you can see that there's a big blob of steel in the 30 PSI cut. The blob of metal in the 40 psi cut is smaller, in the 50 PSI cut the blob of steel is even smaller. The 70 PSI cut has the smallest amount of dross.
On the back, you can see that, on the 30 PSI cut, the dross almost filled the cut back in. The 40 PSI cut is better, the 50 PSI one is better yet, and the 70 PSI cut is the clearest of all.
Caron says this indicates that it's not amperage but air pressure that matters for a good, clean cut. As long as you have enough amperage to cut through your metal and cut at a decent rate of speed, turn up the air pressure a little more to get a better cut.
However, be sure to READ YOUR MANUAL! Make sure you know how high you can set your air pressure. Don't over pressure the machine - they are only set to go so high without blowing a hose off or doing other damage to the machine. The manual will give you the range your machine can handle.
Now that Caron is ready to back to work, you have time to see more how-to videos and his wild work at www.kevincaron.com
Unless you want to wait another moment to see Caron lose his place ....
"Inspired sculpture for public & private places."
Artist Kevin Caron has been sculpting full time since 2006. You can see his more than 45 commissions in public and private places coast-to-coast and online at www.kevincaron.com.
Please follow me!
Twitter: / kevincaronart
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/ kevincaronstudios
Incredibly visual reference vid for explaining the outcomes from pressure vs amperage. Made perfect sense to me. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Your videos are more informative than most, it's appreciated that you create this content for us newbies and/or hobbyists ! Thanks Kevin ! Good tips here on your channel !
Thanks for watching and posting G. Don't forget to click an add or 2. Helps pay for the videos.
Most helpful video I've seen yet on plasma cutting. Kudos and thanks!
One thing to consider though (if this hasn't been mentioned yet further down the comments) is that amperage for plasma do not mean as much as amperage for welding. For plasma, amps work together a lot more with the voltage, so depending on the exact type of machine, one might need 10 amps on one machine to get the same result at the same air pressure as another machine cutting the same thickness of metal. It would be safer to err on the side of the higher amperage, but travelspeed would have to be adjusted accordingly to prevent too much dross on the bottom side.
Great video for dialing in your settings. Exactly what I was looking for to get my plasma dialed in correctly. You helped me figure out how much dross I should expect.
Thanks for watching!
Hats off to you kind sir! Thanx for your friendly help!
Just bought a plasma cutter, and work mostly with 1/8 stock for project. I have been playing around with settings and practicing. This video really helped. THANKS!
Thank you Kevin. Exactly the answers for my questions. Regards from Germany.
You're most welcome!
Excellent comparisons! Thanks guys! Incidentally, I cut a rail road spike in half with my little Longevity 40. Looked like a rottweiler chewed it in half but I got it! cut, flip cut flip...
Thanks for confirming that my settings for my powerplasma cutter are good. I get good performance already but always nice to get a second opinion.
Thanks for watching and posting Gary. Happy to help.
Thanks , Kevin ! I was going to buy a plasma cutter but didn't know how many amps to get , the higher amperage machines cost alot more ! So I will buy a lower amp one and use the air pressure settings to adjust it ! 1/8 to 1/4 inch steel is about the thickest I will be cutting ! As always , Thanks for the great videos and helpful tips !
+Mr. Heiss
You are going to need about 50 amps to get through that 1/4 inch... let me know if I can help you buy one. I do sell for Longevity , Everlast and AHP..
Kevin Caron, Artist Angel no hate a prej že Jo no hej a passion
Hi Great Info thanks Most of the other videos and information I have had is to aim the Plasma cutter vertically and not at an angle as you have shown in your video and I have found that cutting vertical makes a much cleaner cut . Interesting seeing the variation of pressure
Thanks for watching and posting. I do get sloppy sometimes when I work. But you are correct. The torch should be vertical for the best cut.
great video, I'm a newbie to plasma cutting, I learned alot, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks, big help… more plasma stuff
Thank you! Very interesting and informative. This helps a lot
Great demonstration!
Thank you for watching and posting.
Hello Kevin.
Good video.
I have the cheaper Harbour Freight model at 20 amps 110 volts.
It cuts well but what I find is that when I try a higher psi over 50 it tends to extinguish the arc .
Seems 40 psi is the sweet spot, just cut up about 1 ton of scrap 1/8 thick metal and used about 2 nozzles and electrodes on the trafimet s45 torch using the standoff.
I did do my cutting outside using a 50 foot 10 gauge extention cord so that may have something to do with a bit of a power sag but the unit surpassed my expectations.
The use of a air dryer in the air hose may have helped with the consumables but I didn't have one installed, forgot to put it on.
This is a brilliant channel. My thanks.
Hey Kevin. Nice job on explaining about the setup.🍁👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you Kevin for this information and demonstration
Thank you for watching!
Don't forget to click on an ad or two please. Helps pay for the videos.
Exactly the information I was needing!
Well, there you go!
Very useful advice thanks Kevin - reaching for the manual now!
It sure makes using the machine easier if you read it first. I have even gone back to the manual at times just to refresh my mind and pick up little tricks as I get more familiar with the machines.
Great tips. I will have to see if these tips improve the performance of my everlast plasma cutter.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you just got a plasma cutter, yet to use it.
Welcome to the club!
Great explanation, thank you much!
Glad it was helpful!
Great advice thanks very much
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and posting.
Great info , I was having issues with exaclty the material you show !
Thanks for watching! Happy to help.
Useful information and demonstration, thanks.
Great video, thank you Kevin!
Thank you, made a lot of sense and was very helpful.
Thanks for watching and posting John.
Thank you so much for your advice. Excellent!
Thanks for watching!
Very useful
Thanks a lot.
One guy told me 29 amps and 30psi was good with ant 50/60 amp plasma. Well I beg to differ all my plasma cutter done with those settings was foul up my tips and had to change them a couple minutes after I tried those settings my everlast 60 amp plasma. Cutter seem to work a hole lot better at 60 psi with any amperage
I find it all depends on how thick you are cutting. I have run 25 amps and about 30 psi before and got okay results. The lower amps just help save your consumables. Thanks for watching and posting.
@@KevincaronSculpture I was only cutting hot water tank making small designer fire pits
Best clip yet, thanks
Thanks for watching!
I bought that plasma five years ago whitout any manual, but i tried it this evening, and it workt like a dream, thanks from sweden one more time
Thanks
No problem
very useful. good use of visuals. helped a lot. thanks
Good tips, thanks. I lived in Phx for many years and am sorry I never met you, we have similar tastes and skills in the art world. Did you ever meet James Leroy Farris be fore he passed? He was a much more active and well known sculptor in Phoenix.
Sorry never knew James. You ever find yourself in Phoenix again give me a shout.
actually the recommended psi per ever last tech support is 72.5 psi.
also you could get a much cleaner cut at 25 amps with 30 amp consumables instead of the consumables that came with the torch. i assuming that it had 80 amp consumables in it. with 30 amp consumables it would have been a sharper / narrower cut.
True, but the pressure changes depending on the consumables and the amps..
But yes you are correct. With the right size consumables and setting you get a very nice cut..
Just got a new torch for this machine. A Tralfamet s75. Will have to give it a go and see the difference.
Hi Kevin what you up to today ? Ha ha . Try going max PSI and Max amps for all material but adjust travel speed instead.
That will just burn up the consumables that much quicker. You can get much longer life out of them if you adjust for the thickness with the amps.
very interesting for me. as I like to learn about things
wow, i like your video. . it help a lot before buying a plasma cutter. Finally a video that explains how to set a plasma cutter. I would like to have your opinion about the multifunction system 3 in 1; plasma cutter; TIG, MMA such as CT312P or similar multi fonctional system for use as a hobby. Thank you so much. K. Caron is a French surname ... is not it?
You are welcome and yes, I am of French decent. Out of Normandy in the mid 1500s is the best I could find. I have several 3 in 1 machines and they have been rock solid so far. One from AHP (the alphamig 250) And 3 from Everlast. The MTS 221sti has both AC and DC for the tig. I have not had the chance to run a 3 in 1 with the Plasma in the mix. All I have heard is to stay away from that combination. Something about the High Freq start in the plasma taking out the boards for the other processes. Everlast claims to have fixed that problem but I have not used one of the machines yet.
Hello. À Big *MERCI* for the information . I owned à MIG PACK 140 from Lincoln. Also a set of torch running light propane and oxygène. I want to complete my tools with a TIG and stick welder and a plasma cutter. But i do mot want to spend lots of money because i use it as hobby.
The speed at which you cut also effects the outcome… I don’t think you can accurately compare amps and pressure without considering the speed
Very true! Thanks for the post!
Good video, thanks
Glad you liked it!
Nice , answered my question
Thanks for watching.
i know this is from 4yr's ago but what kind of glass should you be using to cut with a plasma... i get a lot of slag when it cuts through . im 66 so a little shaky ness go's along with my cutting . iv been verry happy with my plasma cutter it cuts through quite a thick pice nothing is ever the same for me as thick ness go's thank you
I use compressed air. No bottle gas needed. Try moving a little faster to cut down on the slag. Also up your air pressure to 65psi.
im sorry i use air also no gas with plasma sorry i have my air up quit high probably 75 i never cut any thing thicker than 3/8 even with aluminum i never ajust the air im repairing a aluminum flat bed for my truck probably 18" 3/16th ? it leaves quite abit of slag cuts fine nice fine cut but lots of slag i have a simadre CT5200D.. the everlast was mor money then when i bought this one it stick welds witch i have used an i have to say worked realy good it also is a tig but i have never tryed it that was a bonus i bought it just to cut with thank you for answering my question iv only seen one utube on here of this unit
70 is pretty low. My machine, a Thermal Dynamics, says 90-125 psi. Then there’s the minimum CFM you need, which is more the higher amperage you go, and the thicker metal you cut. It’s the air that blows the dross away. Look at the manual. I can’t believe that 70 is as high as you can go.
Well, I just checked their site. I’m amazed that the highest cutting pressure recommended is 75psi. That’s pretty low. Particularly for an 80 amp machine.
Hi Mel! Seemed low to me also but you never know with the newer machines.
Thanks for your videos
Hi kevin.with the plasma cutter,does this require more supply power. The uk one up to 50 amps say you can just plug into a household socket?never used one at home yet.thanks.also would you say a small compressor should be sufficient at max 24litres and 80psi.all the best.
I have run my little plasma on a 20 amp circuit and with a tiny roofing compressor. You can't cut very thick on 20 amps and only about 2 minutes of cut time on that tiny little tank of air. But yes, it does want to have a lot more power and air volume to run the best.
thank you! this was just what I needed. subscribed
Thanks for the good info.
Thanks for watching!!
If you will hold the torch square to the metal, It will make a lot better and cleaner cut. You had it angled on ever cut.
+William Castleberry Shows up better on camera at an angle.. But you are correct...
My Miller 375 is factory regulated at 90 psi
Just Millers way of saying they know better than you!
@@KevincaronSculpture sure is,,, and it self adjusts for metal thickness,, more I see the more it justifies the price,, you have pay up but they last.
Nice!
Run mine to 120 psi and the hose blown off so i change it with thicker hose and good too go at 45amps 3/8thick steel
Good to know!!
I think the feedrate is more important than Psi or Amperage. I've had cuts with little to no slag at a fast feedrate.
Love it when I get it just right.. everything comes out so smooth..
I love using my everlast plasma cutter. I never thought cutting metal could be so fast and easy.
I really wish you had shown what happens at 50 or even 80 amps on the same material. What happens?
Is there a reason you should NOT always use maximum amps? Presumably your cutting would be quicker than at say, 30...?
Thx for the video!
The cut gets wider and more uneven. It's all about the balance of amps to forward speed to air pressure. I am getting better at it but still have a lot to learn.
Great, thanks Kevin
How do these variables affect consumable life?
More amps. less life.
Thank you ! I will need to save up a little more cash ! This new technology is really getting costly , hopefully it will pay off in the future ! Friends think you should do them a favor ! Little do they know ! We can't foot all of the cost ! Happy welding !
always so interesting !
Thanks for watching Sharon!
Another great Video, much thanks Kevin. Just got a new bargain basement Plasma Cutter off of Amazon. Seems to work fine on sheet. What setting would you recommend on my air compressor? I have it set for nail guns and such around 90 PSI. Is that too high for the plasma cutter? I value your opinion and appreciate any and all suggestions you have.
If your plasma cutter doesn't have a pressure regulator on it for the air then NO, you are too high on pressure. Drop it to about 75 psi instead. You must have clean dry air for the consumables to last on these machine.
So a pressure regulator and a filter/dryer in the air line are a must!
Thanks Kevin for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer me. I do have a pressure gauge on the front of the cutter and a water filter on the back but thanks to you letting me know, I was running much too much pressure for the little machine. Keep the great videos coming, you information is of great help to all of us.
Happy to help.
Thanks for watching!
@@KevincaronSculpture yes a great video. I am new at this and seem to go through electrodes ever so quick. Could you do a video on the "consumables" and include analysis on diagnosing when you are you are doing something wrong. For example, my machine cutting very thin sheet splutters and cuts no where near as "clean" in terms of the consistent "noise' the machine makes. I think this would be a great video and be a natural progression from this video. Thanks again
Sounds like a good video. Will try to put something together.
Thanks , Kevin , I will let you know ! I know my acetylene torch with a no. 3 tip will cut through 1/4" steel no problem ! Also like you said in another video , no electricity needed ! I might have to stick with sheet metal for the plasma cutter ! 50 amps , how much is one of those ? $1500.00 to $2500.00 or more ? When will they be cheaper ? Thank you !
+Mr. Heiss You can find them used for a good price sometimes.. As for cheaper.. AHP is releasing their new plasma right now for $800. I think it is a 60 amp machine.... Have not seen one yet....
I'm a plasma newb. Does the same hold for aluminum?
Yes it does. Just go slow and let the machine do the work.
I have a cheapie Hyanide. If I turn the air pressure up too high...like 45 psi...it blows out the arc.
Well, you did buy the cheap one.
@@KevincaronSculpture LOL...I was hoping I was doing something wrong. Maybe I should return it
Thanks!
Kevin hopefully you can help me I have a situation I have a plasma cutter it's a yes welder's cut-55 .. I got it as a gift anyway my compressor is showing 130 PS at the regulator & on the plasma cutter I have the regulators / dryer maxed out and the air gauge on the plazma cutter only shows 60. if I put the PSI up to 140 Max shows 70 on the plasma cutter air gauge.. do you know what could possibly be the problem. I'm running 1/4" hose . today I switched to 3/8 inch hose 3/8 inch connectors and no difference.. I'm trying to figure this out.. just so you know the company send me another plasma cutter and the same results.. thank you in advance and great videos by the way
Far as I know you should never run more than about 70psi! I have never gone higher than that. You probably have a bad gauge or regulator at the compressor. Have you checked that end? If you are getting the same results with 2 different plasma cutters the problem is not there. Thank you for watching and posting. Hope this helps.
@@KevincaronSculpture I'm going to get a air gauge and hook it up to the end of the air hose to see if it's putting out what the regulator is showing.. thank you for your help
@@KevincaronSculpture wow 70psi i just bought a plasma cutter today guy told me 110 psi and put cutter at 40 to 60 amps depending on what i am cutting
It's my understanding that moving very slowly creates slag, plus the fact you're pointing the torch away from your direction of travel. Be good to see this again with some better torch technique.
Yeah, I have learned a few things since putting this one up...
Always keep learning. I learn how to better use my powerplasma every time I use it.
I think will keep my Hypertherm Max100.
WOW wonderful pace of equipment tool cuts that metal like a razor cut . it's best to have real good psi.
My everlast plasma cutter likes it around 72psi. I get the best cut and barely any dross at that setting
Hey Kevin got any quick ways of removing the dross? Its the one thing I hate about plasma cutting.
I have a wide blade concrete chisel that I use.
I have one too somewhere, when I find it ill give it a go. cheers.
simple- use non-chinese cutter, look in the manual for pressure settings and use correct nozzle for the amperage. If you use 60amp nozzle then set machine to 60 amp. Simple.
Good informative video! I've been looking at the Everlast plasma cutters , seem to have the best features & warranty for the price. Deciding between two,1 with more features & thicker cuts with 5 year warranty other with 3 year. Since its been a few years are you still happy with your Everlast? Thanks!
Yes, very happy with how this machine works. Been a real workhorse!
Thanks for the quick reply!
Hi Kevin: Like your show. Question: My ICUT60 cuts but not straight, always have an angle cut, what is my problem? thx.
change the tip and nozzle. They are worn out. You might check your air pressure and make sure you are running the correct pressure for that diameter nozzle. Give George at Georgesplasmacuttershop.com a call. He can set you on the right track better than me. He also carries most of the consumables for the torches.
Guys all ye need is a hypertherm 45 plasma cutter the best out there 👍
If you can afford it, it is the best on the market. For the rest of us on a budget...
Dee your right i have a hypertherm45 and that baby will cut up to 1 3/4" slowly and anything under that pretty quick and nice cuts like knife going thru butter lol love it!!
hdbagger4266 GREAT information.
thats so funny you can tell that you are acting in the start of the vedio i love your vedios
Keep it light and have fun! That is what my life is all about.
What tip is that with the “shield” I need that lol
It is a drag tip with the shield that goes with it. If you check with www.georgesplasmacuttershop.com and talk to George , he will make sure you get the right stuff to fit your machine. He is good people and will treat you right.
Never used plasma. If you are steady with your cuts do they come out cleaner. Like cutting with a torch? Can you bevel with plasma? Thanks
+ZAC LLOYD Cleaner than a torch with a smaller curf. And Yes, you can cut bevels also...
Kevin Caron, Artist oh I see. I work with guys that can bevel mild steel 3/4in with a torch for a insert of a ship clean and smooth. I can't do it as well I have to grind some dross off. If you could bevel at a 35° to 45° like that with plasma could it come out clean? Thanks
About like a torch for that thickness... It's all in the practice.
I just got the AHP (from you, thanks). When I set the machine to a psi, it drops a good bit when the trigger is pulled. Is the psi supposed to be a preset or a working pressure?
+1111TerryD Preset.. try a larger diameter air hose..
Kevin, Rob at ever last told me the psi should be set to working and not a static pressure at the gauge. he said turn on the manual air switch so air is flowing through the torch and set the pressure from there. then turn auto air back on if you like.
Hi Kevin - Can the 80s do gouging? And if so, can you tell me how that is done? I am not able to find that information from other sources. Thank you.
I am sure it can but I have never done it. Have to do a little research and maybe a video also!
Thanks for the idea!
My plasma cuts for 10 secs then the air stops why does this keep happening??
Maybe your compressor is not keeping up with the demand of the plasma cutter? If you get too low on pressure the plasma cutter may have a cutoff switch for low pressure. Or you are not getting an arc and the pilot arc is all you are seeing. If the arc does not start then the machine will stop trying. Change your consumables and try again.
@@KevincaronSculpture il try changing the consumables, I have a 200ltr compressor, it should be sufficient I imagine
Nice machine whats it cost,and warrentee .
+Charles Dyer $800 on their website. and a 3 year warranty.
Hi Kevin,
my Longevity WeldAll 200 (LS-200PI, IGBT inverter) in TIG mode it generated an arc so HF works but no current to make a puddle. Also the stick function and the plasma cutter function don't work either. Longevity (Jesse) says that they changed factories from the blue (mine) to the black (current model) so they have no schematics and/or parts. I just let it sit for 3 months and puff....it is in a coma and I can't revive it. Do you know anyone who fixes these chinese devices?
I remember running a similar experiments and yes, air pressure is the trick to plasma cutting. Thank you for all your awesome videos in the past. Andy M.
+andy messina If thing I would do is check your electrical connections. Make sure the wires in the wall plug are tight as well as the ones in the plug if it is that kind of plug. But it sounds like it may be dead.. Shame on Longevity for not helping..
I replaced it with a Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200!!!
Well that will fix it also!! Congrats!
I cut 1/8" 19 amps 40 psi
Have to give that a try!
Well hate to bust your bubble, but it is about amps. You obviously haven’t read your manual, you cut at the amps your consumables are rated for. Just increase your cut speed for lighter materials. Air pressure is also an important part and you should be familure with that. I know my machine wants 75 psi and I cut everything at that rate. Since my consumables are rated at 80 amps, that’s what I use, cutting at a lower amperage or higher than your rated consumables, shortens their life dramatically. FYI
Which is why I use different consumables rated for different amps and pressures. Lots of guys out there smarter than me to get advice from and then it's up to me to figure out how to use it all. Thanks for posting and watching.
Thanks
Welcome and thank you for watching and posting.