Cut Quality Question

[JeffD123]

Hello,

I recently acquired a Hypertherm Powermax1000 with a manual torch. I have little experience thus for so figured I'd inquire here about this cut. The picture below is a cut done in a 1/2"x4" a-36 steel flat bar. The plasma cutter was set at 60amps with the air pressure at 90psi. I'm wondering if this cut is around the quality to expect at that thickness or should I be able to get smoother results and if so do you have any tips? Thanks!
-Jeff

http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/35053/2005987140221046758_rs.jpg

[tspmax]

Welcome to the world of plasma.

The max pressure to the back of the unit is 90 psi. I assume that you are regulating the pressure at about 5 bar? Located at the front of the unit.

More air isn't better. You should check your PM 1000 handbook and try to mimic the recommended ipm recommendations. If you are cutting by hand (by the photo I say that you are) try to be steady and practice. Make sure that you are using a drag tip with the drag tip ring on the torch head. The cut in the photo isn't too bad for a hand cut.

I don't cut too much by hand but have done it on 1/2" for many jobs. Use a straight edge and chalk line with the proper safety glasses so you can see the line. Practice, Practice and Practice. Patience is a must.

Try to always start on the edge of the plate (normal practice for hand cutting) it will reduce the chances of tip damage.

[Pumpkinhead]

you are moving too slow for the amperage setting, or you are shaky. use a straight edge as tsp suggests for shakiness, if you feel you are steady then speed up or reduce amp output, when you move too slow the plasma seeks ground (positive potential) widening the kerf and producing the lines you see, it also causes 'low speed dross' (excessive dross on the backside). also from your photo it appears you are tilting your torch, keep it as vertical as this represents the least thickness of metal to cut.

[SundownIII]

Jeff,

That cut, to me would be unacceptable for the Powermax1000 on 1/2" material. That looks more like a "sever" cut rather than a "clean" cut.

Previous posters have provided good input. As Pumpkinhead indicated, try to keep the angle of the torch near perpendicular to the material. Travel speed appears to be way too slow. You should be cutting at somewhere around 27 IPM (inches per minute). Too slow a movement will cause overheating of the base material.

I normally just clamp a piece of aluminum angle down to serve as a straightedge. That way all I have to concentrate on is torch angle and travel speed.

Cut edge on 1/2" material using a Powermax1000, should be nearly as clean as if it had been sheared.

Hope this helps.