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Practical answers on choosing, fitting and looking after the consumable parts of a handheld 60 to 100 amp class plasma cutting torch.
In standoff cutting you hold the nozzle a set small distance above the metal. In drag cutting a shield or cap rests on the work and you slide the torch along it, which gives a steady height and is easier to control by hand.The parts differ. Drag parts have a shield designed to take contact, while standoff parts need a gap, which you keep by eye or with a standoff guide. If the gap is too large the arc spreads and loses power, and if too small, molten metal can bridge the nozzle and cause double arcing. Check your manual for the parts and current limits for each method.
The tip, also called the nozzle, wears at its centre hole. A wider kerf, a thicker arc, more dross on the underside of the cut and less steady cutting often show that the hole has enlarged or gone out of round. Look at the hole with the parts removed: it should be round and clean.A tip that is damaged on its face or has had the nozzle touch the work will wear faster. Replace a worn tip rather than carrying on, because poor cuts and extra damage to nearby parts usually follow.
Usually yes. The electrode and tip wear together and the arc passes between them, so worn parts paired with new ones can cut poorly. The electrode has a small insert at its tip that erodes into a pit. When the pit reaches the depth the maker allows, replace the electrode, and replace the tip with it if there are signs of wear or if the maker says so.Leaving a worn electrode in use can let the arc eat into the copper and damage the tip and torch head. Use the pit depth given in your manual for your torch rather than a generic figure.
Yes. The distance between the torch and the work affects both the cut and the life of the parts. Too high a gap spreads the arc and gives a rough, bevelled cut. Too low a gap lets spatter and molten metal reach the tip and shield, which can cause double arcing and wear parts early.Where your torch allows it, using parts designed for drag cutting or a standoff guide takes away much of the guesswork. Keep the torch steady and at the height your manual describes.